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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Sea Waves by Juraj Huliak
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
The image depicts a sea waves. The author of the work is Juraj Huliak, a very talented young artist from Slovakia. Technique acrylic on cardboard, framed in ...
Category

Late 20th Century Slovak Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Man in the Theatre by Juraj Huliak
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
The painting depicts a man sitting in a theatre, watching a horror drama. The artist has incorporated several skulls depicting the atmosphere of the play. The author of the work is J...
Category

Late 20th Century Slovak Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Puwamoz Framed Pair of Flowers Painting
Located in Countryside, IL
Puwamoz framed pair of flowers painting. This painting measures: 34 wide x 1.75 deep x 34 inches high. This painting is in great Vintage conditio...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Hunt Slonem 1951 'Red Ascension, Oil on Canvas 2008
Located in Bellport, NY
Hunt Slonem's most iconic subject "Butterflies" titled 'Red Ascension" Oil on canvas. A simple subject brought to life with his genuine love of nature ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Basket of Eggs" Painting on Board by Chicago Artist Stanley Mitruk 1958
Located in Chicago, IL
Painting on board of an atmospheric still life of eggs in a cloth draped basket by Chicago artist Stanley Mitruk titled "Basket of Eggs", dated 1958. Measurements given below are ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Wood

"Elusion II" Abstract Mixed-Media Painting by Louis Shields
Located in Middleburg, VA
An eye-catching composition from Louis Shields' Reductive Series, Elusion II explores form, fragmentation, and the interplay of bold primary tones with subdued pastels. This abstract...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Paint, Fabric

Karoly Fulop, The Baptism, Polychromed Ceramic Panel, circa 1950s
By Karoly Fulop 1
Located in New York, NY
Karoly Fulop (Hungarian, 1893-1963.) 'The Baptism' polychrome glazed ceramic signed to reverse 28" H x 24" W x 1.5" D A framed polychromed Art Deco ceramic panel, by multi-media arti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hungarian Modern Paintings

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Vintage Monumental Original Oil Portrait on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating vintage oil portrait on canvas showcases a striking composition of vivid colors and impeccable detail. The artwork features a mesmerizing depiction of a woman's face...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Contemporary Abstract Multicolored Painting by Felix Bachmann, 19th. Frame
Located in Berlin, DE
Felix Bachmann's contemporary abstract multicolored painting, presented in a 19th-century frame, is a compelling fusion of modern artistry and historical elegance. The painting feat...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Beech, Plywood, Paint

Lyle Braden Abstract Painting, 1983
Located in Raleigh, NC
An incredible original oil on canvas board. This piece realized in the early 80s and shows wonderful contrast and movement. a study of light and color with a unique composition. Piec...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Modern Abstract painting "Connect the Dots" by Jolijn de Veer, Dijkman
Located in Vinkel, NL
This beautiful work is a creation of Jolijn de Dijkman – de Veer. An artist from the Netherlands who is known for surprising works and different styles. She consciously does not opt ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paint, Paper

French Nude Portrait Oil Painting Jose Vilato Ruiz Fin (1916-1969) Monumental
Located in Cookeville, TN
A layer of mystique surrounds this life-size nude painting of a beautiful redheaded lady, acquired from an Estate in France. It is signed twice on the reverse, 'Fin" and E Janssen, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Emily Tan Copper and Sage Green Abstract Drip Painting with String
By (after) Jackson Pollock
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Contemporary Abstract Expressionist drip painting by Tampa artist, Emily Tan. The copper and sage paint ignites the plywood surface with cosmic energy. It’s as if Tan has captured the essence of the “Big Bang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Paint, String

Abstract Acrylic 'Siesta Sunrise Big Sur' Acrylic on Canvas Painting Andrew Plum
Located in Montreal, QC
Abstract Acrylic painting, titled:' Siesta Sunrise Big Sur' Acrylic on Canvas painting; California painting; Signed verso: PLUM; Canvas size 8" x 10"; Dated: April 2014. Andrew Plum ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

French Impressionist Oil Impressionist Painting by Charles Feola Paris Scene
Located in Toledo, OH
Oil on canvas by Charles Feola, 1917-1994. Impressionist painting on canvas of a Paris street scene. Signed lower right. Very nice condition. Image size ...
Category

20th Century European Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Framed Abstract Geometric Gouache on Paper by Stevan Kissel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Framed abstract geometric gouache on paper by Stevan Kissel Signed: Stevan Kissel Los Angeles, CA. Beautifully framed.
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

