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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

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

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
Mid-Century Modern Oil on Board by Sidney Siegal
Located in London, GB
Unusual abstract oil on board by Sidney Siegal (1913-1978), entitled 'Gift Box.' This stunning painting has rich warm tones that would brighten any room. and its 3d quality also adds...
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1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Mid Century Modern Signed Scenic Forest Nature Painting on Canvas.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Vintage painting on fabric canvas depicts an abstract Forest nature scenic landscape. It is signed and in mid century modern style. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vin...
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1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Abstract Danish Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in London, London
Oil on canvas Danish Late 20th century.
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Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Oil on Canvas, circa 1960, Signed
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Oil on canvas, circa 1960, signed.
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1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Midcentury Oil Painting on Canvas by Fouat Michel
Located in Dallas, TX
Midcentury oil painting on canvas by Fouat Michel is a splendid example of the artist's work, with a Minimalist influence in the design countered by bold contrast using somewhat subdued earth tones to create an intriguing, fantastic landscape. Note how Michel creates depth between the sky, the distant hills, the closer hills, the rolling plains and the foreground which appears in a shadowy color shift. Italian cypress...
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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Morris Shulman - Nesting Cormorants Painting, c.1950
Located in Savannah, GA
Morris Shulman (American, 1912-1978) A painting on board depicting nesting cormorants, circa 1950. 18 ¼ by 30 inches
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1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Panting of Twins, Acrylic on Canvas MCM American
Located in Southbury, CT
If I were asked, Augusten Burroughs, as a gift we offer you either this Picasso, that Vermeer, an 18th Century French Pastoral featuring chickens or this midcentury acrylic on canvas...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

William P. Katz Midcentury Abstract Figural Watercolor on Paper, 1968
Located in Norwalk, CT
William P. Katz, American (1926-2003). Abstract figural watercolor on paper, 1968. Signed lower left and dated '68, pencil-labeled "Picture 5 at AN Exhibition" on verso. Unframed, packaged with a poster board for support. Rich earth tones, naturalistic forms, and surprising graphic pops create the visual narrative in this lovely painting...
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1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Monumental Acrylic on Canvas Linear Series by Roy O.Anderson / Birchfield Penny
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic 1970s image. Acrylic on canvas. Linear Series hand executed by Roy O. Anderson. Amazing use of color, space.
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Bruce Myers Mid-Century Signed Original Oil on Canvas Painting No. 7
Located in Countryside, IL
Bruce Myers mid-century signed original oil on canvas painting no. 7 This painting measures: 24 wide x .75 deep x 30 inches high This painting is in good vintage condition. ...
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1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Mcm Mid-Century Modern Signed Framed Forest Original Painting Abstract
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage MCM Mid-Century Modern signed framed forest original painting abstract retro deco.
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1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting by Ulf Trotzig (1925-2013)
By Ulf Trotzig
Located in Ventura, CA
Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting by Ulf Trotzig (1925-2013) Ulf Trotzig (1925-2013), was a masterful Swedish painter renowned for his contributions to abstract art. Trotzig's ...
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1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Impressionist Signed Canvas painting.
Located in Seattle, WA
This beautiful signed canvas painting is professionally framed and is Vintage mid Century modern style.This piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listin...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Mid 20th Century Landscape Oil Painting in the Manner of Maurice de Vlaminck –
Located in Seaford, GB
An evocative early 20th century oil painting, executed in the expressive manner of Maurice de Vlaminck, depicting a tranquil rustic village nestled within a moody, wooded landscape. ...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Humphrey Spender (1910–2005) British, abstract landscape signed and dated 1964
By John Humphrey Spender 1
Located in Oxford, GB
As an Important Mid 20th Century British Artist Humphrey Spender's work is held in numerous public collections including the Tate Gallery , London, N...
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Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Pop Art Oil on Canvas Untitled Still-Life Painting by Salvatore Grippi, 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pop Art Oil on canvas untitled still-life painting by Salvatore Grippi, 1970 Salvatore Grippi oil painting, Signed New York School One of the original members of the Abstract Express...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Surrealist Landscape Watercolor Signed R. E. Schwelke and Dated 1947
By R.E. Schwelke
Located in Pasadena, CA
Framed colorful surrealist watercolor, signed by artist R.E. Schwelke in 1947. Titled "Landscape #1". Dark stained frame.
Category

