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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
'Glowing Composition' Original Abstract Painting by Lars Hegelund
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Sometimes less is more. This work is all about color, texture and a composition that stays alive. 'Composition Jaune sur Fond Bleu' by Lars Hegelund, American b. 1947. Acrylic and Oil on Canvas, signed. Measures: 24 x 24 in. w/o frame, 24.5 x 24.5 in. including frame. Housed in a minimalist aluminum edge frame. About Lars Hegelund: Lars Hegelund graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen 1972 teaching at the Academy afterwards on a grant from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. He was awarded a grant to stay at the San Cataldo Monastery in Italy (a secluded workplace for Danish artists). In 1985 The National Foundation for the Arts chose Lars Hegelund for their three year grant providing the basis for further studies of creativity in the Community. The new ideas were featured in his book ‘The Things Around Us’, a series of TV productions by the National Danish Television...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary Acrylic Painting in antique frame by Shannon Weir. Signed in bottom right. This beautiful original art was made in 2022, but ...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Monumental 3 Panel Painting by Cynthia Knapp
Located in New York, NY
Monumental 3 panel painting by Cynthia Knapp (American 20th century) oil on canvas painting of abstract color splashes. The panels can be used together o...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mixed Media Painting on Board
Located in Denton, TX
Silver leaf on board covered in natural fibers and textured acrylic paint in a floral design. Beautiful Teal, silver, yellow, light green enhance the flow of this artist interpretati...
Category

20th Century European Modern Paintings

Materials

Silver Leaf

"Primare 3, " 2021 White and Gray Abstract Acrylic on Masonite by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Primare 3," 2021 by artist James Kennedy, is masterful abstract acrylic polymer painting on an incised masonite panel floating in a white shadowbox in a white wood frame signed on the verso. James layers acrylic washes on masonite panels to which he adds emulsion, glazes and scraping to build up individual planes of color. The artist incorporates a sophisticated palette of primarily neutral shades of white, gray and beige. Touches of cobalt blue, yellow, brick, charcoal gray and black black energize the surface resulting in a rich and striking bejeweled composition of intersecting planes of color. In James's own words his paintings "address a fascination with essential structures and arrangements whilst exploring the linguistics of music, mathematics, dance and architecture. Pattern recognition and manipulation are common themes, and involve the resolution of space within my own abstract vocabulary, in essence solving spatial equations through paint." The results are meticulously crafted architectural landscapes of tertiary colors exquisitely ordered and balanced while simultaneously possessing rhythmic and lyrical surfaces. James Kennedy, was born in Northern Ireland and studied at the Royal Scottish Academy and Rhodec Academy of Design in London where he respectively received BA degrees in Arts and Interior and Architectural Design. He is the recipient of prestigious awards including the Golden Foundation for the Arts Residency, James Bridie Gold Medal awarded by RSA, Brooklyn Artist Gym for best in show Abstract Landscape and the Kiton Art Rising winner in 2010. Selected exhibitions include Dolby Chadwick, San Francisco, Callan Contemporary, New Orleans, John Hartell Gallery, Cornell University, Mindy Solomon, Miami, MMFA, Palm Springs, Ann Loucks Gallery, Chicago, Brooklyn Artists Gym, NY, Surface Library Gallery, East Hampton, Galerie Werner, Pittsburgh, Amy Zook...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Masonite

"Astrometry, " 2016 Large 10ft Gray and White Abstract Painting by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Astrometry" 2016, by artist James Kennedy, is a large, ten foot plus abstract acrylic painting on an incised eucalyptus masonite panel floating in a white shadow box signed on verso...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Masonite

Rufino Tamayo, Embossed Etching, Mix, "Personaje Blanco" Signed, Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here we have an early HC X/X edition of Personaje Blanco, before the whole edition was made in 1976. This is signed in crayon LR and Numbered LL. The dimensions of the sheet are 29 7...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Gouache Contemporary Portrait Painting of a Woman Signed Helen Wagner Malta 1930
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An early contemporary still-life Gouache portrait painting of a woman. On paper, this piece depicts a seated woman reclining in a brown rocking chair. She wears a hat, and her arms are crossed across her chest. Her legs are crossed at her ankles, and she wears a blue-green ankle-length skirt. This sketch was created by Helen Wagner Malta and is signed at the bottom right in black ink "Helen Wagner" before her marriage. Her later works are signed "Helen Wagner Malta". Helen Wagner Malta was born in 1912 and worked in New York City in the 1930s teaching at the Harlem Art...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

"Salon Composition" 2021 Abstract Acrylic on Panel by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Salon Composition" 2021 by artist James Kennedy, is masterful abstract acrylic polymer painting on an incised masonite panel floating in a white shadowb...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Masonite

