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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Drawing by Manuel Viana, Lithography in Black and White, Limited Edition
By Manuel Viana
Located in Salzburg, AT
Drawing by Manuel Viana, lithography in black and white, limited edition 135/300 signed
Handcrafted wooden frame with white gilt decoration, non-reflecting glass
Biography:
The art...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Crayon
Eugene Berman Collage in Original Frame
Located in New York, NY
This haunting image by Eugene Berman was painted on a sheet of paper cut in the shape of a heart, mounted to a paint-speckled ground, encircled with metal shavings, and placed in a frame of the artist’s own devising. Berman wrote the title, Radiograph of a Heart, on the back. It refers to the medical X-rays that doctors had recently come to rely on. Yet Berman’s point seems to be that while a heart can be monitored scientifically, the emotions associated with it lie beyond the power of medical science.
Russian by birth, Berman fled St. Petersburg during the Revolution and settled in Paris. Later, as a Jew, he fled the Nazi advance and took refuge in New York and Hollywood. His peace of mind, however, was shattered by the suicide of his wife, actress Una Munson (who played Belle Watling in Gone With the Wind). That distressing event — “Don’t follow me” she admonished in her suicide note...
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Drawings
Set of 3 - Framed Female Fluid Nudes by Barry Flanagan RA OBE, signed - c1990
By Barry Flanagan
Located in London, GB
Lithographs on arches, with initials, inscribed AP and numbered in pencil.
Published by Waddington Graphics, London.
In new high quality black ash box frames.
Category
Late 20th Century British 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
Shiryu Morita 'Ki-Return' Sumi Ink on Paper Calligraphic Drawing
By Shiryu Morita
Located in Sharon, CT
Important work by this founding member of the Bokujin group. Signed lower right with the artists seal. Measures: 21" x 14".
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Pol Mara Mix-Media on Paper, 1974, Pop Art
By Pol Mara
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pop Art Pol Mara, mix-media on paper (pencil, aerograph, watercolor, pastel) framed.'
Dimension for drawing only: 70 x 50cm, signed and dated '74.
(there are reflections that are not...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
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
Abstract Geometric Graphic in Blue, Red and Black Ink on Paper by A. Luiz Piza
By Arthur Luiz Piza
Located in Salzburg, AT
Abstract, geometric graphic in blue, red and black ink on paper by Arthur Luiz Piza.
His style combines drawing and graphic techniques.
Handcrafted wooden frame black patinated with ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Collection of Drawings by Rich Jacobs
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting collection of five (5) drawings by Richard (Rich) Jacobs, circa 2001-2005. A note about the artist: "Rich Jacobs (born 1972 in Long Beach, CA) is an American artist an...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Drawings
Framed Surrealistic Drawing by Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Pedro Friedeberg (Mexican, 1936-)
Title:Le Tombeau D'Hemingway
Year: 1963
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper:
Size: 14 3/4 x 19 1/2 plus 3 inch frame
Mark: upper lef...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Pop Art Pol Mara Mixed-Media on Paper, 1971
By Pol Mara
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pop Art Pol Mara, mixed-media on paper (pencil, aerograph, watercolor, pastel) framed.'
Dimension for drawing only: 107 x 72cm, Signed and dated 71
Pol Mara (1920-1998) was a Belgia...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Group of Three Works on Paper by Jose Luis Cuevas, framed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A suite of three ink drawing on paper with writings in Spanish by Mexican artist Jose Luis Cuevas, one of the leading modern artists to break away from the Muralists movement in Mexi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Framed Drawing by Mexican Artist José Luis Cuevas
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pencil drawing on paper by José Luis Cuevas (Mexican, b.1934). Entitled "La Esperanza". The work is signed right center and dated 20 Dic. 60 lower right, Silvan Simon Gallery label and inscribed title verso. Sight is 11" by 8.5". With frame is 15" by 19".
José Luis Cuevas was a prominent member of the Generación de la Ruptura (Breakaway Generation), who first challenged the then dominant Mexican muralism movement. He remains a distinguished and controversial artist who is known for depicting the darker side of life and the debasement of the human society with often shocking images. He is also known for being an advocate against creating art purely for commercial gain.
Provenance: this group of the work on paper by Cuevas is from a collection purchased in 60s from Silvan Simone Gallery, Los Angles, CA. The The Silvan Simone Gallery was founded in 1958 by Silvan Simone, an former co-owner of the Florentine Gallery in Pacific Palisades. Between 1959 and 1967, the gallery showed artists such as Lee Mullican, Gordon Wagner...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Surreal Black, 1970s Print by Danish Artist Lars Åkirke Husband of Vibeke Alfelt
By Lars Akirke
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small black Print/Seriograph made in 1970 by Lars Åkirke (1926-2004). Expressionist - surreal composition of horse/horses in a field. Aakirke was married to Vibeke Alfelt and attende...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Modern Drawings
Pair of 17th Century Pineapple Engravings
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Artist unknown for this pair of pineapple paintings from 17th century. Beautifully gilt-framed and matted.
