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Mid-Century Modern Photography

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Price: $1 to $1,500
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt Photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. Photography number 15. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and ...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Black and White Photography of Picasso Painting 'Guernica', 1973
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Black and white archive photography of Picasso Painting 'Guernica', 1973. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Mat...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt Photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. Photography number 30. 'Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum. Gemeine Wucherblume, große Maßliebe, M...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. Photography number 18. Clematis recta. Waldrebe. Samen in 4 facher Vergrößerung.' In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Karl Blossfeldt (June 13, 1865-December 9, 1932) was a German photographer...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Duval Street Old Key West Photograph
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage photograph Duval Street Old Key West from a Key West estate. Frame size 17 H x 23 W x 1 deep Image 10 1/2" H x 16 1/2 W.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Stephen Deutch Vintage Photo Gravure, Chicago circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage photo gravure by the photographer Stephen Deutch, circa 1940. Wood frame with passepartout and high quality glass. The frame on the photos is...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Jhon B. Titcomb and Alfred Person Vintage Photo Gravure, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage photo gravures by the photographers Jhon B. Titcomb and Alfred Person, circa 1940. Wood frame with passepartout and high quality museum's glass. In original condition, wi...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Rauschenberg, Limited Edition Photolithography, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Photolithography by Rauschenberg, circa 1970. Stamped rotogravure reproduction of series by Bolaffiarte. Limited edition of 5000. Exemplary numbe...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Bernard Buffet Coffee Table Art Collector Book, 1966
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Bernard Buffet. Images Luc Fournol. Legendes Annabel Buffet Jean Widmer. Buffet, Bernard - Druon, Maurice. Bernard Buffet (French: 10 July 1928 – 4 October 1999) was a French painter...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Cas Oorthys Vintage Photo Gravure, Amsterdam, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage photo gravure by the photographer Cas Oorthys, circa 1950. Wood frame with passepartout and high quality glass. The frame on the photos is just an example, it will be fram...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt Photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. Photography number 1. 'Aconitum. Eisenhut. Junger Sproß in 6 facher Vergrößerung.' In o...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Fernand Leger "Romantic landscape" Archive Photography, 1969
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Archive Photography of Fernand Leger Painting "Romantic landscape". Printed, 1969. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with ag...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography 'Untitled' by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography come...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Daniel Masclet Vintage Photo Gravure, circa 1947
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage photo gravure by the French photographer Daniel Masclet. Wood frame with passepartout and high quality museum's glass. In original condition, with minor wear consistent w...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Luce Contemporary Photography, circa 2019
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Photography made by the Spanish contemporary artist Luce. Printed, circa 2019. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary abstract photography by Adrian, 2017. We offer free worldwide shipping for this piece.  
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

László Moholy-Nagy "Licht-Raum Modulationen" Photography 5/6
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
László Moholy-Nagy photography 5/6 from a set of 6 photographies. Single edition of 'Light-Room Modulations' folder, original title 'Licht-Raum Modulationen.' Published by Edition ...
Category

1920s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt Photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. Photography number 11. 'Phacelia tanacetifolia. Bienenfutterpflanze. Blütenrispen in 4 fac...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Irving Penn, Photogravure Black and White, 1947
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Irving Penn photogravure plate page 21 inside the book Phographie 1947 edited by Arts et Metiers Graphiques. Measures: 17 x 22.5 cm Black wood framed size: 40 x 50 cm Copyri...
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Luce Contemporary Photography, circa 2019
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Photography made by the Spanish contemporary artist Luce. Printed, circa 2019. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt Photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. Photography number 12. 'Phacelia tanacetifolia. Bienenfutterpflanze. Blüterispen in 4 fach...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Manolo Hugué Archive Photo: 1960 Sculpture, 19th Century Frame, Silver Bromide
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography of sculpture. Printed, circa 1960. Framed on a 19th century frame with museum glass. Gelatin silver bromide print. Experience the artistry of Spani...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Silver

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography 'Untitled' by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography come...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Larry Clark Signed Gallery Exhibition Offset Lithograph Posters
Located in Atlanta, GA
Larry Clark Gallery exhibition offset lithograph posters, American, circa 1996. The poster on the left is signed by the artist. They are from the famed photographer, filmmaker, and a...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Yasuo Kuniyoshi Vintage Photo Gravure, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage photo gravure by the Japanese/American photographer Yasuo Kuniyoshi, circa 1940. Wood frame with passepartout and high quality museum's glass. In original condition, with...
Category

1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful pati...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. Photography number 32. 'Chrysanthemum macrophyllum. Großblätterige Wucherblume. Teil einer...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Michelangelo Pistoletto Photolithography L' Aquario
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Signed photolithography by Pistoletto, circa 1979. Stamped rotogravure reproduction of series by Bolaffiarte. Limited edition of 5000. Exemplary number 4942.  
Category

1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Luce Contemporary Photography, circa 2019
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Photography made by the Spanish contemporary artist Luce. Printed, circa 2019. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Goya's Painting Archive Photography for Bache Museum in New York, 1937
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Archive Photography of Goya Painting "Don Manuel Osorio de Zuñiga" for Bache Museum in New York. Printed, 1937. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category

1930s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt Photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Fernand Leger "Le Mecanicien" Archive Photography by Louis Carré, 1953
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Archive Photography of Fernand Leger painting "Le Mecanicien" by Louise Carré. Printed, 1953 in France. In original condition, with minor we...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Blue and White Cyanotype Photography on a Wooden Frame, 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary abstract Cyanotype by Adrian, 2017. Adrian Contemporary Blue and White Cyanotype Photography on a Wooden Frame, 2017  
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2012
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2012. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper, Glass

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Karl Blossfeldt Black White Flower Photogravure Botanic Photography, 1942
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Karl Blossfeldt Photogravure from the edition of the book 'Wunder in der Natur' in 1942. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful...
Category

1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography. Printed, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Enrico Garzaro, Flora Photogram Black and White Contemporary Photography
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Photogram by Enrico Garzaro from the Flora serie, 2015. Gelatin silver paper.
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Adrian Contemporary Photography, 2013
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The photography comes framed. T...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Mid-century Modern photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern photography 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 photography created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern photography made in a specific country, there are Europe, Spain, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original photography, popular names associated with this style include Karl Blossfeldt, Man Ray, László Moholy-Nagy, and Vincent Rossell. 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 photography differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $30,367 while the average work can sell for $1,297.

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