"Paradise" Oil on Canvas Painting by Vicente Puig
Located in Dubai, AE
Large oil on canvas painting, in an octagonal silvered frame. Depicting Eve with a Parrot in a paradise garden. Signed "V.Puig" at the bottom. ABOUT VICENTE PUIG Vicente Puig (1882...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Contemporary Abstract Art Dated 1982 Signature Illegible, Painting on Hardboard
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary abstract art dated 1982 signature illegible, painting on hardboard. Measures: H 117cm, L 90cm.
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Setlur Gopal Vasudev Painting
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful large 1976 abstraction titled "Kalpanika" (Imaginary) by Indian artist Setlur Gopal Vasudev (b. 1941) is pure visual delight. A cacophony of squiggly lines, shapes, pa...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Pair of oils on canvas " The hands" Filippo Manfroni hyperrealism Context Art Miami
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
The Wonderful World at the Edge of Hyperealism by Philip Manfroni contemporary art First, hyperealism, an evolution of realist art, contemporary art that captures reality with mind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Andrew Plum Venus Sunrise Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2020
Located in Montreal, QC
“Venus Sunrise” is an original, one of a kind, purple, yellow, white, black, blue, contemporary, acrylic on canvas, abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Abstract Painting by Danish Artist M. Thomsen in 1994
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This 1994 Abstract Expressionist acrylic painting captures a vivid and dynamic composition, characterized by its bold use of color and expressive technique. Bright hues of red, orang...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Pierre Fortin Modern Figurative Abstract Charcoal Painting Titled MSM Delirium
Located in Montreal, QC
Charcoal on Paper mounted on Wood Panel; titled: MSM Delirium; approx size: 48" x 48" x 1.5" deep; Artist Pierre Fortin Signed and Dated 2020 on the back...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Gorman Framed Pair of Flowers Painting
Located in Countryside, IL
Gorman framed pair of flowers painting This painting measures: 34 wide x 1.75 deep x 34 inches high This painting is in Great Vintage Condition w...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vitaly Dlugy White Chair, 1989 Oil on Canvas
Located in Manhasset, NY
Vitaly Dlugy (Russian 1934-1990) white chair, 1989 oil on canvas. Signed and dated bottom center. Prov. Christies NYC Vitaly Dlugy was a Russian Postwar and contemporary painter...
Category

Late 20th Century Russian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Andrew Plum Por Una Cabeza Amor Contemporary Still Life Painting, 2016
Located in Montreal, QC
“Por Una Cabeza Amor” is an original, one of a kind painting. Red, blue, green, black, yellow, gray, contemporary, acrylic on wood panel still life painting. Vibrant pops of color wo...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Yohannah de Oliveira ‘Nous’ Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2021
Located in Montreal, QC
“Nous” is an original, one of a kind contemporary, acrylic on linen Abstract Painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Yohann...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Benjamin Rankin Modern Painting "The Art of Noises", 2014
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern oil on canvas painting; titled “The Art of Noises” by Benjamin Rankin, a conceptual fine artist; signed on front bottom right; measuring approximate: 80" H x 70" W x 2” D. Gal...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"It's Magic" 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

Canvas, Paint

Large painting by Carole Montgomery "Odyssey IV" 1982
Located in Diest, BE
Carole Montgomery (Scottish, Montrose 1947 - Brussels 2022) "Odyssey IV" 1982 acrylic on canvas 258x258 direct acquired from artist's studio Education: 1966-1970 University of Manch...
Category

1980s Belgian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Original Surrealist Figural Oil on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This mesmerizing vintage boho surrealist figural oil on canvas is a bold expression of imaginative artistry. The painting features a dynamic composition of abstracted figures and vib...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Pierre Fortin Modern Figurative Abstract Charcoal Painting Titled Entitlement
Located in Montreal, QC
Charcoal on paper mounted on wood panel; titled: Entitlement; 30" x 56" x 1.5" deep; Artist Signed and Dated 2020 on the back. Pierre Fortin a Concept...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Large Abstract Painting
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Huge abstract oil on canvas, laid on board. Dark, atmospheric palette of interlocking geometric shapes. In its original polished metal frame. English, circa 1960s.
Category

20th Century English Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Keep Dreaming" 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

Canvas, Paint

Benjamin Rankin Modern Painting "Don't You Forget About Me", 2014
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern oil on canvas painting, titled “Don’t Forget About Me” by Benjamin Rankin, a conceptual fine artist, signed on front bottom right; measuring approximate 80" H x 64" W x 2” D. ...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Stick Insect Watercolor Painting
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

