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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
"Torso XI" Painting by Michael Van Horn, 1989
Located in Hudson, NY
This very large mixed-media on paper drawing entitled "Torso XI" 1989 of a male back torso by Michael Van Horn is both dramatic and impressive. The artist a noted fashion illustrator...
Category
20th Century American Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Vintage Japanese Abstract Oil on Canvas c1960s
Located in Oakland, CA
Beautiful vintage Japanese abstract oil on canvas c1960s with thick impasto texture by unknown Japanese artist. Framed in walnut. Acquired in Japan.
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Large Pair of Acrylic on Paper Works by Bernyce Alpert Winick, USA c 1980
Located in Norwalk, CT
These large works by Bernice Alpert Winick are acrylic on paper shown in their original mahogany finished frames. Great size: framed dimensions 66" X 46.5" each.
Bernyce Alpert W...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Leonardo Nierman early cityscape abstract , watercolor painting .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an early work by the well known Mexican artist Leonardo Norman , This is a watercolor cityscape , that he made in acrylic with vivid colors in later years . Dated and signed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Lucio Fontana "Concetto Spaziale" black, red and white oil on glass, signed 1956
Located in Rome, IT
Lucio Fontana.
Concetto Spaziale 1956
Oil and mixed media on glass.
withe, black and and red stripes on colored glass
Measures: 58 X 108 cm (72 cm x 122 with frame).
signed L. Fon...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Glass
Quadro astratto con cornice dorata firmato Mozzamino, 1980 ca.
Located in MIlano, IT
Quadro con disegno dalle geometrie astratte multicolore con passepartout bianco e cornice con finitura in legno rossastro e bordo dorato. Firma di Mozzamino presente nella parte in b...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paper
akb_21_91, IT, 2022
Located in New York, NY
While visually maintaining a balance of chaos and control, Aurel K. Basedow’s paintings become a conversation between the rigid technical handling of resin, his chosen media, and the gestural possibilities of chromatic layering. Basedow most closely shares a kinship with 20th century painters like Mark Rothko, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, and Hermann Nitsch, whose paintings convey emotion and energy through physical and conceptual expression rather than realistic depiction or predetermined outcomes. Employing various mediums, the artist creates a vigorous composition of geometric lines and expressive brush strokes, with each gesture building on the previous one, separated by layers of clear resin. The use of multiple pigments and pouring techniques can create a fluid, dynamic appearance, with the colors mixing and blending together in unpredictable ways. Basedow leaves the edges of his paintings unrefined, revealing a visual history of each layered application. The use of resin also allows Basedow to incorporate unusual objects...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Resin, Wood, Paint
akb_23_21, IT, 2023
Located in New York, NY
While visually maintaining a balance of chaos and control, Aurel K. Basedow’s paintings become a conversation between the rigid technical handling of resin, his chosen media, and the gestural possibilities of chromatic layering. Basedow most closely shares a kinship with 20th century painters like Mark Rothko, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, and Hermann Nitsch, whose paintings convey emotion and energy through physical and conceptual expression rather than realistic depiction or predetermined outcomes. Employing various mediums, the artist creates a vigorous composition of geometric lines and expressive brush strokes, with each gesture building on the previous one, separated by layers of clear resin. The use of multiple pigments and pouring techniques can create a fluid, dynamic appearance, with the colors mixing and blending together in unpredictable ways. Basedow leaves the edges of his paintings unrefined, revealing a visual history of each layered application. The use of resin also allows Basedow to incorporate unusual objects...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Resin, Wood, Paint
akb_23_16, IT, 2023
Located in New York, NY
While visually maintaining a balance of chaos and control, Aurel K. Basedow’s paintings become a conversation between the rigid technical handling of resin, his chosen media, and the gestural possibilities of chromatic layering. Basedow most closely shares a kinship with 20th century painters like Mark Rothko, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, and Hermann Nitsch, whose paintings convey emotion and energy through physical and conceptual expression rather than realistic depiction or predetermined outcomes. Employing various mediums, the artist creates a vigorous composition of geometric lines and expressive brush strokes, with each gesture building on the previous one, separated by layers of clear resin. The use of multiple pigments and pouring techniques can create a fluid, dynamic appearance, with the colors mixing and blending together in unpredictable ways. Basedow leaves the edges of his paintings unrefined, revealing a visual history of each layered application. The use of resin also allows Basedow to incorporate unusual objects...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Resin, Wood, Paint
akb_22_51, 2022
Located in New York, NY
While visually maintaining a balance of chaos and control, Aurel K. Basedow’s paintings become a conversation between the rigid technical handling of resin, his chosen media, and the gestural possibilities of chromatic layering. Basedow most closely shares a kinship with 20th century painters like Mark Rothko, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, and Hermann Nitsch, whose paintings convey emotion and energy through physical and conceptual expression rather than realistic depiction or predetermined outcomes. Employing various mediums, the artist creates a vigorous composition of geometric lines and expressive brush strokes, with each gesture building on the previous one, separated by layers of clear resin. The use of multiple pigments and pouring techniques can create a fluid, dynamic appearance, with the colors mixing and blending together in unpredictable ways. Basedow leaves the edges of his paintings unrefined, revealing a visual history of each layered application. The use of resin also allows Basedow to incorporate unusual objects...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Resin, Wood, Paint
Robin Harker Large Red Abstract Oil on Canvas California Artist 2023
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Robin Harker Large Red Abstract Oil on Canvas California Artist 2023
Framed in natural wood artist frame. Edges are unfinished as it is expected ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint, Canvas, Wood
Robin Harker Large Deep Blue-Green Abstract Oil on Canvas California Artist 2023
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Robin Harker Large Deep Blue-Green Abstract Oil on Canvas California Artist 2023.