1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Wood

Vintage Oil Painting by Ronald Ossory Dunlop RA - Harbour Scene
Located in London, GB
A wonderful vintage oil painting titled “Harbour Scene”, by the important Irish painter and author, Ronald Ossory Dunlop (1895-1973). This would h...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Russell Christoffersen Abstract On Canvas in Green And Gold
Located in west palm beach, FL
Step into the rich tapestry of 'Vintage Russel Christoffersin Abstract on Canvas in Green and Gold.' A vibrant testament to American artistic brilliance, this masterpiece weaves toge...
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19th Century Unknown Antique Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Artwork Painting Young Mother with Baby Signed Art
By Robert Philipp
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Artwork painting young mother with baby framed and signed Measures: Frame 23.25 tall x 19.5 width x 1.5 depth Art 17.5 tall x 13.25 ...
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1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Boho Oil Portrait Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
Embodying the essence of American bohemian spirit, this 'Vintage Boho Oil Portrait On Canvas' is a captivating blend of nostalgia and artistic expression. With its intricate details ...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Mid Century Modern Wall Decoration Oil on Canvas Market by J. Schulz, circa 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern wall decoration painting oil on canvas shows typical cow market in the middle of a town. The painting shows the signature of J. Schulz in the corner at the right ...
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Craig Ellwood Painting, 1979
Located in Oxnard, CA
Large Op Art painting by celebrated architect - Craig Ellwood. Acrylic on canvas, 60" x 60" with artist signature/date verso. Rich blue color with gradient brown geometric grid.
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1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Alexius Huber Early Copper Relief Painting Sweden 1960
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Striking early copper relief painting by Alexius Huber, Sweden 1960. This captivating artwork showcases Huber's innovative approach to form and material. Crafted in the 1960s, the pi...
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1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Copper

Mixed-Media Painting by Louis Schiavo
By Louis Schiavo
Located in London, GB
Mixed-media on board on gesso ground, in gouache and oil using the impasto technique. The work also includes areas of collage using applied materials beneath the paint to add depth ...
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1950s Corsican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Abstract Splatter Painting Signed by Artist
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wonderful painting makes the perfect addition to any home, business, or office. Creative piece of art with many elaborate colors on the canvas. Please confirm item location ...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Original Abstract on Wood Signed Hammack 1967
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic vintage abstract original oil. A brilliantly colored composition on wood. Signed and dated by the artist Jack Hammack, 1967. Acquired from a Portland estate
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1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Vintage MCM Original French Cityscape Oil on Board
Located in west palm beach, FL
Original vintage Mid-Century Modern (MCM) French cityscape oil painting on board. This piece captures the charm and vibrancy of a French urban scene with rich textures and bold brush...
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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Jean Thomas (1923-2019) "monkey with camembert" large oil on canvas 1949
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jean Thomas (1923-2019) "monkey with camembert" large oil on canvas signed and dated 1949 origin: "sale of Workshop"
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1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Mid-20th Century Oil on Board Painting of Profile of Woman, Dated 1965
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Oil painting on board of a standing female nude in profile. Impressionist style, artist-signed and dated 1965 in a later silver giltwood frame.
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Painting by Al Bates
Located in Houston, TX
Houston artist Al Bates (1931-...). Charcoal on a thin tracing paper. Signed lower right. Depicting the chicken ranch, with Bonnie and Clyde. Measures: 17 1/2" x 23 1/2". The custom-...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Modernist Oil Painting on Canvas by Martin Zipin
Located in Lambertville, NJ
"Oriental Bird Cage" by Martin Zipin, 1950s. Large colorful midcentury painting with original gray washed frame. A known Pennsylvania modernist artist, th...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Framed Abstract Painting
Located in Seattle, WA
Framed Vintage painting depicting a scene of horses with possible Cowboyed. There are times of blues, yellow, and brown as pictured. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured...
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1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Small Mid Century Abstract Painting, 1950's-1960's
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small bold abstract painting in a gold aluminum frame. Signed J.R. lower right. Oil on canvas. American, mid 20th century, 1950's-1960's.
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Monumental Modernist Oil Paint on Canvas Some Collage by Alexander Gore
Located in Buffalo, NY
About Alexander Gore The artist as an observer decided after many years of visiting non-western places of culture to put his memories to use on visible surfaces for people to see....
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Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Abstract Painting by René Roche, France, 1979
Located in Antwerp, BE
Painting by René Roche; 1979; Contemporary Painting; Post-war Artwork; Graphic Artwork; France; Exhibited in the exhibition 'Espace et abstraction' in P...
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1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Carol Bertrand Abstract Pink Collage Painting
Located in Redding, CT
Carol Bertrand Mid-Century Modern Abstract Collage Painting in Pink. Amazing large canvas with happy colors of pink, red, yellow and white and black. Signature of artist...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint, Acrylic

