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Modern Paintings

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Modern
Painting by Peter Keil, C 1970, Acrylic on Board, Germany, No Frame
Located in New York, NY
Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist blacksmith father whom he lost very early in his childhood during the Second World War. During the end phase of the war, Keil's mother, also a...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Large Red & Yellow Abstract Painting Titled "Geranium" by Rebecca Ruoff, 2021
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Beautiful large oi/acrylic painting titled "Geranium" by American artist Rebecca Ruoff, 2021.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Dom Dominic Mingolla Enamel on Copper Girl in Green Forest and Tall Trees
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dom Dominic Mingolla Enamel on Copper Girl in Green Forest and Tall Trees 8 x 10. Item features enamel on copper painting, artist signature to bottom right corner, beautiful subject ...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Vintage Warren Fischer Framed Abstract Acrylic Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Warren Fischer framed abstract acrylic painting Offered for sale is an abstract acrylic painting on canvas by Warren Fischer. The artist used bold strokes, rich hues, an...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Wood

Helsinki Gate Original Painting by Lynn Curlee
Located in New York, NY
Helsinki Gate Original painting by Lynn Curlee This painting was used as the image for the poster for the 1991 Hampton Classic Horse Show. Acrylic ...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Tom John Goauche on Canvas Abstract Triptych '2010'
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 contemporary abstract paintings (triptych) with gouache on rectangular canvas in shades of pink, red and white. (TOM JOHN, 2010).      
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

“IRON MAN” Cal Ripken, Original Painting by Lynn Curlee
Located in New York, NY
“IRON MAN” Cal Ripken Original painting by Lynn. Curlee This painting was used as an illustration in Ballpark — The Story Of America’s Baseball Fields ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Batter Up at Fenway, Original Painting by Lynn Curlee
Located in New York, NY
Batter Up At Fenway. Original painting by Lynn Curlee Acrylic on stretched canvas. Gallery wrapped with painted edges. This painting was used as an illustration in Ballpark — The...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

John O'Hara, Four Corners 2, Encaustic Painting
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
In Four Corners series. O'Hara's Four Corners series is inspired by the art, geometry, color, and craftsmanship of Navajo rugs and weavings. Looks beautiful hanging next to Four Corners 1. See image. Art dimensions: 48 x 60 inches Framed dimensions: 49.5 × 3 × 61.5 Maple float frame. Forsyth is proud to be the exclusive gallery of John O'Hara (American, b. 1963). O'Hara is a self-taught artist from St. Louis and is known for his large-scale abstract works. His medium of choice is encaustic, a mixture of pigments and beeswax and he allows the material to dictate color, line and texture. His works often feature natural and organic forms and incorporate both figural and abstract elements. O'Hara began his art career in 2018 and collectors and designers quickly took notice. His work is included in both public and private collections around the world. Michael Kors selected O'Hara's Tar series paintings for his Milan, Paris, and New York showrooms and his flagship store in London designed by Pamela Meech. O'Hara's Brands on Yellow is hanging in the lounge of Maison de Luz, the new luxury hotel by Atelier Ace and designed by AD100 design firm Studio Shamshiri...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Gothic Portals" 2020, Abstract Architecture Blue & Green Mixed-Media Painting
Located in Middleburg, VA
"Gothic Portals" by Louis Shields Abstract architecture mixed-media on canvas Element Series 2020 Measures: 48" H, 60" W Colors: Blue, green, white, and grey.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

"Before the Ruin" Abstract Architectural Elements Mixed-Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Middleburg, VA
"Before the Ruin" by Louis Shields Abstract mixed-media on canvas Element Series 2017 Measures: 48" H, 60" W, 2" D Colors: Red, blue, white.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

"Archipelago" Abstract Mixed-Media Grey & Teal Painting on Canvas
Located in Middleburg, VA
"Archipelago" by Louis Shields Abstract mixed-media on canvas Singed Millennium Series 2018 Measures: 36" H 48" W Colors: Shades of gray with teal accents.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

"Beyond" Abstract Mixed-Media Painting on Canvas, 2015, Blue, Green, Purple
Located in Middleburg, VA
"Beyond" by Louis Shields Abstract mixed-media on canvas Reductive Series Signed Delu 2015 Measures: 48" H, 60" W Colors: Predominate blues, greens and purple.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

"Conundrum" Geometric Abstract Mixed-Media Painting, 2014, Red, Blue, Green
Located in Middleburg, VA
"Conundrum" by Louis Shields Geometric abstract mixed-media on canvas Quantum series, 2014 Measures: 48" H, 36" W Colors: Predominately red, large accents of blue, green, black a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

"Illusions" Abstract Mixed-Media on Canvas Painting, Yellow, Gray, White
Located in Middleburg, VA
"Illusion" by Louis Shields Abstract mixed-media on canvas Singed Millennium Series, 2017 Measures: 48" H, 36" W Colors: Yellow, light gray and white.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