Category
17th Century American Antique Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Pop Art Pol Mara Mix-Media on Paper, 1969
By Pol Mara
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pop Art Pol Mara, mix-media on paper (pencil, aerograph, watercolor, pastel) framed.'
Dimension for drawing only: 107 x 72cm, the original presentation is head down (Photo n°2), but ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Gouache On Paper By Robert Freiman, 1957
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A striking gouache on paper by Robert Freiman, signed and dated 1957.
Robert J Freiman (b. 1917 - d. 1991), deaf from birth, was born in New York City and attended the Lexington School for the Deaf. He studied art at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League, the Parsons School of Design, and, in Paris, at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Freiman’s spectrum of styles evolved considerably over the course of his long career, ranging from early portraiture and realistic landscape to mixed-media works using watercolor, acrylic, and pen. He was a regular exhibitor at the Sidewalk Art...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Gouache, Paper
Pop Art Pol Mara Mix-Media on Paper, 1974
By Pol Mara
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pop Art Pol Mara, mix-media on paper (pencil, aerograph, watercolor, pastel) framed.'
Dimension for drawing only: 107 x 72cm, signed and dated '74.
Pol Mara (1920-1998) was a Bel...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Charcoal Drawing Black, Beige, Red and White Michel Batlle 1987 Handworked Frame
Located in Salzburg, AT
Polyphem: Charcoal abstract, figurative drawing in black-red-white color on beige paper from Michel Batlle, signed 1987
Handworked frame, with white-gilded decoration, non-reflecting...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Original Model Drawing by André Courrèges for Diana Vreeland
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Wonderful historical pen and ink illustration on board by Courrèges of his models done for and notated to Diana Vreeland. Great piece of fashion history. Framed in an original plexig...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Large Charcoal Drawing by Jim Dine, 1974
By Jim Dine
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A large charcoal and wash "Untitled" drawing from 1974, signed and dated. Measuring 11" x 78" and frame approx. 19.75 x 87". Provenance: Sonnabend Gallery. ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Drawings
A Gouache on Paper by Robert Freiman, 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A striking gouache on paper by Robert Freiman, signed and dated 1957.
Robert J Freiman (b. 1917 - d. 1991), deaf from birth, was born in New York City and attended the Lexington Sch...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Robert Freiman, 1956, "Third Avenue at 57th Street"
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful Robert Freiman watercolor, from 1956, entitled " Third Avenue at 57th Street".
Robert J Freiman (b. 1917 - d. 1991), deaf from birth, was born in New York City and attended the Lexington School for the Deaf. He studied art at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League, the Parsons School of Design, and, in Paris, at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Freiman’s spectrum of styles evolved considerably over the course of his long career, ranging from early portraiture and realistic landscape to mixed-media works using watercolor, acrylic, and pen. He was a regular exhibitor at the Sidewalk Art...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Watercolor
A Robert Freiman Gouache on Paper "Cathedrale" 1961
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An interesting gouache on paper by Robert Freiman, signed and dated 1961.
Robert J Freiman (b. 1917 - d. 1991), deaf from birth, was born in New York City and attended the Lexington School for the Deaf. He studied art at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League, the Parsons School of Design, and, in Paris, at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Freiman’s spectrum of styles evolved considerably over the course of his long career, ranging from early portraiture and realistic landscape to mixed-media works using watercolor, acrylic, and pen. He was a regular exhibitor at the Sidewalk Art...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Gouache, Paper
Framed Drawing by Mexican Artist José Luis Cuevas
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ink on Paper fragment by José Luis Cuevas (Mexican, b.1934) laid on cream woven paper and framed. Inscribed "Yo Mutilado" and it is faintly signed and dated Oct 27 - 60 upper right. Silvan Sloane Gallery Los Angeles, CA label affixed verso with the titled "Auto Retrato" (Self Portrait). Sight is 14.5" x 9.5". With frame -18.5"by 24.5".
José Luis Cuevas was a prominent member of the Generación de la Ruptura (Breakaway Generation), who first challenged the then dominant Mexican muralism movement. He remains a distinguished and controversial artist who is known for depicting the darker side of life and the debasement of the human society with often shocking images. He is also known for being an advocate against creating art purely for commercial gain.
