Modern Drawings
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Set of Three Horse Paintings by Mary Sprague, 1988
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of three playful horse paintings by Mary Sprague, dated 1988. Each painting is rendered in graphite and white paint against yellow and orange papers...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paint, Paper
Diane Guyot de Saint Michel Contemporary Art Lithography Cantillana Artwork 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lithography intervened by Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, 2017.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Hand signed in pencil.
Seen from the sky, a buildings of the hometown of Ocaña (Ca...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Watercolor by Paul Renner
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/8182 - This is an unusual painting: the famous Austrian painter Paul Renner, on the occasion of his own wedding, painted a series of watercolors as a gift to friends invited to his wedding.
This one looks like steam coming out of a magic lamp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Robert Hancock, Finland, Oil Crayon on Paper, Modernist Landscape
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Robert Hancock (1912-1993), Finland. Oil crayon on paper. Modernist landscape with boat. Dated 1952.
The paper measures: 41.5 x 29 cm.
The frame measu...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Genevieve Claisse, Untitled Geometric Composition, circa 1970
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Genevieve Claisse - Untitled geometric composition - circa 1970
Ink on arches paper
Measures: 56 x 75cm
Unique original work
Hand signed.
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Cartoon Drawing of a Man with a Gun in the Jungle
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary blue and gray cartoon of a man in the jungle crouched down firing a gun with text in the lower left corner reading "East of West"in white matting and a black rectangular...
Category
20th Century American Modern Drawings
Gisbert Palmie Drawing, 1958
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting figurative colored chalks, charcoal drawing by Gisbert Palmie. A noted "anti-modernist" whose works were collected by leading Nazis inclu...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Crayon
Blue Chalk Modernist Drawing
Located in New York, NY
Blue chalk Modernist drawing. Blue chalk on paper drawing in lucite box frame. United States, 1970’s.
Dimensions in lucite frame: 24" H x 18" W x 1....
Category
20th Century American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Tempera and Watercolor in Modern Taste
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
ST/724 - "Amphoras and mugs" : a modern taste for this beautiful unusual Italian watercolor signed ...Scribani and dated April 1965.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Modern Framed Water Color Ink on Paper Signed Chemiakin Metaphysical VII 1970s
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a mesmerizing, framed watercolor and ink painting on paper, 'Metaphysical VII," signed and dated by Mihail Chemiakin, 1975. In excellent condition. The dime...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Kerstin Jönsson, Sweden, Pastel on Paper, "Lilies in a Jug"
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kerstin Jönsson (1931-2000), Sweden. Pastel on paper. "Lilies in a jug". Dated 1975.
Visible dimensions: 62 x 43 cm.
Total dimensions: 74.5 x 55 cm
The frame measures: 2 cm.
Sign...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Other
Diane Guyot de Saint Michel Cantillana Artwork, 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lithography intervened by Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, 2017.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Each lithographies are different from the others and are unique pieces. Hand signed b...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Diane Guyot de Saint Michel Contemporary Art Lithography Cantillana Artwork 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lithography intervened by Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, 2017.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Each lithographies is different from the others and are unique pieces. Hand signed by...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Mixed-Media of a Motorcyclist by Avant Garde Disney Artist Walter Peregoy
By Walter Peregoy
Located in Pasadena, CA
Walter Peregoy (1925 2015) was an American artist acclaimed for his Avant Garde style. He is also known for his work at Disney, Hanna-Barbera, and Format Films during the mid-20th ce...
Category
1990s American Modern Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Diane Guyot de Saint Michel Cantillana Artwork, 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lithography intervened by Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, 2017.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Each lithography’s are different from the others and are unique pieces. Hand signed b...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Ochre Felt-Tip Drawing by Luez, 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ochre felt-tip drawing by Luez, 20th century, representing a series of statues, framed under glass.
Measures: H: 33 cm, W: 43 cm, D: 1 cm.
Category
20th Century French Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Patrick Carrara Divided Lines Triptych, Graphite on Paper, 2010
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Divided Lines Drawings Triptych was made in 2010. The D.L. Series (2010 -2011) was created after Gardens of Silence (2009 - 2010). No m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Unknown Artist, Oil Crayon on Paper, Abstract Composition, Mid-20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unknown artist. Oil crayon on paper. Abstract composition. Mid-20th century.
Visible dimensions: 31.5 x 24.5 cm.
Total dimensions: 43.5 x 38 cm.
The frame measures: 1.5 cm.