Framed Oil Painting on Board by Sara Skaaning
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting on board by Sara Skaaning. Based in the Island Mon, Denmark, the visual artist Sara Skaaning starts from her surroundings that twists and transforms until completely di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Framed Oil Painting on Board by Sara Skaaning
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting on board by Sara Skaaning. Based in the Island Mon, Denmark, the visual artist Sara Skaaning starts from her surroundings that twists and transforms until completely di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Framed Contemporary Painting by Marie-Josée Roy
Located in Atlanta, GA
Medium: Paint on Aluminum with lacquer in wood frame Title: Woman Focused Artist: Marie-Josée Roy (Canadian) Measurement: 26.5"w x 50.5"h x 1.75"d Marie-Josée Roy Born and working i...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Framed Oil Painting on Board by Sara Skaaning
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting on board by Sara Skaaning. Based in the Island Mon, Denmark, the visual artist Sara Skaaning starts from her surroundings that twists and transforms until completely di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Arrival" Oil on Canvas Painting by Vicente Puig
Located in Dubai, AE
Large oil on canvas painting, titled "Arrival" in an original octagonal silvered wood frame. Depicting Spanish ship arriving in the New World. Signed "V.Puig" at the bottom. The pai...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Superb Original Oil on Board of The Rose Walk Hidcote by Thomas George
Located in Hopewell, NJ
The Rose Walk, Hidcote. 1990. Oil on board. By famous Princeton artist Thomas George. The riot of overlapping colors is hypnotizing and created at the hand of a master. Board is 33...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Ernest Briggs Abstract Expressionist Oil on Paper
By Ernest Briggs
Located in Sharon, CT
Small oil by this important 'second generation' Abstract Expressionist painter. Entire sheet is 11.5" x 16", matted area is 9.5" x 14.5".
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Painting, Oil on Canvas, by Santos Jocelyne, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painting, oil on canvas, by Santos Jocelyne, 1990. Oil on canvas, painting by Santos Jocelyne, 20th century. H: 130cm, W: 98cm, D: 3cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Painting, Oil on Canvas, by Santos Jocelyne, with the Title Yi-King Feu, 1990.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painting, oil on canvas, by Santos Jocelyne, with the title Yi-King Feu, 1990. Oil on canvas, painting by Santos Jocelyne, XXth century, with the title Yi-King Feu. H: 118cm, W: 91c...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Caravan Acrylic on Canvas Abstract Painting Framed Andrew Plum
Located in Montreal, QC
This work is signed, dated and titled "PLUM 2008 Caravan” verso of the canvas and signed PLUM on recto; canvas size - 16" high x 20” wide x 1" profile; framed size- 18.75” x 22.75” x...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Michelle Hénault Modern Abstract Painting "Terre Inconnue 1/Unknown Land 1" 2017
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern abstract, oil on canvas painting; titled “Terre Inconnue 1/Unknown Land 1” by Michelle Hénault, a conceptual fine artist. Signed on front bottom right, also, signed, dated and...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

20th Century Pop Art, Oil on Canvas Signed by Artist Keir, Germany
Located in Munich, DE
Very dynamic and modern painting with rich colours, natural wooden frame. Need we say more? This is a very radical expressive work done by a German artist. We have not been able to ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"Matanzas Playa" Abstract Acrylic on Canvas Painting Andrew Plum
Located in Montreal, QC
This work is signed and dated "PLUM 2013" recto and verso of the canvas; canvas size - 16" x 20; heavy wood frame with antique aged patina effect: 21” x 25” x 1.75”; inspired by Plum...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Hans Henrik Husemann Painting "Easthills" acrylic on canvas
Located in Münster, DE
Hans-Henrik Husemann (*1943 Celle), "Easthills", acrylic on canvas, signed and dated "HUS 24", framed 70 x 60 cm Born in 1943, grew up in Hamburg and Berlin, studied at the Hochsch...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Italian modern Mixed media painting of still life by Ronaldo Greco, 1950s-1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Mixed media painting of still life by Ronaldo Greco, 1950s-1990s Mixed media painting entitled "when a room becomes poetry." The subject of the painting is a still life: a wooden surface with a drapery on which various silver dishes, jugs and candlesticks are placed. The predominant colors are dark green and dark blue...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Contemporary Artist, Figurative, Paintings, Cream, Pink, White, Oil Canvas 2000
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern figurative oil on canvas. Two lovely Oriental Woman each scantily clad in a seductive pose. Removed directly from Dr. Shawn Garber's home on the Gold Coast o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Boho Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Delve into the profound depths of human contemplation with this striking Vintage Original Abstract Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas. This unique artwork captures a solitary figure i...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Vintage Boho Original Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Immerse yourself in the quiet intensity of human connection with this captivating Vintage Original Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas. This unique artwork, steeped in bohemian spirit,...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Original Clair Seglem Portrait Painting of a woman with Red Top on Green
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A lovely portrait painting of a woman in red. The subject of this piece is a woman with light brown hair with a fringe. She looks off to the side and wears a red tank top and a red l...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Pottet R. "Young Woman In The Book" Oil On Canvas Signed
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pottet R. "Young Woman In The Book" oil on canvas signed. Measures: 50 x 60 cm.
Category

1890s European Antique Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Original Painting from the Santa Fe Series by Thomas George
Located in Hopewell, NJ
The Sun II, 30 x 30, Santa Fe Series Striking original on square canvas by the famous Princeton artist Thomas George. We are representing the estate of the artist. The first version...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Hans Henrik Husemann Painting "from afar" acrylic on canvas
Located in Münster, DE
"from afar" from the series Terra Created in 2023, acrylic on canvas, signed and dated bottom right Format: 100×120 Born in 1943, grew up in Hamburg and Berlin, studied at the Hoc...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Thelma Åkerman, Swedish artist. Oil on masonite board. Abstract composition.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Thelma Åkerman, Swedish artist. Oil on masonite board. Abstract composition with a colorful palette. Approximately from the 1960s. Signed. The painting is in excellent condition. ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Andrew Plum Spring’s Slowly Returning Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2018
Located in Montreal, QC
“Spring’s Slowly Returning” is an original, one of a kind, orange, yellow, green, blue, red, cream, white, black, contemporary, mixed-media on canvas abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
Category

2010s Canadian 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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