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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Period: Late 20th Century
A British abstract expressionist painting, oil on canvas - late 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A raw and vibrant composition investigating colour and light resonant of the work of Ivon Hitchens and Howard Hodgkin. With thickly applied colour washes and shapes with a dimensiona...
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Purvis Young 'Herd of Freedom Horses'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Herd of Freedom Horses' by Purvis Young (1989–1999) USA, circa 1980s A progressive work, painted on a found metal tray, of five horses in landscape. signed 'Young' upper right corner. In untouched, well-cared-for vintage condition, ready to place.  The overall dimensions of the work are 13- inches wide, 17.5- inches high, and 1.5- inches deep.  About : Purvis Young (1943–2010) was an American artist from the Overtown neighborhood of Miami, Florida. Self-taught, Young's work was often a blend of painting and drawing with collaged elements, utilizing everyday discarded found objects. Inspired by documentaries, art books...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Painted in bold brushwork, this abstract landscape painting features a rolling landscape replete wi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a predominantly pink landscape dotted with dark green shrubs and trees a...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1986 “Distant Wind” Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1986 acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled "Distant Wind," this abstract work depicts a bold and vibrant landscape filled with orange an...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Mixed Media on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic and gouache on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a landscape painted in pastel colors with green, pink, and b...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Landscape” Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled "Landscape," this abstract work depicts a broody landscape painted in dark colors that are p...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a vibrant landscape composed of frenetic brushwork that forms a rolling ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a predominantly pink landscape accented with green brushwork and a blue ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Verdant Hills” Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled Verdant Hills, this abstract painting captures a vibrant landscape filled with rolling wildf...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Large Vintage 1970s Robert Gable Male Nude Study Oil Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Large Vintage 1970s Robert Gable Male Nude Study Oil Painting Offered for sale is a large vintage 1970s Robert Gable male nude oil painting on canvas. The artist worked in New York ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Giltwood, Wood

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Spring Landscape” Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled Spring Landscape, this colorful work depicts an abstract landscape replete with distant verd...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Vlaminck Framed 'Siene a Chatou' Color Lithography, circa 1972
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Original 'Siene a Chatou' color lithograph by Maurice de Vlamnick. Lithograph printed from an original painting made by the author in France, circa 1906. Published by Fernand Mourl...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Abstract Painted Artwork with Boats , Yann, 1988, Antwerp
Located in Antwerp, BE
Abstract painted artwork with boats by the Antwerp artist Yann. This very expressive and colorful - polychrome work on wood dates from 1988 and was signed by him. You can see boats ...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Daniel Van Der Putten Oil Painting Panel Irish Castle Snow Scene Galway Ireland
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb traditional oil painting by living Artist Daniel Van der Putten, depicting an Irish rural snow scene near Kinvara in County Galway, a view of a Sixteenth Century Irish Castle ...
Category

Late 20th Century Irish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Female Nude Painting, 36x48
Located in Outremont, QC
Female Nude Painting, artist unknown // Dimensions 36”W x 48”H
 // *Very good condition
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Vladimir Aksyonov USSR 1985 Soviet Era Painting of a Welder
Located in Miami, FL
Vladimir Aksyonov USSR 1985 Soviet Era Painting of a Welder Offered for sale is a 1985 Soviet-era painting of a Welder titled " Welder Fedya" when translated. The painting is oil...
Category

Late 20th Century Russian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Abstract Painting by Nancy K Mac Innes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oil painting on canvas by artist, Nancy K Mac Innes. The colors range from creams and warm orange tones to cool blues and green. Signed by the artist. Dimensions 36" width X 48" hei...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Abstract Mixed Medium-on-Paper by Philip Renteria (1973)
Located in Houston, TX
Abstract mixed medium-on-paper by Philip Renteria (1947-1998), 1973. Untitled gouache and ink on paper, both dated and hand-signed by artist. Newly-framed, float-mounted within black...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

The Three Amigos Oil on Board Painting Carnivorous Mammals Otters Steve Burgess
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Painting by Steve Burgess 'The Three Amigos' (Oil on Board). This is a charming painting of an Otter family at play by the water's edge. Steve Burgess's ...
Category

Late 20th Century Irish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Monumental 1980s Abstract Painting by Harley Francis
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental 1980s Abstract Painting by Harley Francis Offered for sale is a monumental 1980s abstract painting by the American artist Harley Francis (1940s-2017). Francis has rapidly...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

S. Hamlet, Swedish artist. Oil on painter's board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
S. Hamlet, Swedish artist. Oil on painter's board. Abstract composition with a colorful palette and impasto brushwork. Signed and dated '72. In perfect condition. Board dimensions: ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Scandinavian artist. Oil on panel. Abstract composition with a colorful palette
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist. Oil on panel. Abstract composition with a colorful palette and impasto brushwork. Approximately from the 1970s. In perfect condition. Indistinctly signed. Image...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