Framed in natural wood artist frame. Edges are unfinished as it is expected that the buyer will h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint, Canvas, Wood
1980s California Art by Barbara West the Green Jug Signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Artist Barbara West, The Green Jug
Abstract still life
Oil on Masonite board
Signed and framed.
29.38 w x 25.5 h x 2 d, art 23.5 x 19.5
Original vinta...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Masonite, Paint
Annie Morris, Untitled Peg Piece, 2010
By Annie Morris
Located in Hudson, NY
Using 1500 clothes pins to combine painting and sculpture to a dramatic affect is what artist Annie Morris is most famed for. Each peg is individually pai...
Category
2010s British Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paint
“In Conflict”, Abstract Painting by Mia Blumenstock
Located in New York, NY
Mia Blumenstock (American, ? – 2018)
Abstract Composition / “In Conflict”.
Unsigned and undated.
Gallery label on verso.
Oil on canvas.
Dimensions:
40 in. Height
49 in. W...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Large Painting of a Woman by Lee Ames
Located in New York, NY
Large original painting of a woman carrying two martini glasses by Lee Ames (1921-2011). This painting is on a board. Great item for a collector.
Category
20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Italian Modern Colored Abstract Painting from an Milanese House-Studio, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red, brown, green, light blue, orange, black and white abstract painting from an milanese house-studio, 1970s
Beautiful and simple, medium size abstract painting from...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Glass, Paper
Monumental 3 Panel Painting by Cynthia Knapp
Located in New York, NY
Monumental 3 panel painting by Cynthia Knapp (American 20th century) oil on canvas painting of abstract color splashes. The panels can be used together o...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Mixed Media Painting on Board
Located in Denton, TX
Silver leaf on board covered in natural fibers and textured acrylic paint in a floral design. Beautiful Teal, silver, yellow, light green enhance the flow of this artist interpretati...
Category
20th Century European Modern Paintings
Materials
Silver Leaf
"Primare 3, " 2021 White and Gray Abstract Acrylic on Masonite by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Primare 3," 2021 by artist James Kennedy, is masterful abstract acrylic polymer painting on an incised masonite panel floating in a white shadowbox in a white wood frame signed on the verso. James layers acrylic washes on masonite panels to which he adds emulsion, glazes and scraping to build up individual planes of color. The artist incorporates a sophisticated palette of primarily neutral shades of white, gray and beige. Touches of cobalt blue, yellow, brick, charcoal gray and black black energize the surface resulting in a rich and striking bejeweled composition of intersecting planes of color. In James's own words his paintings "address a fascination with essential structures and arrangements whilst exploring the linguistics of music, mathematics, dance and architecture. Pattern recognition and manipulation are common themes, and involve the resolution of space within my own abstract vocabulary, in essence solving spatial equations through paint." The results are meticulously crafted architectural landscapes of tertiary colors exquisitely ordered and balanced while simultaneously possessing rhythmic and lyrical surfaces.
James Kennedy, was born in Northern Ireland and studied at the Royal Scottish Academy and Rhodec Academy of Design in London where he respectively received BA degrees in Arts and Interior and Architectural Design. He is the recipient of prestigious awards including the Golden Foundation for the Arts Residency, James Bridie Gold Medal awarded by RSA, Brooklyn Artist Gym for best in show Abstract Landscape and the Kiton Art Rising winner in 2010.
Selected exhibitions include Dolby Chadwick, San Francisco, Callan Contemporary, New Orleans, John Hartell Gallery, Cornell University, Mindy Solomon, Miami, MMFA, Palm Springs, Ann Loucks Gallery, Chicago, Brooklyn Artists Gym, NY, Surface Library Gallery, East Hampton, Galerie Werner, Pittsburgh, Amy Zook...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Masonite
"Astrometry, " 2016 Large 10ft Gray and White Abstract Painting by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Astrometry" 2016, by artist James Kennedy, is a large, ten foot plus abstract acrylic painting on an incised eucalyptus masonite panel floating in a white shadow box signed on verso...
