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Modern Photography

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
1998 Photo by Michael Kenna "Beauty and the Beast"
Located in Houston, TX
Pencil Signed 1998 Photo by Michael Kenna "Beauty and the Beast" Limited Edition small run 14/45 Silver Gelatin Print Vaux-le-Vicomte Michael Kenna is known for his black and white...
Category

Late 20th Century English Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Karl Lagerfeld Satin Finish Umber Photo-Lithograph of Max Delorme, Nude, 1997
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous photo print by the iconic photographer and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld of Max Delorme. Image captured and satin finish umber photo-lithograph printed in 1997. Measures: ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Vintage Photograph Pharaonic Light by Ralph Gibson
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage black and white gelatin silver black and white print by American photographer Gibson Ralph (born 1939, Los Angeles, CA), An iconic photo from Gibson's 1991 series Pharaonic...
Category

1990s American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Modern, Large Black and White Photographs, Floral Still Life, Framed, 1990s
Located in Stamford, CT
Modern, Large Black and White Photographs, Floral Still Life, Framed, 1990s Five large floral still life framed photographs from the Avon Corporate Collection. Price is for each ind...
Category

1990s American Modern Photography

Materials

Glass

“Three Girls in Studio, Cairo” Limited Edition Print 2/3 by Youssef Nabil
Located in Dubai, AE
“Three Girls in Studio, Cairo” is a print of a Black and White photgraph by Youssef Nabil from 1993, hand-colored by the artist. Exhibition label at the verso states, that this print...
Category

Early 2000s Egyptian Modern Photography

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

George Machado Orig B&WPhotograph Male Portrait “One of a Kind Collage” Series
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This is one of the series of original black-and-white photographs “collage series” being offered for sale for the first time. George Machado was the menswear designer of Zylos George...
Category

1990s American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

The New Yorker Cartoonists, by Arnold Newman
Located in Sharon, CT
A large photographic reproduction print with Arnold Newman signature in matrix of all The New Yorker Cartoonists as a group. Taken and printed in 1997. Each cartoonist received 2 of these prints, this one was Al Ross...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Collage Art, Photo Collage, Contemporary Art, “Untitled”, By Donovan G Davis
Located in Toronto, ON
Donovan Davis’s is a Canadian based artist currently residing in Toronto. He has over two decades dedicated to deconstructing and reconstructing photo based images. His photo collag...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Collage Art, Photo Collage, Contemporary Art, “Untitled”, By Donovan G Davis
Located in Toronto, ON
Donovan Davis’s is a Canadian based artist currently residing in Toronto. He has over two decades dedicated to deconstructing and reconstructing photo based images. His photo collag...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Collage Art, Photo Collage, Contemporary Art, “Untitled”, By Donovan G Davis
Located in Toronto, ON
Donovan Davis’s is a Canadian based artist currently residing in Toronto. He has over two decades dedicated to deconstructing and reconstructing photo based images. His photo collag...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Collage Art, Photo Collage, Contemporary Art, “Untitled”, By Donovan G Davis
Located in Toronto, ON
Donovan Davis’s is a Canadian based artist currently residing in Toronto. He has over two decades dedicated to deconstructing and reconstructing photo based images. His photo collag...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Collage Art, Photo Collage, Contemporary Art, By Donovan G Davis
Located in Toronto, ON
Donovan Davis’s is a Canadian based artist currently residing in Toronto. He has over two decades dedicated to deconstructing and reconstructing photo based images. His photo collag...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Vintage 3-Dimensional New York City Skyline Photograph, Twin Towers, Framed
Located in Miami, FL
Framed Three Dimensional New York City Skyline Photograph with the Twin Towers Offered for sale is a framed overscale black and white photograph of New York...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Framed Editioned Vintage Photograph Adam in Central Park New York Arthur Tress
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed black and white gelatin silver photograph by American surrealist photographer Arthur Tress (1940-). Entitled "Adam in Central Park, New York". the gelatin silver print was m...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Framed Editioned Dali Photograph by Philippe Halsman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) Medium: Gelatin silver print Title: Dalí with Rhinoceros Date: 1956; Printed in 1981 as part of the ten-piece Dali Portfolio...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Framed Editioned Dali Photograph by Philippe Halsman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) Medium: Gelatin silver print Title: Dali Fishing Date: 1954; Printed in 1981 as part of the ten-piece Dali Portfolio...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Framed Edition Dali Photograph by Philippe Halsman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) Medium: Gelatin Silver Print Title: Invisible Dali Date: 1954; Printed in 1981 as part of the ten-piece Dali Portfolio...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

David Urbano's Unique Photography: 'Mon Cadeau' Collection, Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing photography, created in his hometown of Barcelona around 2023. This untitled masterpiece is a distinguished addition to the...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

David Urbano's Unique Photography: 'Mon Cadeau' Collection, Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing photography, created in his hometown of Barcelona around 2023. This untitled masterpiece is a distinguished addition to the 'Mon Cadeau' collection, drawing inspiration from the iconic Man...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

