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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
Original Liberty London 19th Century Chinese Canton Brush Painting Watercolor
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original 19th century watercolor brush painting depicting a scene of typical every day Chinese life retailed through Liberty London....
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Large Scale Tile Work by Harris G. Strong
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a master work by the artist Harris G. Strong, circa 1960. The pieces measures 43" x 73". In the original wooden frame.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Ceramic
Colleen Parker 'Australian', Oil on Board, Emus and Crows, circa 1980
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Colleen M. Parker (1944-2008) Australia, emus and crows, oil on board, signed lower right.
Educated at P.L.C. Pymble, studying art at school but otherwise largely a self taught ar...
Category
Late 20th Century Australian Modern Paintings
Materials
Masonite
Ludovico Gignoux " in the Square " Signed Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Ludovico Gignoux
" In the Square "
oil painting on canvas
signed
very good condition
early 20th century
without frame.
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Large Oil on Canvas Painting New York Signed Eric Forg
Located in Miami, FL
A very colorful oil on canvas painting by French painter Emanuelle Forq, a graduate from Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France.
Professionally framed.
Measures: 2" D x 38 1/2" W x...
Category
20th Century French Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Sven Inge Höglund, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, 1960s/70s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sven Inge Höglund (1935 - 2008), Swedish artist. Oil on canvas.
Abstract composition. 1960s / 70s.
The canvas measures: 40.5 x 33 cm.
The frame measures:...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Pulliam Abstract Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
By Pulliam
Located in Countryside, IL
Pulliam abstract framed oil painting on canvas
This painting measures: 20 wide x 2 deep x 24 inches high
This painting is in great vintage condition with minor marks, dents, an...
Category
2010s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Sven Ahlgren, Sweden, Oil on Board, Modernist Landscape with Boats
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sven Ahlgren (1922-1997), Sweden. Oil on board.
Modernist coastal scene with a fishing boat. Dated 1965.
The board measures: 29 x 16 cm.
The frame measures: 1.5 cm.
In excellent condition. A few...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Svend Aage Tauscher Oil on Canvas, Modernist Landscape
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Svend Aage Tauscher (1911-1984), Danish artist. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape. Mid-20th century.
The canvas measures: 83 x 53 cm.
The frame ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Modernist Oil on Canvas Abstract View of Chicago by James Sherman, C 1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Colorful view of Chicago from across Lake Michigan by James Sherman. Mid-sixties interpretation. Frame included in the size.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Svend Aage Tauscher, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Urban Scenery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Svend Aage Tauscher (1911-1984), Danish artist. Oil on canvas.
Modernist urban scenery with figures. Dated 1965.
The canvas measures: 40 x 30 cm...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Vintage Red Poppy Framed Oil on Canvas Painting Unsigned
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is an original oil on canvas featuring a beautiful red poppy flower. We're unsure of the age, but guessing it was made in the last 30 years. Although it is unsigned by the ar...
Category
1990s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Unknown Artist, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, Dated 1980
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unknown artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Dated 1980.
Measures: 60 x 60 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed and dated.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Guy Bourdin, Cat Drawing, Ink and Gouache on Paper, 1955
By Guy Bourdin
Located in London, GB
During the early 1950s Guy Bourdin had established himself as an artist with the eye of a painter, working primarily on paper Bourdin created images containing fascinating stories and compositions. His early experimental work bridges the gap between Surrealism and his later photography which at the time was still in its infancy.
This early cat drawing...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
R. Wagner, European Artist, Oil on Board, Geometric Composition, Dated 1970
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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
R. Wagner, European Artist, Oil on Board, Geometric Composition, Dated 1970
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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
Finger Pluckin, Lip Lockin, Hand Tappin Jam Painting Modern Art by Marcus Glenn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Finger Pluckin, Lip Lockin, Hand Tappin Jam painting Art by Marcus Glenn. Item created by Marcus Glenn (B, 1968) of Detroit, MI. This work consists of oil...
Category
2010s North American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Acryllic Painting 'Dream" by Eva Navarro
By Eva Navarro
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Eva Navarro, her work offers a critique on the ubiquitous anonymity of modern city life. After studying Fine Art at the Complutense U...
Category
Early 2000s Spanish Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
R. Wagner, European Artist, Oil on Board, Geometric Composition, Dated 1970
Located in Copenhagen, DK
R. Wagner. European artist. Oil on board. Geometric composition. Dated 1970.
The board measures: 60 x 60 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed and dated.
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Ole Bjørn Krüger, Danish Artist, Oil on Japanese Paper, Composition
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007), Danish artist. Oil on Japanese paper placed on board. Modernist composition. 1960s / 70s.
The paper measures: 78 x 62 cm.
The board measures: 84 x 68 ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Landscape Tree Painting Oil on Canvas Signed Pulliam
By Pulliam
Located in Countryside, IL
Landscape tree painting oil on canvas signed Pulliam
This painting measures: 30 wide x 1 deep x 30 inches high
This painting is in great vintage ...