Mid Century Modern Danish Painting by Knud Jans (1916-1985)
By Knud Jans
Located in Ventura, CA
Mid Century Modern Danish Painting by Knud Jans (1916-1985) Titled "Grønskollinger" Signed at the bottom right and on the back, each piece by ...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Jean Le Guennec Watercolor Gouache
By Jean Le Guennec
Located in Westport, CT
Famous french artist Jean Le Guennec {1924-1986} his art has sold upwards of 500.000 euros,watercolor and Gouache ,in original creme colored frame.i
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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Painting in the Manner of Vladimir Yatsenko, Russian/Soviet Artist
By Vladimir Yatsenko
Located in Houston, TX
“Village Breakfast”, circa 1950s. Oil on canvas, initials the lower right. Condition is good. Measures: 36” H x 28” W.  
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Mid-20th Century Russian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Oil Painting On Canvas With Motif Of Beach & Sea By Sixten Wiklund From 1957s
Located in Lejre, DK
The oil painting on canvas, depicting a tranquil beach and sea scene, was masterfully crafted by Sixten Wiklund (1907-1986) around the 1950s. Capturing the serene beauty of the coas...
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1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Pair of Original Cityscape Paintings Signed and Framed.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly oil or acrylic on canvas. Beautiful patina due to aging. One painting features a house with surrealist nods. The other is a painting carry melancholy tones. Vintage Conditio...
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1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"The Temple of Dendur" Painting by Eugene Berman
Located in New York, NY
Pen, ink and gouache on paper, painting "The Temple of Dendur' by Eugene Berman. Signed and dated, 1964. Framed size is 28.25 x 22.25.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Vintage Original Oil Painting of Young Man Signed
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage original oil painting. A chic composition of a your man in cool clear colors. Signed and dated by the artist. Acquire...
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Boho Original Apples Still Life Oil on Board
Located in west palm beach, FL
A beautifully detailed vintage Boho still life, skillfully rendered in oil on board. This original artwork features vibrant, textured brushstrokes that capture the charm and essence ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Original Framed and Signed Abstract Mid Century Artwork.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Acrylic on Canvas within wood frame. Frame has gold Accent. Muted color palette primarily green and orange. Signed in the Lower Corner as pictured. Vintage Condition Consist...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Canvas

Midcentury Abstract Expressionist Ink Drawing on Paper by Salvatore Grippi, 1953
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury abstract expressionist ink drawing on paper by Salvatore Grippi, 1953. Measures: 9.5" x 12". This ink wash figurative abstract Expressionist piece on paper is signed by it...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Vintage Original Signed Watercolor Painting Titled “ Hampton Court “
Located in Seattle, WA
This beautiful watercolor on paper Shows a viewpoint of buildings through an archway. Signed, dated, and titled in the lower corner. Professionally framed and matted. Vintage Conditi...
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1940s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Vintage Early 21st Century Russell Christoffersen Abstract -Canvas Over Decoupa
Located in west palm beach, FL
Immerse yourself in the avant-garde charm of 'Vintage Early 21st Century Russel Christoffersin Abstract on Canvas Over Decoupage.' This American masterpiece marries Christoffersin's ...
Category

Late 20th Century North American 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 distressed white wood frame, original expressionist style abstract art with a mixture of colors, and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Manuele Vonthron Oil on Paper France (1962-)
By Manuele Vonthron
Located in Ventura, CA
Manuele Vonthron Oil on Paper France (1962-) Discover the refined world of Manuele Vonthron, a distinguished French artist born in 1962, whose life and creative endeavors unfold i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Vintage Early 21st Century Abstract Portrait - Framed and Signed
Located in west palm beach, FL
Behold the timeless allure of "Ethereal Essence," a vintage early 21st-century abstract portrait elegantly framed and personally signed by the artist. This American masterpiece weave...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

David Johns (b. 1948) Large Abstract Harmony: Acrylic on Canvas Navajo
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Abstract Harmony: David Johns' Acrylic on Canvas b 1948 This captivating abstract acrylic on canvas by David Johns, born in 1948 in Winslow, Arizona, reflects his unique blend of fo...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Jean Da Milano, Composition, Oil on Canvas, 1977, France
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Jean Da Milano (1928-2017), Abstract composition, Oil on canvas, representing a red sphere, Signed and dated lower left, N°1401-77, n°11 1977, France. Measures : Height 92 cm - Wi...
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Large Flemish Midcentury Abstract Expressionist Painting by A.C. Hermkens, 1961
By A.C. Hermkens, Jackson Pollock
Located in New York, NY
Large abstract expressionist painting on raw canvas by Belgian Painter, A.C. Hermkens. Signed. "Dynamicism and Space Co-exist in a Work of Subtle Tensions and Mythic Wishes.".  
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Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Framed and Signed Original Painting of Potted Plant.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly acrylic on Canvas. Beautiful tones of brown and green. Signed in the Lower Corner. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 41 W ; 1 D ; 29 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid Century Floral Still Life of Sunflowers signed Prince Betzky 1946
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exceptionally well painted still life of sunflowers, signed Prince Brezky and date 1946. Oil on canvas in original frame with gilt detail and orange velvet liner. A beautiful pain...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Oil Painting Depicting Boat House Signed by Tina Pay
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Colorful Oil Painting depicting an old boat house signed by Tina Pay. Additional information: Material: Canvas Color: Blue, White Style: Vintage Artist: Tina Pay Time Period:...
Category

20th Century American 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.

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