"Sorcery" Abstract Mixed-Media Painting on Canvas, Blue, Tan, Grey, Copper
Located in Middleburg, VA
"Sorcery" by Louis Shields Abstract mixed-media on canvas Structural series, 2017 Measures: 40" H, 40" W Colors: Tan, blue, grey, copper.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint

Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category

Late 20th Century West Asian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Acrylic on Canvas Titled "Eleven Turns to the Center" by Mario Yrisarry
By Mario Yrisarry 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This acrylic on canvas was created in January of 1972 by the Filipino American painter Mario Yrisarry (born 1933). Note: Canvas is 36" height x 36" width. FYI: Yrisarry’s work is ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Expressionist Triptych in Gouache by Bauhaus Artist Hans Kessler
Located in New York, NY
A dynamic expressionist work by Hans Kessler, a student of Kandinsky at the Bauhaus. Signed H.Kessler, 1925 at bottom. Gouache comes with Photocopy of ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Paintings

Materials

Gouache

American 20th Century, Abstract Shapes, Oil On Canvas signed Sheffleman on verso
Located in Fort Washington, MD
This captivating abstract painting by the artist Sheffleman, aptly titled "Vibrant Cosmos," represents a stellar exploration of form and color. The work features concentric abstract ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Water Color Painting, Mary Blair, Legendary Walt Disney Studios Animator
Located in San Francisco, CA
This collectible painting is by Mary Blair, legendary animator for Walt Disney Studios, is of a pair of dancing rabbits in coat tails. The unframed...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Richard Hirsch Encaustic Painting of Nothing #73, 2021
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's encaustic Painting of Nothing #73 is made of ceramic raw materials, dry pigment and wax. This piece is part of his ongoing Paint...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Clay, Organic Material

Still Life with Nike and Sailboat, Objet d'Art, Gold Leaf and Oil on Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
A collection of objet d'art sit upon a gleaming table, their reflections enhanced by the light of the gilt background which is hand applied using 23K gold leaf. The objects - a toy sailboat...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage Abstract Floral Still Life Painting, "Love" by Garmed
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Abstract Floral Still Life Painting, "Love" by Garmed Offered for sale is an original acrylic on canvas titled “Love” by Venezuelan born Miami resident artist Garmed, Alfr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

William P. Montgomery Abstract Mixed Media Painting "Rocket Science #4" on Wood
By William P. Montgomery
Located in Miami, FL
William P. Montgomery Abstract Mixed Media Painting "Rocket Science #4" on Wood Offered for sale is "Rocket Science #4" painted with acrylic paint, charcoal and markers by artist Wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Chris Di Vincente Modern Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern Art. Textured oil on canvas, thin wood frame. Mr. Di Vincente studied at the San Francisco Art Institute. He now lives and works in Los Angeles. Great for interiors and collec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Dutch Mixed Media Lady
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A recently made painting of a lady by an unknown Dutch artist. The mixed media collection of materials on canvas depicts a lady's face and is framed in a simple wood frame. Be sure t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Dutch Mixed Media Lady
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A recently made painting of a lady by an unknown Dutch artist. The mixed media collection of materials on canvas depicts a lady's face and is framed in a simple wood frame. Be sure t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mixed media on paper in float frame by Bay Area artist Maria Burtis
Located in Ross, CA
Mixed media on paper in float frame by San Francisco Bay Area artist Maria Burtis. Modern art piece with shades of pink blue, gray, and red, titled "Rockland". Beautifully put toget...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Very Large Striking Abstract Painting on Canvas
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Monumental abstract painting in shades of red, pink, grey, black and white.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Rustic "Los Atravesados" Wood Wall Art Signed by the Artist. Dated 1993
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rustic "Los Atravesados" Wood Wall Art Signed by Mexican American Artist Roger Palacios. Dated 1993. Features a modern interpretation of Northern-Mexican Tribal Art painted o...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Francisco Sainz Signed Mid-Century Oil on Canvas Abstract Portrait
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An oil on canvas painting by the Spanish artist Francisco Sainz (1928-1988). Signed to the stretcher on the verso and most likely painted during the 1950s or 60s, the painting depict...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Billowing Clouds Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating 4-foot by 5-foot oil on canvas painting is a contemporary American masterpiece that captures the raw, untamed beauty of wild billowing storm clouds set against a roy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Tropical Abstract Painting by Richard Von White
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Colorful tropical painting with a female form hidden in the abstract composition. Modern gold frame. By Jamaican artist, Richard Von White.
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

A Oil Paiting on Canvas Titled "Encounters" signed Ashwini Sirur 2004
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An oil painting on canvas features 15 female nudes in the cubist style in erotic positions on a background of cubist shapes. All the images blend nicely in shades of grey, white, re...
Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

"Woman and Her Cat" Mixed Media Artwork by Rupert Picott
By Rupert Picott
Located in Pasadena, CA
The work is a lively portrayal of an African nude woman in her bedroom. Under the bed, a discontent cat harbors grudges against its owner robbing its yellow cushion. The painting is ...
Category

Late 20th Century Senegalese Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