Large Whimisical Painting on Canvas with Daisies and Slippers by Lorraine Peltz
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking and fun large oil on canvas titled Fantasy Island by contemporary artist Lorraine Peltz (American, b. 1959) signed and dated 2001 on back. The...
Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Abstract Multi-Colored Painting in Black Frame
Located in New York, NY
Acrylic on canvas abstract multi-colored square painting in a black frame by Richard Rumi, "Blue Squares".  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil on Canvas
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage framed abstract modern oil painting on canvas. Signed Hollstein. Great colors and design. In good condition with some age wear (see photos). Exact age unknown. ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Unsigned Knock Out Boxing Fight Glicee print , Framed
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Unsigned boxing Glicee print featuring a prizefighter in the moment of knocking out his opponent. The painting is framed in a gold-tone frame.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Unusual Mid Century Oil Painting
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual and well done mid century framed, oil painting, signed illegibly...De Lang or De Lancy....
Category

1950s North American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large, Signed, Framed Livio De Simone Original Hand Painted Flower on Fabric
Located in New York, NY
Large, signed, framed Livio de Simone original hand painted flower on cotton fabric. Made in Italy. Nice vibrant and bold colors. Livio de Simone - D...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Cotton

Large, Signed Livio de Simone Original Hand Painted Geometric Fabric Framed
Located in New York, NY
Large, Signed Livio de Simone original hand painted geometric shaped pattern on cotton fabric. Made in Italy. Livio de Simone, designer-artist and cre...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Cotton

Abstract Figures, Black, Beige, Orange, Brown, Turquoise & Dark Blue, circa 1977
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Sanglar was born in France in 1926. He draws with taste and talent from an early age, however, his family will only consider this a mere hobby. After studying law, he later took...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paint

Vintage Mixed-Media Painting
Located in Denton, TX
1990s modern mixed-media artwork with a combination of paint and paper on canvas. Signed Kyle Bjorklund.
Category

20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint, Paper

Large-Scale Signed Abstract Painting, 1970s
Located in Denton, TX
Large-scale signed abstract painting 1970s the signature is unreadable.
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

1980s Organic Art Form Modern Abstract Oil on Board Painting
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modern Abstract Oil on Board Painting Organic Art form Dimensions: 20W x 15.88 H Original Unrestored preowned vintage condition. Please see images.    
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Abstract Portrait Titled "Elisabeth Taylor", Peter Keil, Berlin, 1995
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Abstract portrait titled "Elisabeth Taylor", Peter Keil, Berlin, 1995 Signed and dated lower right, "Peter Keil, Berlin 95", Inscribed on reverse, "El...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Oversized Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Very busy artistry paint on canvas, artist unknown.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Oversized Abstract Painting `on Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Very large circular abstract titled Virgins.
Category

2010s North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

"Carousel" Oil on Canvas with Backlight Option by Artist Ricardo Casado Signed
Located in Miami, FL
"Carousel" Oil on Canvas with Backlight Option by Artist Ricardo Casado Signed Offered for sale is an oil on canvas titled "Carousel" with backlighting option by Cuban American arti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Meeting" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado
Located in Miami, FL
"Meeting" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado Offered for sale is a large oil on canvas titled "Meeting" by Cuban American artist Ricardo Casado signed twice an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Red Fury" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado Dated 2018
Located in Miami, FL
"Red Fury" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado Dated 2018 Offered for sale is a large oil on canvas titled "Red Fury" by Cuban American artist Ricardo Casado si...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"The Hug" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado, Dated 2018
Located in Miami, FL
"The Hug" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado, Dated 2018 Offered for sale is an oil on canvas titled "The Hug" by Cuban American artist Ricardo Casado signed t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Ejnar Hansen (1884-1965), Californian Coastline
Located in Belmont, MA
Ejnar Hansen, (1884-1965), “Californian Coastline”, oil on board. Measurement with frame: 16 X 20 inches. Ejnar Hansen was a notable figure paint...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Floral Oil on Canvas Titled Blossom
By Shigo Hirch
Located in Denton, TX
Large abstract painting signed Shigo Hirch, 1988.
Category

20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Monumental Painting "The New Freedom in Red V" by Cerj Lalonde 'Canada', 2008
By Cerj Lalonde
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Painting "The New Freedom in Red V" by Cerj Lalonde 'Canada', 2008 Offered for sale is a large original work of art by Canadian artist Cerj La...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Karel Appel, NL, 1921-2006, Biomorphics, W/C
Located in NYC, NY
Karel Appel, Dutch, 1921-2006, biomorphic figures, watercolor and graphite, circa 1971. Provenance: painted for and personally given to the superintendent of Appel's apartment buildi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Oil on Canvas by Cuban American Artist Juan Navarrette
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary Oil on Canvas by Cuban American Artist Juan Navarrette Oil on canvas titled "Traveling Eggs" by Cuban-American artist Juan A.Juan. Navarrette was born in Havana, Cuba, ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Oil On Canvas, Man Dismembered Painting, Mid Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
20th century oil painting in gilded frame. Scene depicting two naked ladies and dismembered parts of a man.
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

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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