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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Harry Hilson 1980s Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting on Paper
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s abstract acrylic on paper landscape painting by American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Gestural lines come together to create a vibrant abstract landscape with rolling hil...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Mid 20th Century Fauvist Style Figurative Nude Oil Painting
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Great period piece. 1962. Signed and dated. Redlich. Nude woman in red turbin.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Leave the Burden for the Next Generation by Amela Rasi, Germany 2022
Located in Chicago, IL
A large scale abstract mixed media painting by German artist Amela Rasi. This piece is presented on a cotton and linen canvas + was created using pigments and acrylic. 2022. Amela R...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas

Monica Perez "A Magical Life" Original Acrylic & Charcoal Painting on Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Monica Perez "A Magical Life" Re-encuentro Collection Original Acrylic & Charcoal Painting on Canvas, 2023. W 80" x H 48" Monica Perez’s works are expres...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Abstract Oil Painting titled Cement Truck, Quay Gallery tag
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Abstract oil painting titled Cement Truck. Gallery tag on back from the Quay Gallery, 2 Jerome Alley, San Francisco, California. We replaced the old black frame with a new frame. ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Barefoot Through the Wet Grass by Amela Rasi, Germany 2022
Located in Chicago, IL
A large scale abstract mixed media painting by German artist Amela Rasi. This piece is presented on a cotton canvas + was created using pigments, acrylic and oil pastels. 2022. Amel...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas

Bram Bogart Modern Painting "Oktober", circa 1996, Belgium
Located in Girona, Spain
Bram Bogart Painting "Oktober" Very decorative. acrylic paint. Signed by the painter. Circa 1996, Belgium. Very good condition. Modernism is both a philosophical and arts movement th...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Lawrence Glickman Abstraction Acrylic on Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Lawrence Glickman (American, XX- XXI) Abstraction acrylic painting on canvas and wood, unsigned, with a previous painting covered over with white paint by the artist on the back, unf...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Pair of 10" x 14" Gouache Paintings by Lana Sexton
Located in Norwalk, CT
A pair of constructivist gouache paintings by Lana Sexton on white archival watercolor paper. Titled Traverse I & II, signed and dated 2023. The idea behind Lana's abstract geometry...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Robert Quigley Signed Modern Cityscape Abstract Oil Painting on Board Framed
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A bright and expressive mid-century modern oil painting on board by Robert Quigley. Signed bottom right as well as verso. A unique addition to a modern or contemporary space. Created...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Heartbeat
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Author unknown, Heartbeat Acrylic on canvas Work signed Margu-20 on the back of the canvas Work dimensions 60/40 Unframed work Work in original vintage condition.
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Harry Hilson 1980s Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting on Paper
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s abstract acrylic on paper mountainous landscape painting by American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Gestural lines come together to create a vibrant abstract landscape with...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson 1980s Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting on Paper
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s abstract acrylic on paper mountainous landscape painting by American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Gestural lines come together to create a vibrant abstract landscape with...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Abstract Monotype by Victor Gomez 1985 Acrylic Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Colorful Abstract Monoprint by Cuban American Victor Gomez (1941-Cuba). Color palette of pink, purple, red, and chocolate brown on white paper background. Museum framed in original acrylic frame. Monoprint or monotype is a process where a single impression of an image made from a reusable wood block, litho stone...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paint

Pair of Gouache and Acrylic Modern Abstract Framed Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of wonderful Modern Paintings using Gouache and acrylic paint. The pieces are not signed, but are a great duo - the larger is 10"wide x 8.5 Tall, the smaller is 7.5 Wide x 8" t...
Category

20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Dry Feet in the Ocean by Amela Rasi, Germany 2022
Located in Chicago, IL
A large scale abstract mixed media painting by German artist Amela Rasi. This piece is presented on a cotton canvas + was created using pigments and oil pastels. 2022. Amela Rasi is...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

“God of Panic”, acrylic on canvas
Located in Chicago, IL
“God of Panic”, created by the late immensely talented artist, Larry Roberts. This piece is one of the last in a series he created in 2009. Acrylic on canvas. His abstract, figur...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Reinhard Omir (1936) Painting „Bank of England“ 1986
Located in Handewitt, DE
'80s-Art: Reinhard Omir (1936). Acrylic painting on canvas, „Bank of England“ 1986. Signed and titled on the back of the painting.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

BOON Willem (1902-1982) Abstract Art Oilpainting
By Abstracta
Located in Handewitt, DE
BOON Willem (1902-1982), abstract composition. Oil on canvas 1981. Well known dutch painter of abstract art. In a small white wood frame.
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

1930s French Seascape in Watercolor by Frank William Boggs 'Frank-Will, Naudin'
By Frank William Boggs
Located in COLMAR, FR
A small seascape in pencil and watercolor by the French post-impressionist painter Frank William Boggs (1900-1951). He mainly painted under the pseudonyms Frank-Will and later in lif...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Paint, Paper