In ex...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Diane Guyot de Saint Michel Cantillana Artwork, 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lithography intervened by Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, 2017.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Each lithography’s are different from the others and are unique pieces. Hand signed b...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2016 - 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Black Ink on Mylar Drawings were created in 2016 - 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started ten years ago and also ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Mylar
Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawing Triptych, Appearance Series, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Black Ink on Mylar Drawing Triptych was created in 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started ten years ago and also ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Mylar
Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2016 - 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's black ink on mylar drawings were created in 2016 - 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started ten years ago and also ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Mylar
Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Black Ink on Mylar Drawings were created in 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started te...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Mylar
Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2013 - 2015
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's black ink on Mylar drawings were created in 2013 - 2015. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started te...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Mylar
Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2014 - 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's black ink on Mylar drawings were created in 2014-2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he start...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Mylar
Patrick Carrara Garden of Silence Triptych, Graphite on Paper, 2009
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Garden of Silence Drawings was created in 2009. G.O.S. (2009-2010) was the first series using a mechanical pencil with a hard 5H graphi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
1970s Modern Op Art Lithograph by Pedro Friedeberg Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Abstract Op Art Lithograph by Pedro Friedeberg A P 6/10 Midcentury Mexico
Bright colors and Bold patterns offering up illusions and fantasy.
O...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paper
Patrick Carrara Graphite on Magni Drawings, Garden of Silence Series, 2009
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Garden of Silence Drawings were created in 2009. G.O.S. (2009 - 2010) was the first series using a mechanical pencil with a hard 5H gra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Bengt Carlberg, Sweden, Pastel on Paper, Modernist Still Life
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bengt Carlberg (1897-1967), Sweden. Pastel on paper. Modernist still life.
Mid-20th century.
Visible dimensions: 61.5 x 32 cm.
Overall dimensions: 73.5 x 44.5 cm.
The frame meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
After Signorelli "The Elect" Charcoal Drawing on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Charcoal sketch on paper after Signorelli's "The Elect," bearing signature in Asian characters and date "02" to frame reverse, handwritten inscription "Dear Dr. Mio Friedland / The E...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Diane Guyot de Saint Michel Contemporary Art Lithography Cantillana Artwork 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lithography intervened by Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, 2017.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Each lithographies is different from the others and are unique pieces. Hand signed by...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Portrait Pastel Painting of a Woman in Purple, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A monumental portrait illustration in pastel chalk on paper. Created by the late Oklahoma artist Clair Seglem, this striking piece of artwork is de...
Category
1990s American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paint, Paper
1980s Pedro Coronel Abstract Dove Modern Art Lithograph
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Pedro Coronel Colorful Modern Abstract Dove Lithograph
Framed
29.5 x 42 H x 1.25 D, Art 21 x 29.5
Original Unrestored vintage Condition.
See all images.
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Three Framed Drawings by Paul Chidlaw
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of three framed gestural drawings by Paul Chidlaw (1900-1989) depicting flocks of birds rendered in black ink on paper.
Paul Chidlaw was an earl...
Category
20th Century American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
1980s Pedro Coronel Purple Dove Abstract Lithograph
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Pedro Coronel Abstract Purple Dove Lithograph
signed numbered
29.5 x 42 H x 1.25 D, Art 21 x 29.5
Original unrestored vintage condition.
See images provided.
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Pair of Framed Work on Paper by Jose Luis Cuevas
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two ink and water color on paper by Mexican artist Jose Luis Cuevas (1934-2017). Presented in a pair of white frames. One with both side drawn. Both depict a distorted figure commonl...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
French Artist Gilou Brillant Modern Orange Etching "Mention Inotile"
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1970s etching by French artist Gilou Brillant (1935-) entitled "Mention Inotile". From the Pace/ Allrich Galleries, San Francisco. Original Frame. Signed on front. Artist...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Other
“Nightwind” Abstract Ink Drawing by Syd Solomon
By Syd Solomon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A black and white abstract drawing entitled “Nightwind” by Syd Solomon, c.1964. The piece features expressive movements created by long and harsh strokes and curves of dark ink. A na...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paint, Crayon
"Study for SWEEPS" by Jan Pieter Fokkens
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by images of deep space, computer compression algorithms, and early non-representational art, Chicago-based artist Jan Pieter Fokkens uses the tangible qualities of pattern and color to interpret unimaginable sights.
Entitled "Study for SWEEPS," this work offers a representation of the Sagittarius Window Eclipsing Extrasolar Planet Search, Hubble’s seven-day-long survey of 180,000 stars in order to detect extrasolar planets. Using data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Diane Guyot de Saint Michel Cantillana Artwork, 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lithography intervened by Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, 2017.
Limited edition of 50 copies.
Each lithographies are different from the others and are unique pieces. Hand signed b...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
James Joseph Kearns "Despondent Man" Etching
Located in Brooklyn, NY
James Joseph Kearns (b. 1924) etching, signed at dated "1957." Depicts a man with hollow eyes and a despondent expression with a hand outstretched. Similar to many of his works, ther...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Ben Benn Nude Conte Crayon Drawing
By Ben Benn
Located in Sharon, CT
Beautiful drawing by the important American 'Fauve'. Item will be shipped rolled in a 6" sono tube.
