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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Dagny Cassel '1908-1988', Sweden, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Interior with Flowers
Located in København, Copenhagen
Dagny Cassel (1908-1988), Sweden. Oil on canvas. Modernist interior with flowers. Mid-20th century. The canvas measures: 63 x 52 cm. The frame measures: 8 cm. In excellent condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

16 William Gropper Oil Painted Dishes
Located in Sharon, CT
Four sets of four: cup, saucer, dinner plate and bowl, with paintings of mythological subjects on each by William Gropper. Russel Wright "American Modern" Steubenville provides the s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Ceramic

Oil-Painting by Jean Thomas (1923- 2019): 'An Isolated Farm; Verdon Canyon'
Located in NICE, FR
Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, Jean Thomas began exhibiting his works as early as 1946. Following in the footsteps of the great painters of modernity, his early paintin...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Erik Hoppe Painting of a Winter Landscape with Houses
Located in Kastrup, DK
Erik Hoppe, 1897-1968. Winter landscape with houses. Oil on Masonite. Signed EH. 1931. Measures: Small painting Without frame 17 x 29 cm. With frame 23 x 36 cm. Danish painter who is remembered for his paintings from the Copenhagen area, especially those with young ladies in the park at Valby. Hoppe also mastered the effects of light and colour. His earlier work is typified by greens and dull shades but later he produced compositions benefitting from bright sunlight. His style reflects the peculiarly Danish form of modernism, initially based on the sombre everyday-realism of around 1930.[1] Affinities with the work of Edvard Weie and Harald Giersing...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Masonite

Expressionist Crayon Drawing by Bauhaus Artist Hans Kessler
Located in New York, NY
Crayon drawing of a 1920s German theatrical scene by Bauhaus Artist, Hans Kessler. Hans Kessler was a student at the Bauhaus Dessau and studied under B...
Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Paintings

Materials

Crayon

Artwork Painting 'after' Matisse, circa Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful early 20th century artwork painting study after artist Henri Matisse (French b. Dec. 31 1869 d. Nov. 3 1954.) Female on lounge ch...
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Peder Brøndum Sørensen. Oil on canvas. "Figures and Houses by the Sea."
Located in København, Copenhagen
Peder Brøndum Sørensen (1931-2003), Danish painter. Oil on canvas. "Figures and Houses by the Sea." Modernist motif. 1972. Signed. In perfect condition. Dimensions: 41 cm x 31 cm. T...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Copy of a painting titled "Arab Song"
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a painting titled "Arab Song" by Paul Klee (c 1932) interpreted as a cubist design in orange, yellow & green in a gold frame Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Peter Keil Abstract Painting, Framed
Located in Bradenton, FL
Peter Keil abstract painting with vibrant colors of red, yellow, and blue. Framed and signed by artist. Certificate of Authenticity included.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Painting from the 1940s, Golden, Mid-Century Art, Blue, Chocolate & White Colors
Located in New York, NY
Decorative painting from the 1940s. Painting has a beautiful gold frame with a linen liner.
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

French Surrealist Oil Painting Signed Jamotte, 1964
Located in Houston, TX
Fantastic French surrealist oil painting on canvas, signed Jamotte, 1964, Riquewihr, France (A famous artist colony in the Alsace region). This Frenc...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

"Ultrablue Garden 06" by Patrick Burns
Located in Chicago, IL
"Concrete Gardens" is a body of work that translates Patrick Burns' deep love of the land and complicated past into richly textured, mixed-media paintings with reverberating, monochr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Concrete, Other

B. McKay, 'La Jolla', Framed Watercolor Painting, Signed & Dated, circa 2000
Located in Chatham, ON
B. McKAY - 'La Jolla' - Vintage watercolor painting on paper - signed and dated lower right - titled and dated verso - contained in a bronze finish metal frame - finished with a sing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Vintage Watercolor & Sepia Painting on Paper - Signed - Canada - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage watercolor and sepia painting on watercolor paper - indistinctly signed verso - dated in pencil on the back - vintage double matte with beveled edges - Canada - circa 1975. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

'Game of Thrones' Style Surrealist Interior Portrait by Bruce Winston Hafley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Game of Thrones' Style Surrealist Interior Portrait by Bruce Hafley USA, 1990s This captivating oil on board painting by Bruce Hafley, created in the 1990s, showcases his modern su...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Italian, Abstract Oil on Canvas by Fausta Dossi, Milan, 1994
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning abstract oil on canvas by noted Italian artist from Milan, Fausta Dossi, dated 1994. Title: "Reliquire" Relics. Copy of artist's gallery catalog included with the sale. Se...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Chinese Water Color Painting of Riverside Village with Boat
Located in Greenwich, CT
Framed Chinese water color of riverside village with boat with one artist seal. Overall size: 19.5 width, 26" high Image size: 14 1/4" width, 20" ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Vintage Abstract Fox Hunt Horse Painting in Gouache and Ink Watercolor
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Abstract Fox Hunt Horse Painting in Gouache and Ink Watercolor Offered for sale is a vintage modern abstract gouache watercolor with ink horse them...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Painting on Canvas a View From a Beach House by Armando Mejia
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing acrylic painting on canvas with an ocean view through open doors under a stained glass transom, with a rocking chair draped with a Cuban flag. Signed by noted Cuban artist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cuban Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Three Framed Drawings by Paul Chidlaw
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of three framed gestural drawings by Paul Chidlaw (1900-1989) depicting flocks of birds rendered in black ink on paper. Paul Chidlaw was an earl...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

