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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Pär Lindblad, listed Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Landscape with river
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pär Lindblad, listed Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape with river and bridge. Mid-20th century. Signed. In perfect condition. Visible dimensions: W 49.0 cm x H 34.0...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Adolf Zogbaum (German 1883 - 1961) View of Moselle River, oil on canvas painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Adolf Zogbaum (German 1883 - 1961) View of Moselle River, oil on canvas painting. Signed lower right and dated 1935. (unframed)
Category

20th Century European Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Water color by Yves Brayer « Matador »
By Yves Brayer
Located in BORDEAUX, FR
Very pretty watercolor by Yves Brayer, part of a series on the theme of my bullfighting. In a perfect state. Original frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Raymond D. Crane Painting, 1973
Located in Savannah, GA
Raymond (Ray) D. Crane (Massachusetts, b.1942) A large oil on canvas depicting an interior of a Hillside St. apartment in Boston with a woman and the artist self-portrait in the fo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Ingvar Engdahl, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Interior with two people. 1948
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ingvar Engdahl, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Interior with two people in modernist style. In very good condition. Would benefit from a clean. Signed and dated '48. Dimensions: 67.0 ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Floral 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, Paper, Acrylic

May Östberg, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Modernist landscape. 1965
Located in Copenhagen, DK
May Östberg (1907-1966), Swedish artist. Oil on board. Modernist landscape. Title: "Nystan". Signed. Exhibition label on the back from Gävle Museum. Dated 1965. Exhibited in 1966. In...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Maj Hemberg, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Maj Hemberg, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. Painted with thick brushstrokes. ”Bombning av Dresden” - ("Bombing of Dresden"). 1945-1952. Signed on the back. In ex...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Night Rose
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

Michael Qvarsebo, listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Michael Qvarsebo (born 1945), a listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition with impasto brushstrokes. Colourful palette. In excellent ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Ink drawing on japanese paper by BAS - Framed
Located in Madrid, ES
Offering this unique drawing - ink on paper, professionally framed in wood. About BAS: Begoña Allendesalazar ("BAS") Born in Madrid, Spain. Lives & works in Spain, Madrid Be...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Ben Morea Painting, Tantra Series (1994)
Located in New York, NY
Tantra series painting by artist and counter-cultural icon Ben Morea. Morea’s exploits during the 1960’s, as co-founder of the anarchist/activist collective ...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Alfred Reginald Thomson (British, 1895 - 1979) Venetian Scene.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Alfred Reginald Thomson (British, 1895 - 1979) Venetian Scene, gondolas surrounding a fountain painting. Oil on canvas, signed lower left and dated 1964. Unframed.
Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Mid-Century Framed Abstract Drip-Style Acrylic Art
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-century framed abstract drip-style acrylic painting. Framed in black metal under glass. Unsigned. Four drip-style paintings are available (see last picture) and sold separately, ...
Category

1960s English Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Ink drawing II on japanese paper by BAS - Framed
Located in Madrid, ES
Offering this unique drawing - ink on paper, professionally framed in wood. About BAS: Begoña Allendesalazar ("BAS") Born in Madrid, Spain. Lives & works in Spain, Madrid Be...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Michael Qvarsebo, listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Michael Qvarsebo (born 1945), listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition with impasto brushstrokes. In perfect condition. Signed and d...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame by Shannon Weir, a distinguished artist based in Houston, Texas. Weir's...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Örjan Wikström, Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Örjan Wikström (born 1948), a Swedish artist, active in Stockholm and Paris. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. From the 1960s/70s. In perfect condition. Artist's name on the back...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mixed Media Paint and Wax Construction by Matthew Rose
Located in Peabody, MA
An original mixed media paint and wax construction on wood titled "Yvonne (30 Girlfriends)", and dated 1997-2002, by the accomplished international artist Matthew Rose...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting Signed Mullin
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting. Featuring a vintage wood frame, original expressionist style abstract art with a mixture of colors, and a wire on the ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

1920's Montmartre Painting by Eugène de Sala
Located in Kastrup, DK
Eugène de Sala, 1899-1989 Experience the charm of Montmartre with this painting created by Eugène de Sala during his stay in Paris. This unique artwork is painted with oil colors on...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

American Christopher Willett's "Lunch Hour Mid Town Manhattan New York City"
Located in Dallas, TX
Impressionist New York City winter city-scene depicting "Lunch Hour Mid Town" Manhattan", cars and pedestrians in a most intimate, yet energetic way. American artist Christopher Will...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Homoerotic scene with three male nude figures by Silvia Volpini, Italy 1991
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a large scale canvas depicting three nude male figures. This homoerotic scene is done in oil pastels on canvas by the Italian artist Silvia Volpini in 1...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