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Drawings
Materials
Crayon
1980s Byron Galvez Abstract Artwork Pastel Mexico
By Byron Gálvez
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
BYRON GALVEZ, Mexico Abstract Modernism Artist, delightful blue pastel on paper
27.25 x 39.25 X 1 D, Art 19.75 x 30
Original unrestored vintage condition.
See ima...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Original Charcoal and Acrylic Media by Kelly Devine, Titled Indispensable Power
By Kelly Devine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kelly finds inspiration pertaining to controversial topics through various literary pieces. She will then use some pages from the novel she has chosen as the canvas to paint her inte...
Category
2010s American Modern Drawings
Materials
Canvas
Gerard Diaz French Iris Pencil Drawing
By Gérard Diaz
Located in Roma, IT
This drawing is a view of a garden.
In the background, we see a high base topped by a statue of a 19th century figure along with other architectural ruins.
Central to the composition...
Category
1990s French Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
1970s Pedro Friedeberg Abstract Op Art Lithograph signed A. P. 6/10
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Abstract Op Art Lithograph by Pedro Friedeberg A P 6/10 Midcentury Mexico
Bright colors bold patterns provide illusion and fantasy.
Original Wood Frame with Gold Leaf. Signed i...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paper
1970s Cool Zebra Watercolor Abstract Gouache Painting
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Calming blue abstract Zebras in watercolor and or gouache on paper, signed Virginia P
We are unable to decipher complete signature.
25 H x 27.5 x .75Thick (frame), Art 14 x 21
Origin...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
CAT Paper Art Francisco Toledo Mexican Modernist Oaxaca Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Modernist Cat by Latin American master, Francisco Toledo, Oaxaca, Mexico.
38.88 X 31 H x 1.5 D Art 25 x 20
Artwork is signed.
Preowned Original unrestored vintage ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Drawings
Materials
Other
1982 Pacheco Tattoo Ink on Paper Artwork Mexico City
By Ferdie Pacheco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1982 Pacheco Tattoo Ink on Paper Art Mexico City
Amazing artwork
Signed Pacheco 1982 Mexico City.
Translucent appeal visible graphics from front and b...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Contemporary Colorful Nude Chalk Painting Drawing on Blue circa 1960 Signed Ball
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Colorful chalk drawing of a nude woman in repose unframed. This beautiful piece features bold bright complementary colors on blue paper. This still Life nude painting is a wonderful ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Abraham Walkowitz Ink Drawing of Ballet Dancer Isadora Duncan in Yellow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine drawing in ink and watercolor on paper of the modernist dancer Isadora Duncan by Abraham Walkowitz.
Walkowitz (1878-1965) had an intimate artistic relationship with Duncan...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Arman "Orange Goes" 1968 'New Realist' Drawing Andrew Crispo Gallery Label
By Arman
Located in Sharon, CT
An early drawing by the famous French/American Pop/New Realist artist. Combining two of the artists motifs- paint tubes and multiplicity. A period 'Pop' work retains an Andrew Crispo...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Albert Bitran Mixed Media on Paper, 1982
By Albert Bitran
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Albert Bitran mixed media, (colored pencil, charcoal, and chalk) on paper, signed and dated 1982, in excellent condition. Framed
Dimension of the drawing: 52 x 40 cm
Albert Bitra...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Drawings
Materials
Acrylic, Paper
Artwork Painting 'after' Matisse, circa Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful early 20th century artwork painting study after artist Henri Matisse (French b. Dec. 31 1869 d. Nov. 3 1954.) Female on lounge ch...
Category
Early 20th Century Modern Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Pencil and Watercolor Painting on Paper of a Horse
By Ernesto Capdevila
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This large scale and amazing piece was acquired from a Palm Beach estate and was created by the Cuban artist Ernesto Capdevila in 2002.
Here Capdevila has captured the emotion and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
House in Kent Landscape Unframed Drawing Ink 100% Cotton Paper Intimist Modern
By Jan Hoogsteyns
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Belgian intimist painter and draftsman, Jan Hoogsteyns (1935), is best known for his dreamlike and foggy work using gray and greyed down poetic colors and tonalities. With mist-grey,...
Category
1990s Belgian Modern Drawings
Materials
Acrylic, Cotton, Paper
Pencil Portrait by Surrealist Julio Viera Executed in 1987
By Julio Viera
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Julio Viera made this drawing depicting a Danish tourist called Ruth. Ruth met and drank with Viera at Pepe's Bar in Mallorca, Spain. The drawing is accompanied by a photograph of Vi...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Fantastic Set of Five Fashion Illustrations by Antonio Lopez
By Antonio Lopez 2
Located in Atlanta, GA
A suite of five fashion illustrations of swimming suites by Antonio Lopez (1943-1988). All in pencil and watercolor in the same color and style scheme done in a set. Each with many i...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Modern drawings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern drawings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage drawings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern drawings made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original drawings, popular names associated with this style include Manuel Santelices, Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, Patrick Carrara, and Jennifer D. Printz. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for drawings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $57,787 while the average work can sell for $1,275.
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