David Urbano's Unique Photography: 'Mon Cadeau' Collection, Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing photography, created in his hometown of Barcelona around 2023. This untitled masterpiece is a distinguished addition to the 'Mon Cadeau' collection, drawing inspiration from the iconic Man...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Untitled Photography from the 'Cuatricomia' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing untitled work from the 'Cuatricomia' collection. This exceptional Giclée print on Hahnemühle Paper is a singular representa...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Untitled Photography from the 'Cuatricomia' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing untitled work from the 'Cuatricomia' collection. This exceptional Giclée print on Hahnemühle Paper is a singular representa...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Harmony Unveiled: David Urbano's Collection of Four Captivating Photographs
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of 'Cuatricomia Harmony,' an extraordinary collection by David Urbano featuring four captivating photographs that dance with color and depth....
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Framed Cyanotype Photograph by John Patrick Dugdale
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: John Patrick Dugdale (New York, b. 1960) Title: Margie Medium: Cyanotype Year: 1996 Edition: number 2/10 Measurement: Sight H 9", W 7.5"; with artist fame H 14.5", W 12.5" Pr...
Category

1990s American Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

David Urbano's Unique Photography: 'Mon Cadeau' Collection, Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing photography, created in his hometown of Barcelona around 2023. This untitled masterpiece is a distinguished addition to the 'Mon Cadeau' collection, drawing inspiration from the iconic Man...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Zig Zag Radiance: Color Photography from 'Sit Z' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the delicate brilliance of David Urbano's framed photography, an untitled gem hailing from the inspiring 'Sit Z' collection. Drawing inspiration from the visionary Gerrit Rietveld, Urbano captures the essence of the Zig Zag Modern...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Eternal Silhouettes: 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Untitled Photography from the 'Cuatricomia' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing untitled work from the 'Cuatricomia' collection. This exceptional Giclée print on Hahnemühle Paper is a singular representa...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

C. 1947 Photograph by Julius Shulman of Kaufmann House by Richard Neutra 8x10 in
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is Julius Shulman's iconic photograph of the Kaufmann House, designed by Richard Neutra in 1946 and photographed by Shulman in 1947. The house was commissioned by Edgar J. Kaufmann, Sr. who also commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Shulman is arguably the most famous architectural photographer in history and is known as an instrumental figure in communicating American modernism to the eyes of the public throughout the 20th century. This image along with the "Two Girls" variation of Case Study...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

David Urbano's Unique Photography: 'Mon Cadeau' Collection, Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing photography, created in his hometown of Barcelona around 2023. This untitled masterpiece is a distinguished addition to the 'Mon Cadeau' collection, drawing inspiration from the iconic Man...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

David Urbano's Unique Photography: 'Mon Cadeau' Collection, Limited Edition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing photography, created in his hometown of Barcelona around 2023. This untitled masterpiece is a distinguished addition to the 'Mon Cadeau' collection, drawing inspiration from the iconic Man...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Luminous Perspectives: 'Sit Z' Collection by David Urbano - Limited Edition Set
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the radiant world of 'Sit Z,' an exquisite collection by David Urbano featuring three delicately illuminated photographies inspired by the iconic Gerrit Rietveld. Each untitled gem captures the essence of Zig Zag Modern...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Zig Zag Radiance: Color Photography from 'Sit Z' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the delicate brilliance of David Urbano's framed photography, an untitled gem hailing from the inspiring 'Sit Z' collection. Drawing inspiration from the visionary Gerrit Rietveld, Urbano captures the essence of the Zig Zag Modern...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Harmony Unveiled: David Urbano's Collection of Four Captivating Photographs
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of 'Cuatricomia Harmony,' an extraordinary collection by David Urbano featuring four captivating photographs that dance with color and depth....
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Untitled Photography from the 'Cuatricomia' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with David Urbano's mesmerizing untitled work from the 'Cuatricomia' collection. This exceptional Giclée print on Hahnemühle Paper is a singular representa...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Harmony Unveiled: David Urbano's 'Mon Cadeau' Collection of 8 Photographies
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
mmerse yourself in the captivating world of David Urbano's 'Mon Cadeau' collection, a symphony of visual delight comprised of 8 spellbinding photographs. Crafted in Urbano's hometown of Barcelona, circa 2023, each untitled masterpiece draws inspiration from the iconic Man...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Joseph Raffael, Surrealist Collage, c. 1965
By Joseph Raffaele
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Joseph Raffael (NYC, 1933-2021), Surrealist Portrait of a Woman, collaged magazine photographs assembled on cardboard, pencil signed lower margins, matted and wood slat framed under ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Polaroid signed Plinio Martelli
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Polaroid signed by Plinio Martelli. Polaroid size 10 cm x 10 cm. Framework size 27.5 cm x 27.5 cm Plinio Martelli was born in Turin in 1945. After attending the Accademia Albertina,...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Photography

Materials

Faux Leather

'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano - Limited Edition Set
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of 'A Kokeshi World,' a captivating collection by David Urbano featuring nine delicate and intricately composed photographs of traditional Ja...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Sculpted Elegance: Gem from the 'Men of Marble' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Step into the realm of timeless beauty with David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece from the exclusive 'Men of Marble' collection. This color photograph captures ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Zig Zag Radiance: Color Photography from 'Sit Z' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the delicate brilliance of David Urbano's framed photography, an untitled gem hailing from the inspiring 'Sit Z' collection. Drawing inspiration from the visionary Gerrit Rietveld, Urbano captures the essence of the Zig Zag Modern...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Whimsical Elegance: Gem from 'A Kokeshi World' Collection by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of David Urbano's untitled photography, a delicate masterpiece hailing from the 'A Kokeshi World' collection. Capturing the essence of Kokes...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Modern photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern photography made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original photography, popular names associated with this style include Bonnie Edelman, David Urbano, Carmen Mitrotta, and John Dugdale. 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 $25 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $2,494.

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