S. Hamlet, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition, 1971
Located in Copenhagen, DK
S. Hamlet, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition with a colourful palette and textured brushstrokes. Signed and dated '71. Perfect condition. Board dimensions: 33.5 cm...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Tadeusz-Marya (Teddy) Sempinski. Acrylic on board. Birds in a landscape.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Tadeusz-Marya (Teddy) Sempinski (1927-1998), Polish/Swedish artist. Acrylic on board. Birds in a landscape. Abstract style. Title: "Fåglar" (Birds). Signed and dated '73. Perfect c...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Untitled, Large Abstract by Mandy Wilkinson, British B. 1970
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Untitled, Large Abstract by Mandy Wilkinson, British B. 1970 Mandy Wilkinson, British 1970 Oil on canvas, 49 inches wide by 36 inches high Giltwood Frame: 53 inches wide, 41 inches h...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Original Bold Abstract Oil on Canvas by Andrzej Kowalczyk (Poland)
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Colorful signed abstract original painting by Andrzej Kowalczyk (Poland). Mr. Kowalczyk was born in Cracow, and became a renaissance man, as an accomplished actor, theatre director,...
Category

Late 20th Century Polish Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Canvas

Poul K. Jörgensen. Oil on board. Valborg´s Eve with people by the bonfire
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul K. Jörgensen (born 1934), Swedish artist. Oil on board. Valborg´s Eve with people by the bonfire. Thick, textured brushstrokes. Circa 1970. Signed. In perfect condition. Board ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Erik Hallgren, Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract landscape, 1975
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Erik Hallgren (1910-2000), Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract landscape with thick, textured brushstrokes. Signed "EH" and also signed and dated 1975 on the back. In perfect co...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Portrait of a Woman by Cathryn Arcomano (1923-2012), oil on canvas, signed 1972
Located in Chicago, IL
Portrait of a Woman by Cathryn Arcomano, oil on canvas board, signed 1972. Numbered #5. This is an original portrait oil painting on canvas board by artist Cathryn Buckley Arcomano...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition with a colorful palette. Approximately from the 1970s. In perfect condition. Canvas dimensions: 50.0 cm x 61.0 cm. Total dim...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Gino Hollander 1974 Vintage Abstract Female Portrait Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Gino Hollander 1974 Vintage Abstract Female Portrait Painting Offered for sale is a vintage expressionist abstract female portrait painting on canvas by the well-listed New York ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Steve Burgess - Irish Painting Fitzwilliam Square Dublin Ireland Foxes
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A really magical piece of work which depicts the newest and most talked about residents of Fitzwilliam Square in The Georgian Core of Dublin 2 in Ireland. City Foxes are now common but The Fox Family on Fitzwilliam are very fortunate with their secure locked park and generous neighbours Condition: Perfect showroom condition with no imperfections. Signed Steve Burgess...
Category

Late 20th Century Irish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Daniel Van Der Putten Oil Painting Irish Castle Snow Scene Mallow Cork Ireland
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb traditional oil painting by living Artist Daniel Van der Putten, depicting an Irish rural snow scene near Mallow in County Cork, a view of a ruin building known as Castle Monp...
Category

Late 20th Century Irish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Oil Painting of Paris Signed by Romanian Artist Mariana Elas Dated 1990
Located in COLMAR, FR
A bright and airy oil painting of Paris on stretched canvas made by Romanian painter Mariana Elas. The artwork is signed and dated 1990 in the lower left corner (see photo). Mariana ...
Category

1990s Romanian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Italian Modern Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Paper and Metal Frame, 1972
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Abstract mixed media painting on paper and metal frame, 1972 Abstract style mixed media painting on paper. The gestural painting is characterized by rounded lines and...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Roberto Plevano Painting ‘Il Naviglio Grande, Corsico’, Italy, 1977
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This oil on canvas painting by Roberto Plevano is a sight on one of Milan’s big canals in the suburb of Corsico, painted in 1977. Plevano started out as a 23 year old with depicting ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Modernist "Red Road" Landscape Gouache
Located in Seguin, TX
"Red Road" by Goldman gouache painting on paper. Piece is signed, titled, dated 1991 in pencil along lower margin. Unframed, image size 9"L x 6"H.
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Monotype by Carla Raadsveld 1987
Located in Weesp, NL
Step into a world of artistic beauty and expression with the captivating painting "Monotype" by renowned artist Carla Raadsveld, created in 1987. This exquisite artwork is a testamen...
Category

1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Gunleik Haugen, Swedish artist, oil on board. Abstract composition. 1973.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunleik Haugen, Swedish artist, oil on board. Abstract composition. 1973. Signed and dated. In perfect condition. Dimensions: 61.0 cm x 35.0 cm. Total dimensions: 63.0 cm x 37.0 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