Category
2010s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Jane Peterson Watercolor Painting "Spider Orchid"
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Jane Peterson watercolor painting "Spider Orchid" in an amazing silver gilt frame from a Palm Beach estate.
Note: image size is 19 1/2 width x ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings
Materials
Silver Leaf
Set of Three Horse Paintings by Mary Sprague, 1988
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of three playful horse paintings by Mary Sprague, dated 1988. Each painting is rendered in graphite and white paint against yellow and orange papers...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint, Paper
Striking Abstract Geometric Painting by John Foster
By John Foster
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Eye catching powerful abstract in red, pink and black, signed lower right, Foster.
Category
1960s North American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Koko Fukazawa, Japan, Oil on Canvas, Arrangement with Fruits
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Koko Fukazawa (1903-1993), Japan. Oil on canvas. Arrangement with fruits.
Mid-20th century.
The canvas measures: 22 x 14.5 cm.
The frame measures: 11.5 cm.
In excellent conditio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Unknown Artist, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, Dated 1980
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unknown artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Dated 1980.
Measures: 60 x 60 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed and dated.
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
21st Century Contemporary Art Wall Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extraordinary contemporary wall painting has been remarkably executed on canvas. This remarkable painting is inspired by a nostalgic mystery woman in the artist's life. The arti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Milan Klimes ii Mixed Technique on Cardboard, 1970, Czech Republic
Located in Munich, DE
This is a very vibrant & expressive work from Milan Klimes (1945 – 2013), Czech artist created in the 70s, it is a mixed technique on cardboard with a new cedar wooden frame.
The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Milan Klimes Mixed Technique on Cardboard, 1970, Czech Republic
Located in Munich, DE
This is a very vibrant & expressive work from Milan Klimes (1945 – 2013), Czech artist created in the 70s, it is a mixed technique on cardboard with a new cedar wooden frame.
The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Inside Painted Crystal, "Young Girl of Elegance" Snuff Bottle by Li Yingtao 2016
By Li Yingtao
Located in Tainan, TW
Li Yingtao, an owner of Yizhenzhai, was born in Hengshui City in 1963. He was praised as a Chinese master of splashing color in inside painting, a Master of Arts and crafts in Hebei Province, and the founder of splashing color techniques in inside painting. By now, he has been teaching and passing down this technique to his students.
Mr, Li Yingtao is one of the most outstanding disciples of the master of Chinese arts and crafts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings
Materials
Rock Crystal
Outsized Abstract Modern Painting Theo den Boon
By Theo den Boon
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Beautiful vibrant painting by Theo den Boon. According to the artist painting is like a dream, that gives access to an internal, poetic world. His compositions on canvas or paper are...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Bozena Ossowski, Oil on Canvas, 2013
By Bozena Ossowski
Located in Los Angeles, CA
stunning composition 'Black and White emotions' by Bozena Ossowski, oil on canvas, signed, monogram, certificate of authenticity by artist included, unframed.
Category
2010s German Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Painting by Hanoi Artist "The Muse", Red and Black, Large Black Frame, 2007
Located in New York, NY
Decorative large painting by Hanoi artist, "The Muse", circa 2007.
Category
Early 2000s Vietnamese Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Umar Tell, Sweden, Mixed Media on Paper, 1960s / 70s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Umar Tell (1927-2007), Sweden. Mixed media on paper. 1960s / 70s.
Visible diemesions: 46 x 35 cm.
Total dimensions: 50 x 38 cm.
The frame measures: 6.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Søren Hagen, Prairie Landscape Painting
Located in Kastrup, DK
Søren Hagen (Danish) b. 1957
Prairie landscape, Arizona.
Acrylic on canvas. Black wooden frame.
Signed Hagen 05 .
Without frame: 60 x 60 cm.
Category
Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Canvas
Set of Three Framed Mao Woodblock Prints
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking set of three framed vintage Chinese woodblock prints from a book printed in the 1960s, each depicting a different phase of Chairman ...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Machja Ruperto, Gouache on Cardboard, Abstract Composition, Late 20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Machja Ruperto. Gouache on cardboard.
Abstract composition. Late 20th century.
Cardboard measures: 89 x 67 cm.
The frame measures: 3 cm.
In excellent condition.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Watercolor by Paul Renner
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/8182 - This is an unusual painting: the famous Austrian painter Paul Renner, on the occasion of his own wedding, painted a series of watercolors as a gift to friends invited to his wedding.
This one looks like steam coming out of a magic lamp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Machja Ruperto, Gouache on Cardboard, "Yellow Mountain", Late 20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Machja Ruperto. Gouache on cardboard.
"Yellow mountain". Late 20th century.
Cardboard measures: 99 x 69 cm.
The frame measures: 5 mm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
John Mackay Original Abstract Oil Painting
Located in London, GB
A fantastic and striking original oil on board painting by the renowned artist John Mackay. This is signed and dated from 2012.
It is a great size and b...
Category
2010s British Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Joan Miro Kalender 2015
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Joan Miro Kalender 2015,
Beautiful artistic calender after the painting of Joan Miro.