Provenance: this group of the work on paper by Cuevas is from a collection purchased in 60s from Silvan Simone Gallery, Los Angles, CA. The The Silvan Simone Gallery was founded in 1958 by Silvan Simone, an former co-owner of the Florentine Gallery in Pacific Palisades. Between 1959 and 1967, the gallery showed artists such as Lee Mullican, Gordon Wagner...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Framed Drawing by Mexican Artist José Luis Cuevas
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ink and watercolor on Paper by José Luis Cuevas (Mexican, b.1934). Featuring characters from a story line inscribed lower left as the following (see ...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Robert Freiman Drawing, 1956
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant, expressive, black ink drawing by Robert Freiman, signed and dated 1956.
Robert J Freiman (b. 1917 - d. 1991), deaf from birth, was born in New York City and attended the Lexington School for the Deaf. He studied art at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League, the Parsons School of Design, and, in Paris, at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Freiman’s spectrum of styles evolved considerably over the course of his long career, ranging from early portraiture and realistic landscape to mixed-media works using watercolor, acrylic, and pen. He was a regular exhibitor at the Sidewalk Art...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Ink, Paper
William Russell Flint
Located in Houston, TX
William Russell Flint was a Scottish artist and illustrator who was known especially for his watercolour paintings of women. He also worked in oils, tempera and printmaking. He was b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scottish Modern Drawings
Vintage Ivan Jordell Abstract Pastel On Paper Artwork
By Ivan Jordell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Ivan Jordell Abstract Pastel On Paper Artwork
New Mat with original frame.
Image Size: 10" x 12"
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Expressionist Crayon Drawing by Bauhaus Artist Hans Kessler
By Hans Kessler
Located in New York, NY
Crayon drawing of a 1920s German theatrical scene by Bauhaus Artist, Hans Kessler.
Hans Kessler was a student at the Bauhaus Dessau and studied under B...
Category
Early 20th Century German Modern Drawings
Materials
Crayon
'New Objectivity' Drawing, Woman with Veil by Beeldens
By Beeldens
Located in New York, NY
Drawing by Beeldens, Belgium, circa 1935.
References: Modern and Contemporary Art, New Objectivity, Neue Sachlichkeit.
Category
1930s Belgian Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Pencil, Paper
Drawing Still Life: Jug and Helmet by Beeldens, 1935
By Beeldens
Located in New York, NY
Drawing, pencil on paper.
Still Life by Beeldens, signed and dated, 1935.
References: Modern and Contemporary Art, New Objectivity, Neue Sachlichkeit...
Category
1930s Belgian Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Pencil, Paper
Italian Modern Black and White Artwork on Glass by Tarantino, 1983
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black and white artwork on glass with wooden frame by Tarantino, 1983.
Work on glass with black background and satin design depicting an expanse of water and a waning...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood
Show Horse Drawing by Leslie Charlotte Benenson
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A beautiful piece from a larger collection of framed 20th century show horse drawings by Royal Academy artist Leslie Charlotte Benenson (1941...
Category
20th Century English Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Show Horse Drawing by Leslie Charlotte Benenson
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A beautiful piece from a larger collection of framed 20th century show horse drawings by Royal Academy artist Leslie Charlotte Benenson (1941-2018). A pastel study of exceptional qua...
Category
20th Century English Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
Paul Reed 1975 Signed Abstract Chalk Pastel Drawing
By Paul Reed
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1975 abstract chalk pastel drawing on paper by American artist Paul Reed (1919-2015). The drawing depicts an array of geometric shapes outlined in black. Orange, teal, hot pink, gr...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Metal
1995 Byron Gálvez Mexico Abstract Modernism Artwork Pencil White Paper
By Byron Gálvez
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1995 Byron Gálvez Mexico Abstract Modernism Artwork pencil white paper
Signed art.
8.5 x 11
Preowned original art vintage condition.
See images ...
Category
1990s Mexican Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
21st Century Black and White Watercolor Zebra Portrait, Chinese Author, Signed
Located in Valladolid, ES
Awesome Chinese watercolor, Zebra portrait, signed. A delightful Animal portrait to place as a singular artistic detail in anywhere even in a bathroom.
Category
2010s French Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
1970s Framed Print Landscape Gated White House
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Art print landscape white house black gate signed appears to be G Humphreys- hard to read, see images please.
18.75" W x 14.75" H x .75" D art: 12" W x 9" H
Original vintage conditio...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Other
Abraham Walkowitz Ink Drawing of Ballet Dancer Isadora Duncan in Green
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
Esteban Vicente Gouache and Pastel Drawing
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic and beautiful Esteban Vicente abstract expressionist drawing from the late 1950s. Exhibited at Leo Castelli (4 E.77th st. Gallery). Purchased from an artist friend of Vic...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Drawings
Materials
Paint
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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