"Tree Talk" by Ren Hui
Located in Chicago, IL
Entitled "Tree Talk," this exquisite painting by Chinese artist Ren Hui celebrates the beauty of nature with an abstracted view of a tangle of tree branches. Using a style he calls “...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Francine Tint (Am. B. 1943) Large Figural Painting Titled "3 Sisters" 1990
Located in Bridgeport, CT
About the Artist: Francine Tint is a contemporary American artist known for abstract expressionist painting. She studied at Pratt Institute and Brooklyn Museum college, and has exhib...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paint, Paper

Eric Göran Gustavsson, Swedish Artist, Oil on Board, Abstract Landscape
Located in København, Copenhagen
Eric Göran Gustavsson. Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract landscape. In perfect condition. The canvas measures: 91 cm x 72 cm. The frame measures: 1 cm. Signed.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Thomas Stokes Abstract Painting, 1960
Located in Savannah, GA
Thomas Phelps Stokes (American, 1934-1993) An abstract oil on panel, 1960 From the estate of Chuck Howard and inscribed on verso to Howard; both lived in Santa Fe in the late 6...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large 1930s Oil Painting of Moroccan Seller of Kelims and Jewels by Hein Froonen
By Hein Froonen
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Beautiful oil painting made by the Dutch master Hendricus Albertus Gerardus Froonen, better known to the world as Hein Froonen (1878-1958). This work was made in 1932 and depicts ...
Category

1930s Dutch Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Painting by Peter Keil, C 1976, Framed in Silver Frame, Large Acrylic on Paper
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

Abstract #1 Oil on Canvas by Milo Kekav?
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous abstract with bold coloring. Artist left a wide unpainted border to enhance and pronounce his works. 3 available. Can be parcel posted.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Dali Style Surrealist Painting on Reverse Glass by Ico Kovacic
Located in Miami, FL
Dali Style Surrealist Painting on Reverse Glass by Ico Kovacic A fine mixed-media surrealist or abstract painting on reverse glass by listed Croatian artist, Ico Kovacic, on glass. The image is painted in the manner of several by famous Salvador Dali. Ico Kovacic is one of the artist who helped develop the Croatian Naïve Art...
Category

1980s Croatian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Peter Keil Abstract Painting on Board
Located in Bradenton, FL
Peter Keil abstract painting on board, unframed. Signed on front by artist, along with ‘'Berlin '75’. Bright orange, green, blue and pink colors. On back signed by artist, "Downtown Miami, A real good guy...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Stig Wernheden, well listed Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract landscape.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Wernheden (1921-1997), a well-listed Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract landscape. Coloristic palette. Signed and dated 1958. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Width 96 cm ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

André Derain Framed 'Amiens' Color Lithography, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Original 'Amiens' color lithograph by André Derain. Lithograph printed from an original painting made by the author in France, circa 1947. Published by Mourlot in Collection Pi...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Helen Allois Signed Original Oil Canvas impressionist Painting Disappearances 8
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful original oil on canvas painting by German-born American artist Helen Allois (who artistically simply goes by Allois). This work titled "Disapp...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Masquerade Digital Painting
Located in Milan, IT
This digital painting symbolizes the restraints imposed by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. A woman's face is masked by a flutter of bird wings. Her gaze shines through, seeking freedo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Cotton

Abstract Painting, “Winter2”
Located in Ljubljana, SI
“Winter2”, Abstract Painting Dimensions: 40cm x 40cm x 1,5 cm Technique: Acrylic on canvas Author: Miha Zorz Year: 2020
Category

15th Century and Earlier Slovenian Antique Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Abstract Painting, “Winter2”
Abstract Painting, “Winter2”
$755 Sale Price
20% Off
Andy Nelson Original Modern "Tribal" Abstract 70s Painting Beverly Hills
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This is a rare painting done by the West Coast artist, Andy Nelson (1920-1996). This painting was painting #40, part of a gallery show Mr. Nelson had in 1972 in Los Angeles. Andy Nelson's works are in the permanent collection of the Palm Springs Art...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

French artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas.
Located in København, Copenhagen
French artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas. Indistinctly signed and dated 1966. In great condition. Dimensions: 40.0 x 32.0 cm. / 43.0 x 35.5 cm. with frame
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid-Century Modern Acrylic Painting
Located in Medina, OH
Beautiful mid-century modern acrylic painting. This is in great condition, it does not have imperfections that I can see. It would be a great a...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Gery Scalzo Polyhedric Sunbeam Sicilian Poppy Landscape Painting
Located in New York, NY
Sunbeam Sicilian poppy polyhedric landcape painting signed Gery Scalzo.. Gery Scalzo’s paintings usually start from real subjects ( often natural landscapes ) that, following his ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Leif Ottar, Danish artist. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas. Approx. 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
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

Original Charcoal and Acrylic Media by Kelly Devine, Titled Indispensable Power
By Kelly Devine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kelly finds inspiration pertaining to controversial topics through various literary pieces. She will then use some pages from the novel she has chosen as the canvas to paint her inte...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Ben Schonzeit "Two Protea" Large Acrylic on Canvas, 1989 'Signed'
By Ben Schonzeit
Located in New York, NY
Large original acrylic on canvas "Two Protea" by Ben Schonzeit, American 1989, signed and dated on reverse with gallery label that reads: (Ben Schonzeit “Two Protea, Acrylic on canva...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Wood

Enrico Della Torre Contemporary Art Black Painting on Canvas
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Painting in charcoal on canvas made by Enrico Dellatorre. The expressive vision of Enrico is an exploration of space in the painting, an attempt to bring to the limits its capacity ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Linen

Max Marra Italian Tempera on Paper
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Conte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper, Wood

Painting by Peter Keil, Green Color, Modern Art, Acrylic on Hard Board, C 1988
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

1980s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Large Mixed Media Painting by Tricia Strickfaden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the striking "Large Mixed Media Painting" by renowned artist Tricia Strickfaden - a captivating piece that effortlessly blends modern artistry with timeless elegance. Thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Fusion 2 Dark Blue, Gold Leaf
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Fusion is a collection of handcrafted unique pieces blending the three dimensional objects with their background, combining functionality and free forms, sculpture and painting. In f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Expressionist Watercolor Modernist Movement Still Life, Signed
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Expressionist watercolor Modernist movement still life, signed. Beautiful Expressionist still life watercolor in delicate pastel hues. Painted on paper and layed down in a loose t...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Jane Gilday Masterwork, "Harvest Pastoral"
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jane Gilday masterwork, "Harvest Pastoral" Oval giltwood with incised and painted landscape Titled, signed and dated on reverse "Harvest Pastoral Oct. 1...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Giltwood

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 an...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas

R. Wagner, European Artist, Oil on Board, Geometric Composition, Dated 1970
Located in København, Copenhagen
R. Wagner. European artist. Oil on board. Geometric composition. Dated 1970. The board measures: 56 x 46 cm. In excellent condition. Signed and dated.
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

David Hewitt, Listed British Artist, Landscape, Oil on Board
Located in København, Copenhagen
David Hewitt (1878-1939), a listed British artist. “In the Pass of Aberglaslyn – facing south” (Wales) Oil on board. In excellent condition. Dimensi...
Category

Early 20th Century British Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Full Moon Digital Painting
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning limited edition artwork is a digital pictorial piece made by assembling photographs and illustrations. The pop-surrealist artwork is inspired by the 1968 visionary film...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Cotton

Large Chinese Contemporary Animated Landscape Signed Panel Painted on Paper
Located in Miami, FL
Large painting signed on the right top. Very pleasant animated landscape full of positive and aerial atmosphere. Few figures going around and sailing on small boats on the river. E...
Category

1990s Chinese Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

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

Modern Pop Abstract Painting
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of an abstract painting in a Modern Pop style in red, green, blue yellow and black against a plaid background. Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Modern Signed Italian Portrait of Young Woman
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful, intense and evocative pastel-painted portrait of a young woman by Italian artist Dante Ricci The protagonist of our work, with her turtleneck jumper and her sweet but de...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Portrait Pastel Painting of a Woman in Purple, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A monumental portrait illustration in pastel chalk on paper. Created by the late Oklahoma artist Clair Seglem, this striking piece of artwork is de...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Art Nouveau Antique Vintage Lithograph Satin Skin Powder by Albert F. Wood
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautiful and authentic antique advertising poster for “Satin Skin Powder,” created by Albert F. Wood in Detroit around 1903. This vibrant lithograph is inspired by the Art Nouveau...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Painting on Canvas of Formal Garden by John Hulse
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sophisticated original on canvas by listed artist John Hulse having lyrical landscape of a formal garden with limited color pastel color palette against a stylized white sky. Signed...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

André Derain Framed 'Les Deux Hangars' Color Lithography, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Original 'Les Deux Hangars' color lithograph by André Derain. Lithograph printed from an original painting made by the author in France, circa 1947. Published by Mourlot in Col...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

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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