Mid-Century Modern Paintings
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Large Scale Abstract Painting
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large-scale abstract painting, American, circa 1960s. It measures an impressive 50.25" height x 42" width. This piece is currently unframed. If you prefer a black gallery frame (as s...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting Signed Mullin
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting. Featuring a vintage wood frame, original expressionist style abstract art with a mixture of colors, and a wire on the ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Vintage Dressmaker and Customer Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) painting capturing a dressmaker kneeling before a form holding an unfinished garment, while a customer holding a paper and looking off to the side sits in the ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Vintage Birds in Flowering Tree Painted Panel
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) panel with a ground that mimicks antique parchment and a painting of blue-grey and teracotta-colored undulating trees blooming...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Original Abstract Painting by Dan Groover
By Dan Groover
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Original crayon on paper abstract painting by listed artist Dan Groover.
Signed " D Groover 1977."
Newly framed under glass.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Crayon, Glass, Paper, Wood
Portrait of a Basset Hound in Nature Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style (20th Century) portrait of a brown and white basSet hound captured on a path amid grasses and autumnal plants and trees, on a large rectangular unframed canva...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
George Yatrides Modernist Painting Female Nude French Artist, c 1964
Located in Toledo, OH
Modernist female nude painting by George Yatrides (B 1931) oil on canvas, heavy textured paint, great colors, excellent condition, c 1964. Measures: Image: 28.5" W x 31" H and with F...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Birch Tree Lined Road and Landscape Painting
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) acrylic landscape painting of a road lined with birch trees that are shedding their leaves, and figures walking in the distance, captured on rectangular, unfra...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Black and White Dog Portrait Painting on Wood
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) painting of a black and white dog captured on a swath of earth, against a background of landscape scenery, on rectangular, u...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Framed Panoramic Landscape and Manor House Painting
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) panoramic landscape painting of a manor house and surrounding gardens on wide, narrow rectangular canvas in a black-painted ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood, Canvas
Dogs Gathered on Steps Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) portrait of four stately dogs in various positions on sandstone-colored steps leading to a walkway that winds through a lush green lawn...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Woman with Paper Fan Portrait Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) portrait of a smiling woman wearing a blue and white dress with a green jade bangle, holding a floral paper fan, against a backdrop of...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Portrait of a Basset Hound in Nature Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) portrait of a brown and white basset hound captured lying on a path with a house and landscape scenery in the distance, on a large, rectangular unframed canvas...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Woman and Children Outdoor Tea Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style (20th Century) unframed canvas oil painting of a woman wearing a long pink dress Setting a table for tea alongside a home, while ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Framed Acrylic Landscape Painting of Lakeside Buildings in Autumn
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century acrylic landscape painting of a reflective lake in the foreground surrounded by white stone buildings with a hilltop in the background surrounded by autumn trees on canva...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Vintage Brass Horn and Violin Still Life Painting on Wood
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th century) acrylic still life of a brass horn and violin hanging on a blue woodgrain wall with tassels and two golden cherubs, painted on rectangular plywood.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Woman in Bathing Suit Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th century) portrait of a woman wearing a blue bathing suit, seated amidst white abstract patterns representing falling and splashing water, painted on rectangular unframe...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Group of Sheep in Field Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style (20th Century) oil painting capturing a group of sheep huddled in a field of browns and greens, under a cloudy, darkening sky on rectangular, unframed canvas ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Flowers in Jug Still Life Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Century) still life oil painting of white and pink flowers with greenery arranged in a ceramic jug, on rectangular, unframed canvas (Similar painting:...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Cattle Resting in a Field Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style (20th Century) oil painting depicting a group of dairy cows relaxing in a field with a background of sweeping flat planes interrupte...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
White and Pink Floral Arrangement Still Life Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Century) still life oil painting of white and pink flowers with greenery arranged in a ceramic jug, on rectangular, unframed canvas (Similar painting:...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Horses in Autumn Forest Painting on Wood