Contemporary Modern Abstract Acrylic Painting on Wood Framed White Black Red
Located in Berlin, DE
This painting has heavily textured acrylics in multicolored on wood. The artist created the piece using multiple techniques like palet knife, brush and pencil. The series is call...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Plywood

Vintage Japanese Abstract Oil on Canvas Yoshi c1979
Located in San Francisco, CA
Handsome vintage abstract oil on canvas by unknown Japanese artist, signed "Yoshi 1979". Excellent use of color and texture, mounted in ...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Leonardo Nierman Signed 1970s “Cosmic Wind” Oil on Board Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1970s oil on board painting by the Mexican artist Leonardo Nierman (1932-2023). Titled Cosmic Wind, this abstract and vibrant work depicts a swooping gust of color rushing across a...
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Abstract Twisted Ribbon Mixed Media Collage
Located in Seguin, TX
Circa early 21st century abstract mixed media collage. Acrylic on paper mounted on mat board. Unsigned. Unframed, edge wear.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Modern Abstract Painting Signed R. Monti
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Modern Abstract Painting Signed R. Monti. Featuring a square shape, an abstract still life of a kitchen table, a signed bottom right corner, and a beautiful gol...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

"Pandemic 7", Acrylic on Canvas by Esther Ritz
Located in Dallas, TX
Esther Ritz, born New York City, has been working as an abstract painter and contemporary artist in Dallas for the last twenty years. She is represented at...
Category

2010s North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Cane, Paint

Weeping clown
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Weeping clown signed with the monogram H.
Category

2010s Slovak Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Irene Zevon Modern Abstract Oil on Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Irene Zevon (American, 1918-2006) Modern abstract Cubist oil painting on canvas, signed and dated 1961 lower right, framed. Dimensions: Image: 35.75" H x 23.75" W; frame 36.75" H x ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Original Mixed Media Gold Foil Botanical Floral Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage mixed media botanical painting on canvas featuring leaves and flowers with gilded gold foil accents. Signed lower right. Purchased from a gallery in Boca Raton Fl. 50".
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Foil

Contemporary Gregory Wilhelmi Caseys Bar Billings Montana Painting
Located in Seguin, TX
Oil on canvas titled Firewater by Gregory Wilhelmi. Shows bar front of the old Caseys Golden Pheasant of Billings Montana. Signed lower right corne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Harry Sandberg, Swedish artist. Abstract composition. Oil on board. 1968.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Harry Sandberg, Swedish artist. Abstract composition. Oil on board. 1968. Signed. In excellent condition. Dimensions: W 70 cm. x H 61 cm.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Elena Bond Hand Embellished Giclee Art Titled "Storm on the Plaza"
Located in Miami, FL
A fine decorative piece of art by Elena Bond, titled "Storm on the Plaza", created 2009. Hand embellished giclee on canvas. Professionally framed, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Uzbek Modern Paintings

Materials

Chrome

Original Framed Portrait of a Woman, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in San Francisco, CA
Lovely original framed portrait of a woman, acrylic on canvas with ornate frame. Artist and provenance unknown. Beautifully adorns a wall either on its...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Leif Ottar, Danish artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas. Approx. 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Leif Ottar, Danish artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas. Approx. 1970s Signed on the reverse. In excellent condition. Dimensions: W 51.0 x H 41.0 cm. Total dimensions: W 53.5 ...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Woven Patter" Abstract Painting by Jill Davenport 'American, 1930-2019', Signed
Located in Chicago, IL
Abstract oil on canvas painting by Jill Davenport (American, 1930-2019), "Woven Patter" - approximate from 1980s. Warm, earthy color palette, hints at t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Modern School Triptych, Ex. Wolf Kahn and Emily Mason Collection
Located in Morristown, NJ
Modern School (20th/21st c.), triptych, one part painted on foil, mounted on wood, the others possibly paper mounted on wood, verso of blocks marked "11" and "1, 2 and 3". Describ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Foil

"Color Box" Oil Painting on Panel by Jon Serl
By Jon Serl
Located in Skokie, IL
Jon Serl (American/California, 1894-1993) "Color Box" oil painting on panel, date unknown. Solo exhibitions: 1981 "The Personal Vision of Jon Serl" Newport Harbor...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Wood