This is a beautiful collectible booklet.
Category
20th Century European Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
"Stonington, Maine" Painting by Janet Sullivan Turner, Oil on Canvas
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Stonington, Maine" Painting by Janet Sullivan Turner,
oil on canvas,
Signed "J Sullivan Turner" lr,
Circa 1965.
The painting from the artist's collection signed and named Stonington, Maine.
Dimensions: Framed 24 3/4 inches x 30 3/4 inches wide, sight 24 inches high x 30 inches wide.
Condition: Good
Provenance: The Estate of the Artist
Commenting on Turner’s work, Philadelphia art critic, Dr. Burton Wasserman...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
"Beware..." Bathing Beauties Oil on Canvas, Original by Arkadi Ostromuchov
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Bathing beauties oil on canvas, original by Arkadi Ostromuchov
"Beware this is not an exercise"
Arkadiji Ostromuchov wurde in Russland geboren, und absolvierte seine Ausbildung ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
"Race", Mixed Media on Canvas by Shahen Zarookian
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-century inspired, contemporary artwork entitled, "Race", Mixed Media on Canvas by Shahen Zarookian. Acclaimed American Armenian artist and designer, Shahen Zarookian, ties togeth...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Peter Buchman "Once Upon a Time", Voice-Over Paintings Series, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Peter Buchman's "Once Upon a Time" is made of laser cut plexiglass, acrylic medium and enamel on wood. It's a part of his Voice-Over series. To explain t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Enamel
'The Banquette' by Janet Sullivan Turner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'The Banquette' by Janet Sullivan Turner
Janet Sullivan Turner (American, b 1935)
A large intriguing cubist/modern painting of couple seated i...
Category
20th Century American Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood
"Cala Di Volpe Stairway" Oil on Canvas Painting, Signed Gadziela
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vibrant rendition of the unique stairwell of the iconic Hotel Cala di Volpe. The stairwell is a famous element of the hotel, designed by architect Jacque...
Category
20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
John Mackay Original Oil Painting
Located in London, GB
A fantastic and striking original oil on board painting by the renowned artist John Mackay. This is signed and dated from 2011.
It is a great size and b...
Category
2010s British Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Ivy Lysdal, Mixed Media on Cardboard, Large Abstract Modernist Painting
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Mixed media on cardboard.
Large abstract modernist painting. Colorful palette. Late 20th century.
Measures: 144 x 113 cm.
Provena...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Erling Andersen, Denmark, Oil on Board, "Mating Dance", Dated 1965
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Erling Andersen (b. 1937), Denmark.
Oil on board. "Mating Dance".
Dated 1965.
The board measures: 81 x 19 cm.
The frame measures: 5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed and dated.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Bosco Sodi Contemporary Mixed-Media on Canvas Red Artwork, 2012
By Bosco Sodi
Located in Ibiza, Spain
"GAA21 – 12 / BS 0147"
Bosco Sodi, 2012
Mixed-media on canvas
Measures: 186 x 186 cm.
Bosco Sodi (No. 1970, Mexico City) is known for its large-sc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Scandinavian Artist, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. 1980s.
The canvas measures: 40.5 x 32.5 cm.
The frame measures: 1.5 cm.
In excellent ...
Category
1980s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Geometric Abstract Multi Color Dutch Painting
Located in London, GB
Dynamic geometric abstract painting on canvas by Dutch artist Eric Pool 2009 titled; 'T.H.E. Typical Heroic Exclusive'. The geometric pattern is like a quilt or patchwork of refined ...
Category
Early 2000s Dutch Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Geometric Graphic Colorful 20th Century Artwork by Dutch Artist Ger Dekker
By Ger Dekker
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Recently, the work of Dutch artist Ger Dekker (1943 – 2020) was discovered in Egmond-Binnen, The Netherlands. A true find according to many, these impressive works in a highly person...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Karl Drerup Enamel Metal and Sterling Silver, Plaque/Brooch/Pin Picture, Signed
By Karl Drerup
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Master enamelist Karl Drerup, known as one of the best mid century painters on fire . DK mark. Mounted in Sterling silver frame and also marked Jo...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Metal
Impressionistic Beach Scene by Niek van der Plas
Located in Lantau, HK
Niek van der Plas is a Dutch painter born in 1954, he paints impressionist scenes of Holland's beaches and dunes, bulb fields, city scenes in Amsterdam and Maastricht and other typic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
"Los Angeles Abstract Skyline", Mixed Media on Canvas by Shahen Zarookian
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-century inspired, contemporary artwork entitled, "Los Angeles Abstract Skyline", Mixed Media on Canvas by Shahen Zarookian. Acclaimed American Arm...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Oil Painting on Board by Igor Melnikov ‘Fly Away I’ with Artist Painted Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Oil on board by Russian painter Igor Melnikov titled “Fly Away I” in 1996. Referenced in the Book on Melnikov’s work titled ‘Pictures’.
Of the modern period.
Category
Late 20th Century Russian 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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