BEBE - Battle of Gender - Abstract Contemporary wall art - Blue Pink painting
Located in Breda, Noord-Brabant
BEBE The Battle of Gender Colors. Will it be baby blue or baby pink? BEBE represents the harmony between colors associated with genders and shows that these colors complement each other well, demonstrating a funky effect. BEBE transcends boundaries, presenting a captivating fusion of baby blue and baby pink that goes beyond stereotypes. The canvas becomes a playground where colors dance together, symbolizing unity and breaking free from restrictive norms. This piece not only captures attention but also sparks a conversation about the fluidity and beauty of colors. Celebrate diversity and embrace the enchanting balance within BEBE, a testament to the idea that colors know no bounds. Redefine your perspective on gender colors with this expressive and thought-provoking piece that challenges expectations and adds a burst of vivacity to any space. Dimensions: W 100 cm H 120 cm. Materials: Chalk, binder, latex, spray paint, wood. Frame: Steel. Artist: Tom de Meer
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Paintings

Materials

Steel

Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. 1955
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish artist, oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Colouristic palette. In excellent condition with minimal wear. Indistinctly signed and dated '55. Visible dimensions: 67.5 cm x 5...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Scandinavian artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. 1960s/70s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. From the 1960s/70s. In excellent condition. Not signed. Visible dimensions: 31.0 cm x 16.0 cm. Total dimensions: 44.0 cm x 29...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Oil-on-Canvas Painting 'La Pétanque' by Robert Delval (1934-)
By Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse, Delval
Located in NICE, FR
We present you with this unique artwork, titled 'La Pétanque', which is a Provençal French in which the players have to target their balls (known as boules) towards a target ball. This artwork is an oil painting on canvas and signed by the artist, Robert Delval (1934-), and it dates back to 2006. The artist's playful use of colours, perspective, depth, and form in this artwork demonstrates the influence of the artistic styles of Henri Matisse and Pierre Bonnard, which Robert Delval saw as artistic inspirations. Robert Delval, born in 1934 in Montmartre, Paris, cultivated his artistic skills amidst the street painters of his childhood neighbourhood, drawing inspiration from books and museums. At twenty-five, he embarked on a European and American journey armed solely with brushes and notebooks. Upon returning to France, he divided his time, spending spring and summer on the Mediterranean coast and autumn and winter in Megève, selling his watercolours to passers-by, including the likes of Françoise Sagan. One of his small gouache pieces, depicting a view of the Luxembourg Garden, caught the eye of André Roussard, a Montmartre framer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Original Bamboo Watercolor
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, Paper, Acrylic

Abstract Mixed Media Painting in Red & Gray by George Turner
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage watercolor and mixed media abstract painting by artist George Turner ( 1943-2014) Illinois on watercolor paper. Unsigned. Unframed, from the artists estate, uneven edge trim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Collage and Paint by Matthew Rose, Titled 12.05
Located in Peabody, MA
An original painting with collage titled "12.05", dated 2004, by the accomplished international artist Matthew Rose, an American expat artist, writer and ...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

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

Abstract Mixed Media Painting in Blue
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage watercolor and mixed media abstract painting by artist George Turner ( 1943-2014) Illinois. on watercolor paper. The piece is signed and dated in pencil in the lower right c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Jo Patch Oil on Board Painting
Located in Miami, FL
A very decorative work of art by listed artist, Jo Patch. Jo Patch born in Opprebais on January 13, 1937. He was active in Belgium primarily although many of his works were exhibit...
Category

20th Century Belgian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Masonite

Oil on Canvas Painting in the style of Takashi Murakami
Located in Denton, TX
Oil on canvas in the style of Takashi Murakami . Very colorful pop art that can brighten any room. It is signed on the back please see pictures
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting Signed Mullin
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting. Featuring a vintage wood frame painted gray, original expressionist style abstract art with a mixture of colors, and a w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting Signed Mullin
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Modern Expressionist Abstract Painting. Featuring a vintage wood frame, original expressionist style abstract art with a mixture of colors, and a wire on the ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