Ellerdaren, Swedish artist. Abstract composition. Oil on plate. 1958
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ellerdaren, Swedish artist, abstract composition. Oil on plate. ”Helgmålsringning” (Tolling the bells). 1958. In excellent condition. Signed. Dimensions: 36.0 x 44.0 cm. Total dimen...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Peter A. Kotka, Stiil Life with Bottle of 1997 Chateau Belgrave Haut Medoc
Located in Downingtown, PA
Peter A. Kotka, Stiil Life with Bottle of 1997 Chateau Belgrave Grand Cru Classe, Glass & Cheese Oil on Linen Panel, Signed lower right. The Framed trompe l'oeil still life of a...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Orange & Black Painting
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage late 20th century abstract acrylic on heavy paper painting. In orange, black, blue, green, red and purple. Unsigned. Unframed.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Rolf Gjedsted (1947-2022), Danish artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rolf Gjedsted (1947-2022), Danish artist. "Kirkegaard"- churchyard, abstract composition. Oil on canvas. 1973. Signed in the lower right corner. In excellent condition. Dimensions: 6...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Watercolor "The Iron Worm" by Street Artist "Daze" NYC 1988
Located in Malibu, CA
New York City surrealist original watercolor by street artist Daze signed *88. Framed, on 100% cotton rag paper.
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Vintage Norman Lundin “White Tablecloth, Late Afternoon” c1983
By Norman Lundin
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original pastel on paper by well listed artist, Norman Lundin c1983. Titled “White Tablecloth, Late Afternoon”. Accompanied with a gallery tag from The Allport Gallery in San Francis...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Vintage Seascape Painting in Giltwood Frame
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage seascape acrylic painting in giltwood frame. Signed and dated at lower left: Eriaine 1981; Inscribed in Danish at the back. A loose translation of the title: "The Sea is Migh...
Category

1980s Belgian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Giltwood

Large oil painting by Theo van der Horst showing a girl and sailor
Located in Beerse, VAN
Large oil painting by Theo van der Horst, 1975. Theo van der Horst (1921-2003 Arnhem Netherlands) is an expressionist painter with a great sense of colour. He was inspired by the pr...
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

G. Rosso, Belgian artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas. Late 20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
G. Rosso, Belgian artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas. Late 20th c. Signed on the back. Stamp from a gallery in Brussels. Dimensions: 50 x 40 cm.
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Scandinavian painter. Musicians. Oil on panel. In modernist style. 1970s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian painter. Musicians. Oil on panel. In modernist style. 1970s. Signed: Strand In excellent condition. Dimensions: W 63.5 x H 49.0 cm. Total dimensions: 75.5 x 61.0 cm.
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Penny Purpura Interior Scene Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
Penny Purpura (American, XX-XXI) New York studio figurative oil on canvas depicting an interior scene with a man and a woman sitting back to back, appare...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Tyler Murphy Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
Tyler Murphy Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting on Canvas Offered for sale is a colorful contemporary abstract painting on canvas by Tyler Murphy. The painting is signed i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Painting By Olivia Holm-Møller 'Dancing Women'
By Olivia Holm-Møller
Located in Kastrup, DK
Olivia Holm-Møller (Danish, 1875-1970). Painting: 'Dancing Women'. Oil on wood panel. Artwork size: 63.5 x 53.5 cm. Framed. Signeret OHM
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Plywood

Vintage Warren Fischer Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Warren Fischer abstract oil painting. Offered for sale is an abstract oil painting on canvas by the American artist Warren Fischer (1943-2001). The painting is part of the...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Annemette Lichtenberg, Blå, Brun M/Huse, 1993, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Annemette Lichtenberg, Blå, Brun M/Huse, 1993 Acrylic on canvas Work dated and signed by the artist on the back of the canvas Work dimensions 54/52 Framed work Annemette Lichtenberg...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Lage Löfdahl, STRUT, Oil on Board, 1980s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Lage Löfdahl, STRUT, 1980s Oil on the board Number 12 The work is individually numbered and signed by the artist Dimensions 40/44 Unframed work Lage Löfdahl is a Swedish painter and...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Figurative Abstract Oil Painting by Warren Fischer
Located in Miami, FL
Figurative abstract oil painting by Warren Fischer (1943-2001) titled "Pandora's Box #3" dated 1995. Offered for sale is a figurative abstract oil on canvas by the American artist W...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Original Roger Etienne Modernist Landscape Oil Painting, 1990s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Modernist Original Roger Etienne Landscape Oil Painting. Etienne’s large Paris landscapes are desirable among collectors as he painted only a few. Additional information: Materi...
Category

20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Midcentury Oil on Canvas Painting Merchants in an Old Jerusalem Market Setting
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Midcentury impressionist view of a market possibly in Old Jerusalem. Great color and subject matter. Signed but cannot decipher. Period 1960s Frame.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Hardwood, Paint

Oil Painting on Panel, Signed "Linda Le Kinff", Mathilde Et Les Echec
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Oil Painting on Panel, signed "Linda Le Kinff", Mathilde et les Echecs" Painting with the title "Mathilde et les Echecs", Beautiful Oil on panel, well framed, by Linda Le Kinff, ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Nils Böcklin, Composition, Oil on Board, 1960s, Framed
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Nils Böcklin Oil on the board Work signed by the artist Dimensions 24/45 Framed work Work in original vintage condition. Minor scratches on the frame.
Category

1960s European Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

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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