"Art is a Criminal Action" by Ulrike Rosenbach, Edition 2/10, Germany, 1969
Located in New York City, NY
Hand-signed by artist; frame included. "Art is a Criminal Action" by Ulrike Rosenbach, Silkscreen on Canvas, Edition 2/10, Germany, 1969
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Monumental Vintage Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting with Rich Colors
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Vintage Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting with Rich Colors Offered for sale is a very large abstract oil painting on canvas. The canvas is stretched on wood and has rich d...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

California Plein Aire Landscape, Jason Situ (B. 1949)
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming small impressionist painting of Occidental Hill, a location in Southern California. The painting was exhibited at "Nature's Palette: Garden Views, Visions and Fant...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Wood

Contemporary Hand-Painted Textured Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
Handmade oil and acrylic painting on canvas with textured and dimensional details. This canvas is unframed. This painting was purchased from an independent artist on Etsy.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Large Contemporary Hand Embellished Color Giclee on Canvas signed FABRICE
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning contemporary piece of decorative artwork by Fabrice. Mixed media giclee on canvas with embellishments by Fabrice using oil paint and a fine brush. Hand signed lower righ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Superb Modern Surrealist Painting on Wood
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Superb Modern Surrealist Painting on Wood. From the private collection of a renowned Beverly Hills modern art collector. Unsigned.
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Large Vintage Lee Reynolds Abstract Butterfly Painting, Framed
Located in Miami, FL
Large Vintage Lee Reynolds Abstract Butterfly Painting, Framed Offered for sale is a large late 20th-century framed abstract painting of a butterfly by the American artist Lee Reyno...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wire

Large Hand Embellished Color Giclee on Canvas "Titled "Conversation", Signed
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning contemporary piece of decorative artwork by FABRICE. Mixed media giclee on canvas with embellishments by FABRICE using oil paint and a fine brush. Hand signed lower right...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Monumental Mixed Media Painting Bill and Hilary Clinton "Sweet Embrace"
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Mixed Media Painting Bill and Hilary Clinton "Sweet Embrace" Offered for sale is a monumental mixed media collage of Bill and Hillary Clinton as photographed on a beach d...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paper

Vintage Japanese Abstract Oil on Canvas c1960s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful vintage Japanese abstract oil on canvas c1960s with thick impasto texture by unknown Japanese artist. Framed in walnut. Acquired in Japan.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Vintage Japanese Abstract Oil on Canvas c1960s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful vintage Japanese abstract oil on canvas c1960s with wonderful texture by unknown Japanese artist. Framed in walnut. Acquired in Japan.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

“Il Desiderio Espresso “ Italian Mid-Century Painting
Located in Austin, TX
Mix media on canvas from mid-century Italy. This piece is signed by the artist and is titled “Il Desiderio Espresso”, translating to “The Expressed Desire.” The painting has beautifu...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Abstract Color Study Painting
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage abstract original oil painting on canvas. A chic color study in brilliant clear colors. Signed by the artist. Acquired at a Palm Beach estate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Vintage Blue Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
Vintage unsigned blue hue still life featuring yellow flowers with teal vase and beautiful shadow work. The piece has a modern element with almost a monochromatic story featuring sev...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Harley Francis Abstract Painting Triptych c1970s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Incredible triptych abstract oil on canvas by American artist, Harley Francis c1979. These can be arranged in any order, all three pieces are signed. Francis (1940-2017) was an inc...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

“Di Stelle Cadenti” Italian Mid-Century Painting
Located in Austin, TX
Mixed media on canvas from mid-century Italy. This piece is signed by the artist, attributed to Danilo Pacchiotti’s entourage. It is titled “Di Stelle Cadenti”; translating to “Of Sh...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Mort Carl Abstract Painting c1970s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mort Carl (1905-1985) American Fantastic large-scale abstract oil on canvas painting c1971. Most likely painted during the artists later years in the Bay Area. Originally from New Yo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Vintage Harley Francis Abstract Oil on Canvas c1970s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful geometric abstract oil on canvas by American artist, Harley Francis (1940-2017). Francis was an incredibly prolific artist, painter, set designer, and ceramicist. Francis w...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Modern Abstract Oil Painting of a Nun
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Modern Abstract Oil Painting of a Nun. Unsigned. From the private art collection of renowned modern art collector Rosette Delug.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

'Training Drills' by Solomon Samsonovich Boim, 1950, Soviet Neorealism
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Training Drills' by Solomon Samsonovich Boim, Russian (1899–1988) Russia, dated 1950 "Training Drills" by Solomon Samsonovich Boim, a distinguished Russian artist (1899–1978), is a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Russian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Madeline Weiss Geometric Jewels Original Oil Signed
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic original oil by Madeline Weiss. Signed. Brilliantly colored large geometric jewels floating on a background of tone on tone jewels.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, canvas and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paintings 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 paintings, popular names associated with this style include Richard A. Hirsch, Harry Hilson, Cecilia Setterdahl, and Peter Keil. 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 $25 and tops out at $166,872 while the average work can sell for $2,187.

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