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

"The Ocean and the Beach" Abstract Oil Painting Oil on Canvas by Pat Badt
Located in Pasadena, CA
"The Ocean and the Beach" by Pat Badt is a fascinating painting especially for Ocean lovers! It encapsulates the serene yet dynamic relationship between the ocean and its timeless pa...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Original Modern Contemporary French Blue and White Painting in Antique Gilt Fram
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary French Blue and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame by Houston Texas Artist Shannon Weir. Weir's artistic prowess sh...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. House in modernist style. 1960s/70s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. House in modernist style. From the 1960s/70s. In good condition with signs of use. Not signed. Dimensions: 65.0 cm x 39.4 cm.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Sture Haglundh, listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sture Haglundh (1908-1978), listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. Colouristic palette. Approximately from the 1960s. Signed. Visibl...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

A large oil on masonite painting depicting a city view painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large oil on masonite painting depicting a city view painting featuring a clock tower. Unsigned. Frame: 52.5" x 40"
Category

20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Paint

Collage With Paint Titled "The Trial" by Matthew Rose
Located in Peabody, MA
An original paper collage painting on canvas titled "The Trial", dated 2013, by the accomplished international artist Matthew Rose, an American expat arti...
Category

2010s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Olle Calrström, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Olle Calrström (1920-2006), Swedish artist Oil on board. Abstract composition. Signed. From the 1960s/70s. In perfect condition. Visible dimensions: 31.2 cm x 30.2 cm. Total dimensio...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

21st Century Unique Painting Dilapidation by Elias Saifan
By Elias Saifan
Located in Paris, FR
Usually we describe falling apart buildings as “dilapidated structures” so the title of the piece and the series “Dilapidation” was derived from this idea to depict architectural sha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

21st Century Watercolor Scarabeo
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, Paper, Acrylic

Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish artist, oil on board. Abstract composition. Signed. In perfect condition. Dimensions: 30.3 cm x 27.6 cm.
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Contemporary Fine Art
Located in Clermont, FL
CONTEMPORARY FINE ART Untitled Executed in 2021. original - only one - No Reproductions. signed by artist 40 x 30 x 1.5 in. ABOUT ARTIST Kelly-Ann BAPTISTE (1986), is a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Ben Morea Painting, Tantra Series (1993)
Located in New York, NY
Tantra series painting by artist and counter-cultural icon Ben Morea. Morea’s exploits during the 1960’s, as co-founder of the anarchist/activist collective ...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Oil-on-Canvas Painting 'Golf in Saint Tropez' by Robert Delval (1934-)
By Delval, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse
Located in NICE, FR
We present you with this wonderful artwork, titled 'Golf in Saint Tropez'. It is an oil painting on canvas and signed by the artist, Robert Delval (1934-). It dates back to 2007, making it a contemporary piece. The artist's playful use of colours, perspective, depth, and form in this artwork demonstrates the influence of the artistic styles of Henri Matisse and Pierre Bonnard, which Robert Delval saw as artistic inspirations. Robert Delval, born in 1934 in Montmartre, Paris, cultivated his artistic skills amidst the street painters of his childhood neighbourhood, drawing inspiration from books and museums. At twenty-five, he embarked on a European and American journey armed solely with brushes and notebooks. Upon returning to France, he divided his time, spending spring and summer on the Mediterranean coast and autumn and winter in Megève, selling his watercolours to passers-by, including the likes of Françoise Sagan. One of his small gouache pieces, depicting a view of the Luxembourg Garden, caught the eye of André Roussard, a Montmartre framer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Walter Sorge “Yellow - Pink” Oil on Canvas Abstract Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An eight sided abstract oil on canvas titled Yellow-Pink by Canadian artist Walter Sorge (1931-2021). Pink, green and blue slashes are depicted among a variety of colorful raised sha...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Swedish artist, oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. Signed. In perfect condition. Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 28.5 cm.
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Alfred Boll, Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Alfred Boll, Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Colouristic palette. Bold brushstrokes. Signed. In perfect condition. Approximately from the 1970s. Title: "Höst" (...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. Still life in cubist style. Approx. 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. Still life in cubist style. Approximately from the 1960s. In excellent condition with a few minimal flakes. Not signed. Dimensions: W 50.0 cm x H ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Contemporary Original Mixed Media Abstract Painting on Canvas Signed Nk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A brilliant vintage Contemporary Original painting on canvas. A chic Abstract composition in pale cool colors. Signed by the artist NK. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Lars Bertle, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Lars Bertle, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. "Night on the Island" (translated from "Natten på Ön"). Approximately from the 1970s. Signed on the front and back. I...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Painting by Mexican Artist Jesus Leuus, Mexico 1983, Signed & Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing a true masterpiece from renowned Mexican artist Jesus Leuus, this exquisite painting captures the essence of Mexican culture with its vibrant colors and exceptional atten...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Masonite

Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Mid-20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist, oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Dimensions: 50.0 cm x 40.0 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian 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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