Category
2010s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Masonite
Rufino Tamayo, Embossed Etching, Mix, "Personaje Blanco" Signed, Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here we have an early HC X/X edition of Personaje Blanco, before the whole edition was made in 1976. This is signed in crayon LR and Numbered LL. The dimensions of the sheet are 29 7...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
"Salon Composition" 2021 Abstract Acrylic on Panel by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Salon Composition" 2021 by artist James Kennedy, is masterful abstract acrylic polymer painting on an incised masonite panel floating in a white shadowb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Masonite
Henri Matisse Color Lithography, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse,
Signed in the stone.
Henri Matisse whether working as a draftsman, a sculptor, a printmaker or a painter Henri Matisse was a m...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Unusual Mid Century Oil Painting
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual and well done mid century framed, oil painting, signed illegibly...De Lang or De Lancy....
Category
1950s North American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Large, Signed, Framed Livio De Simone Original Hand Painted Flower on Fabric
Located in New York, NY
Large, signed, framed Livio de Simone original hand painted flower on cotton fabric.
Made in Italy. Nice vibrant and bold colors.
Livio de Simone - D...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Cotton
Large, Signed Livio de Simone Original Hand Painted Geometric Fabric Framed
Located in New York, NY
Large, Signed Livio de Simone original hand painted geometric shaped pattern on cotton fabric. Made in Italy.
Livio de Simone, designer-artist and cre...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Cotton
Landscape in Blue Frame #2, Acrylic on Paper, Free Delivery
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract views of landscape are interpreted and painted by the artist. During travels around the world designs and notes are made, which are later abstractly interpreted into paintin...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Vintage Mixed-Media Painting
Located in Denton, TX
1990s modern mixed-media artwork with a combination of paint and paper on canvas. Signed Kyle Bjorklund.
Category
20th Century North American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint, Paper
Large-Scale Signed Abstract Painting, 1970s
Located in Denton, TX
Large-scale signed abstract painting 1970s the signature is unreadable.
Category
20th Century American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
1980s Organic Art Form Modern Abstract Oil on Board Painting
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modern Abstract Oil on Board Painting Organic Art form
Dimensions: 20W x 15.88 H
Original Unrestored preowned vintage condition.
Please see images.
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Abstract Portrait Titled "Elisabeth Taylor", Peter Keil, Berlin, 1995
By Peter Keil
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Abstract portrait titled "Elisabeth Taylor", Peter Keil, Berlin, 1995
Signed and dated lower right, "Peter Keil, Berlin 95",
Inscribed on reverse, "El...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Oversized Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Very busy artistry paint on canvas, artist unknown.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Oversized Abstract Painting `on Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Very large circular abstract titled Virgins.
Category
2010s North American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
"Carousel" Oil on Canvas with Backlight Option by Artist Ricardo Casado Signed
Located in Miami, FL
"Carousel" Oil on Canvas with Backlight Option by Artist Ricardo Casado Signed
Offered for sale is an oil on canvas titled "Carousel" with backlighting option by Cuban American arti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
"Meeting" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado
Located in Miami, FL
"Meeting" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado
Offered for sale is a large oil on canvas titled "Meeting" by Cuban American artist Ricardo Casado signed twice an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
"Red Fury" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado Dated 2018
Located in Miami, FL
"Red Fury" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado Dated 2018
Offered for sale is a large oil on canvas titled "Red Fury" by Cuban American artist Ricardo Casado si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
"The Hug" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado, Dated 2018
Located in Miami, FL
"The Hug" Oil on Canvas with Backlighting by Artist Ricardo Casado, Dated 2018
Offered for sale is an oil on canvas titled "The Hug" by Cuban American artist Ricardo Casado signed t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Floral Oil on Canvas Titled Blossom
By Shigo Hirch
Located in Denton, TX
Large abstract painting signed Shigo Hirch, 1988.
Category
20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Monumental Painting "The New Freedom in Red V" by Cerj Lalonde 'Canada', 2008
By Cerj Lalonde
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Painting "The New Freedom in Red V" by Cerj Lalonde 'Canada', 2008
Offered for sale is a large original work of art by Canadian artist Cerj La...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Karel Appel, NL, 1921-2006, Biomorphics, W/C
By Karel Appel
Located in NYC, NY
Karel Appel, Dutch, 1921-2006, biomorphic figures, watercolor and graphite, circa 1971. Provenance: painted for and personally given to the superintendent of Appel's apartment buildi...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Oil On Canvas, Man Dismembered Painting, Mid Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
20th century oil painting in gilded frame. Scene depicting two naked ladies and dismembered parts of a man.
Category
20th Century American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, canvas and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Richard A. Hirsch, Harry Hilson, Cecilia Setterdahl, and Peter Keil. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $166,872 while the average work can sell for $2,187.
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