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) painting on wood depicting a group of horses gathered in a forest of red, peach, white and light blue trees, and a forest floor captured by allowing woodgrain ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Framed Oil Painting of a Colonial Garden and River
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century oil on canvas genre scene painting depicting people tending to a colonial garden next to a river outside of the city walls with large buildings on the horizon in a rectan...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Giltwood
Portrait of Tiger with Cubs Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) painting of a tiger lying with two sleeping cubs in a darkened cave or den, on rectangular, unframed canvas.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Black and Red-Crested Pileated Woodpecker Painting on Wood
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th century) Audubon-style painting of a black and red-crested pileated woodpecker seated on a large stump against a clouded white backg...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Black and Red Pileated Woodpecker Painting on Wood
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th century) Audubon-style painting of a black and red pileated woodpecker seated on a large stump against a clouded white background, p...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood
Feeding Fowl Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style (20th Century) oil painting depicting varied fowl, including chickens, chicks, pigeons and doves, pecking straw from both the ground and a bucket, on rectangu...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Vintage Brass Horn and Violin Still Life Painting on Wood
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) acrylic still life of a brass horn and violin hanging on a blue woodgrain wall with tassels and two golden cherubs, painted on rectangular plywood.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Seaside House on a Natural Stone Arch Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) oil painting of a house atop a natural stone archway, through which shepards with a horse, dog and flock, and the sea, a...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Warm Hued Multi-Colored Abstract Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) acrylic painting of warm toned color swaths on a background of cool blue, green, and gray hues, on a square, unframed canvas.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Group of Sheep in Field Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) oil painting capturing a group of sheep huddled in a field of browns and greens, under a cloudy, darkening sky on rectangular, unframed canvas (Similar copies ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Dogs Gathered on Steps Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) portrait of four stately dogs in various positions on sandstone-colored steps leading to a walkway that winds through a lush green lawn...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Painting by Umberto Romano
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A painting depicting an abstracted mask in tones of black, blue, grey and cream. Titled "African Image", the piece retains its original New York Krasner Gallery exhibition label.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
1970 Landscape Waterfall Oil Painting on Canvas by Corch Obell
Located in Seattle, WA
1970 Landscape waterfall oil painting on canvas by Corch Obell.
Dimensions. 25 W; 43 H.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood
Vintage Boho 1960s Mixed Media Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of this vintage boho mixed media oil painting from the 1960s. Featuring a dynamic composition of geometric shapes, bold colors, and layered tex...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Large Oil on Canvas Jazz Box, France, 1960
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Important wall fresco "Jazz Box", oil on canvas, France 1960. This 438 cm long composition represents a jazz orchestra in concert, dancers and in the backg...
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Midcentury Mixed-Media "Fire Dancer", Udell 1974
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury mixed-media "Fire Dancer", Udell 1974
Work: 19" x 31"
Framed 20" x 32".
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint, Paper
Vintage Boho Original Oil Painting on Board
Located in west palm beach, FL
Vintage Boho Original Oil Painting On Board captures the essence of timeless Americana with a vibrant blend of bohemian flair and classic artistry. This captivating piece exudes a se...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Textile, Wood, Paint
Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting by Rene Leidner, France (1921-2004)
By René Leidner
Located in Ventura, CA
Mid Century Abstract Painting by Rene Leidner, France (1921-2004) titled "Le Mannequin" 1991
René Leidner work has been offered at auction multiple times.
Among his creations, the...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Jacob Semiatin Abstract Painting
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Jacob Semiatan abstract watercolor painting. We have many more original paintings from this artist so please view our other listings. This painting is unframed but we can have it fra...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
French Abstract Painting 'Gouache' in Green, Brown, Copper Colors by A. Gabriot
Located in Salzburg, AT
French abstract painting (Gouache) in green, brown, copper colors signed Alain Gabriot dated 1970
Professionally framed, sivered frame, non-reflecting-glass
Alain Gabriot was born ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Jacob Semiatin Abstract Painting
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Jacob Semiatan abstract watercolor painting. We have many more original paintings from this artist so please view our other listings. This painting is unframed but we can have it fra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings
1970s Danish Mixed-Media Painting
Located in London, London
Mixed-media
On paper
Danish
1970s.