F. Prin, French artist. Oil on canvas. Reclining nude woman.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
F. Prin, French artist. Oil on canvas. Reclining nude woman. Inspired by Matisse. Colorful palette. Signed and dated 1976. In excellent condition. Canvas: 64.5 cm x 54.0 cm. Total d...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Ole Saabye, Danish artist. Oil on panel. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Saabye, Danish artist. Oil on panel. Abstract composition. Signed and dated 1990. In perfect condition. Dimensions: 64.0 cm x 79.0 cm. Total dimensions: 67.0 cm x 82.0 cm.
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Zanne Hochberg Oil on Canvas Abstract Painting
By Zanne Hochberg
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An oil on canvas painting by the American artist Zanne Hochberg (1931-2001). Layers of vibrant color and frenetic brushwork dominate this abstract painting. Blocks of color in deep b...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Leif Tingkær, Danish painter. Oil on panel. Abstract composition. 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Leif Tingkær, Danish painter. Oil on panel. Abstract composition in yellow and orange tones. Approximately from the 1970s. Signed LT. In excellent condition. Dimensions: 88.5 cm x 3...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Large Preben Fjederholt Painting Park landscape
Located in Kastrup, DK
Preben Fjederholt, Danish 1955-2000 Park landscape, oil on canvas. Canvas dimensions: 140x160 xm. Framed in a narrow wooden frame: 144x164 cm. Signed: Preben Fjderholt, 1993 In perf...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Bruno Cattani Diptyque Photographs Figure Nel Tempo, Parigi 3 & Parigi 4
Located in Outremont, QC
Bruno Cattani Diptyque Photographs Figure Nel Tempo, Parigi 3 & Parigi 4 // Dimensions: 28”W x 29”H each // *Excellent condition
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

1985 Dutch Abstract Modernist Wall Art by Piet Franz (1922-1991)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Modernist acrylic on canvas abstract painting by Piet Franz, 1985. Called "Lumiere Penetrante", this linear graphic painting is in original condition with visible wear includin...
Category

1980s Dutch Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Massive Abstract Acrylic on Canvas, Pascal Magis (1955-2011)
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is an absolutely beautiful acrylic on canvas by French artist, Pascal Magnis. A master of color, Magnis creates a canvas in which the colors and shapes appear to be jumping off the canvas. At the grand size of 9'10" x 6'9" this would ignite that drab wall! The artwork is signed in the lower right corner. Below From: Wimbledon Fine Art "Pascal Magis...
Category

1990s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Large Acrylic on Canvas, Pascal Magis (1955-2011)
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Truly a spectacular piece, this acrylic on canvas is by French artist, Pascal Magis. Known for his use of color, Magis uses acrylics as though the paint has a life of its own. Domina...
Category

1990s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Contemporary Abstract Italian Signed Painting
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful painting by the famous contemporary Italian artist Rossana Bartolozzi. In her typical modern abstract style, she never forgets the lesson of classicism. In this painting, o...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Oversized Abstract Acrylic on Canvas, Pascal Magis (1955-2011)
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This oversized acrylic on canvas is by French artist Pascal Magis. Known for his use of color, this would add flare to any interior. Dominant colors are red, black, yellow and blue. ...
Category

1990s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Modern, Large Watercolor, Abstract Blue Sky, Floating, Framed, c. 1990s
Located in Stamford, CT
Contemporary, Large Modern Watercolor, Abstract Sky Painting, Blue, White Clouds, Red Flower A large, abstract watercolor depicting a sky with clouds the Avon Products corporate col...
Category

1990s Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Rustic "Los Atravesados" Wood Wall Art Signed by the Artist. Dated 1993
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rustic "Los Atravesados" Wood Wall Art Signed by Mexican American Artist Roger Palacios. Dated 1993. Features a modern interpretation of Northern-Mexican Tribal Art painted o...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Swedish artist. Watercolor on paper. Modernist floral still life.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish artist. Watercolor on paper. Modernist floral still life. Colorful palette. Approximately from the 1970s. In perfect condition. Image dimensions: 38.0 cm x 45.0 cm. Total dim...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Figurative Abstract Oil Painting by Warren Fischer
Located in Miami, FL
Figurative abstract oil painting by Warren Fischer (1943-2001) titled "Pandora's Box #3" dated 1995. Offered for sale is a figurative abstract oil on canvas by the American artist W...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Henry Matisse's 'Fleur à Quatre Pétales': Limited Edition Lithograph, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Elevate your art collection with this exquisite framed lithograph, featuring Henry Matisse's iconic piece "Fleur à Quatre Pétales," meticulously printed by Michel Caza. Crafted as a ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Luciano Ventrone Painting Authenticated Titled Dated and Signed
By Luciano Ventrone
Located in Roma, IT
Luciano Ventrone Painting Oil on canvas, signed lower right L. Ventrone '76 The work has been authenticated directly by the artist and cataloged in the Ventrone Archive under the num...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Glass

Henri Matisse Framed Color Lithography, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, Framed on high quality frame in solid lacquered wood. Signed in the stone. Henri Matisse whether working as a draftsman, a sculpto...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, canvas and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Richard A. Hirsch, Harry Hilson, Cecilia Setterdahl, and Peter Keil. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $166,872 while the average work can sell for $2,187.

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