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Figurative Painting of a African Nude Woman by Rob Francken
Located in Antwerp, BE
Painting by a nude African woman in Congo made by the Dutch painter Rob Francken.
49 x 69 cm unframed, 61 x 81 x 4 inches in white painted wood frame.
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Original Painting
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern original painting green forest blue sky multicolor spot scenic trees
Dimensions. 30 3/4 Hx 36 3/4W x 1 1/2 D.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Mid-Century Swedish Landscape Post-Impressionist Oil on Board C.1950
Located in London, GB
A Swedish mid-20th century Post-Impressionist oil on canvas depicting a countryside scene. Influenced by the works of Van Gogh .
C.1950 Unsigned.
Oil on board, unframed.
Ex...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Large Eska Smythe Abstract Oil on Canvas
By Eska Smythe
Located in Westport, CT
Eska Smythe oil on canvas. Worked in Paris 1960s and exhibited Galerie Valerie Schmidt, Avant Garde, newly framed, off-white grained natural wood.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Landscape Pastel Painting by Linda Jacobson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Framed pastel painting by American artist, Linda Jacobson, c.1980. The landscape artwork portrays trees, water and green rolling hills. The mood of Jacobson's work is often peaceful ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Crayon
Antonio Vallardi Snake Linen Canvas Print
Located in bari, IT
These posters, printed by Vallardi editore, were distributed mounted on wooden chopsticks by Merckelbach & Co of Amsterdam. The prints in warm colours on a black background are on linen sheets...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Mid Century Oil Painting
Located in London, London
Oil painting
On canvas
Gold frame
Mid to late 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Jacob Semiatin Abstract Painting
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Jacob Semiatan abstract watercolor painting. We have many more original paintings from this artist so please view our other listings. This painting is unframed but we can have it fra...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Abstract Oil Painting by Bert Miripolsky Dark And Deep Blue
By Bert Miripolsky
Located in Pasadena, CA
This artwork features a large abstract from the estate of Bert Miripolsky, It is signed and displayed in the original black wood frame.
An American artist, Miripolsky studied paint...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Mid-century Abstract Paris Oil Painting Rue Marvins Montmartre by Chatelet
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-century Abstract Paris Oil Painting Rue Marvins Montmartre by Chatelet
Offered for sale is a French early 20th-century cubist style oil on canvas titled "Rue Marvins, Montmartr...
Category
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Linen, Wood
Mid- Century Modern Abstract Blue with Gold Leaf and Gold Metal Bubble Painting
Located in Miami, FL
French Bubbles! A circular energy abstract painting in a Klein blue with gold leaf and gold metal bubbles. The painting is large and has an uplifting presence.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Bronze
Jacob Semiatin Abstract Painting
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Jacob Semiatan abstract watercolor painting. We have many more original paintings from this artist so please view our other listings. This painting is unframed but we can have it fra...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Mid-Century Landscape of Mountains and Village
Located in Pasadena, CA
This Mid-Century oil painting depicts, mountains, voluminous clouds and a small village. The mountains and clouds have a foreboding energy about them and the Italian feeling village ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Untitled Abstract Artwork by Javier Agudo, 2019
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This captivating abstract artwork, created by Javier Agudo in 2019, showcases the artist's unique style and his inspiration from great masters like Mark R...
Category
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
1950s Italian Abstract Painting by Mino Ceretti (1930)
Located in London, London
Abstract painting
By Mino Ceretti
Oil on canvas
Signed bottom right
Dated 1959 on reverse
A small tear near the signature, shown in the photos
Italy 1959
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Mid-century Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern paintings 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 paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Peter Keil, Jacob Semiatin, Daniel Clesse, and Charles Levier. 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 paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,851.