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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
George Platt Lynes Original B&W Photograph from Vogue Magazine
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This silver gelatin photograph was printed in New York City in the 1990s from the original negative. George Platt Lynes (1907 to 1955) was a legenda...
Category

1990s American Modern Photography

Materials

Other

1963 Gordon Bunshaft's Personal Ezra Stoller Photographs of Beinecke Library
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of eight original photographs from 1963 of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University, taken by the celebrated architectural photographer Ezra Stoll...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Cadillac CST and Blonde, 2002, Framed print by Helmut Newton (1920-2004)
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a fabulous photo shot by world renowned photographer Helmut Newton. This image was a custom commission for a Cadillac/GM in 2002. It was gifted to important players in the w...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Rediscovered Relics: Objet Trouvé Limited Edition Photography by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the past with "Objet Trouvé," a captivating series of color photographs by renowned photographer David Urbano. These prints bring to light the beauty of early 20th-century ob...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Demi Moore by Herb Ritts, 1996
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An classic photo by Herb Ritts of actress Demi Moore, stamped and pencil signed "Demi Moore, 1996". Image size approx. 5.25" x 6.75".
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Photography

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

Andy Warhol by Philippe Halsman
Located in London, GB
Andy Warhol and Philippe Halsman need no introduction - their contribution to the art world is boundless. A rare set of four Andy Warhol photographic chromogenic portraits in collabo...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Andy Warhol by Philippe Halsman
Andy Warhol by Philippe Halsman
$7,131 Sale Price / set
20% Off
"Jungle", Limited Edition, Abstract Photography by Marko Milić
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Macro photography - Giclée print on archival Hahnemühle paper 308 gsm Finest Quality - Archival properties with lasting up to 400 years Print will be produced, numbered and signed up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

"Beauty at the Window" Black & White Photography Portrait - Gelatin Silver Print
By Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau
Located in Coimbra, PT
"Beauty at the Window" Street Photography /2000, Portugal / Analog camera photo / B&W 35 mm film. 400 iso / Gelatin Silver Print Signed, titled, negative date and print date on vers...
Category

Early 2000s Portuguese Modern Photography

Materials

Other

David Urbano Contemporary Color Limited Edition Photography the Rose Garden N44
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Photography by David Urbano made in Barcelona, circa 2017. Giclée print in Hahnemüler paper with a varnish layer applied by hand. Signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9. Year 2015 printed 2018. Measures: Framed 40...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

John C Lewis Signed Limited Edition Silver Gelatin Photograph Print Mujer Divina
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous, dark, richly luminescent silver gelatin photographic print by American photographer John C. Lewis. This limited edition piece is titled "Mujer Divina, Michoacán, Mexico" (sometimes alternatively known as "Divine Woman, Michoacán, Mexico"). The work is pencil signed and numbered (5/25) by Lewis. A copy of this exact image can be found in the Getty Museum, Los Angeles. Lewis' work can be found in various collections and museums including: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston The Wittliff Collections in Austin, Texas Ventura County...
Category

20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Original Barcelona Summer Olympic Poster 1992 Designed by Addison
Located in London, GB
The 1992 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad and commonly known as Barcelona '92, were an international multi-sport even...
Category

1990s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Original Photograph of Karl Lagerfeld on Location
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Original silver gelatin print of a photo shoot from Karl Lagerfeld's studio, shows KL himself holding a light reflector. ex-collection Eric Wright - Lagerfeld's right hand man in t...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Ann Stautberg, Van Dallas 1979, Signed
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and important early work by the iconic American artist/photographer Ann Stautberg (United States, b.1949) Van, Dallas, 1979 Signed, titled, and dated in pencil, lower margin ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

2 x Photographic Prints 'Crimson Twilight-Dusky Luminesce' 70x100 G. Cassapides
Located in London, GB
Photographic print by George Cassapides printed on Giclée archival paper. This piece is part of a limited series by the artist exploring the tension between sensuality and abstracti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Photographic Giclee Print 'Dusky Luminesence' 70x100 G. Cassapides Wall Art
Located in London, GB
Photographic print by George Cassapides printed on Giclée archival paper. This piece is part of a limited series by the artist exploring the tension between sensuality and abstracti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Ernst Haas Dye Transfer Signed Photography Wall Art
Located in South Charleston, WV
Original photography by Ernst Haas. Dye Transfer. Rare, he did a series of "Scratch" photographs around 1979 in Aspen Colorado. The images were taken at what is believed to be a car ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Editioned Photograph Jack Nicholson IV, London by Herb Ritts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed black and white editioned photograph by American photographer Herb Ritts (1952–2002) dated to 1988. Entitled "Jack Nicholson IV, London", the work is one of the four iconic ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Voyeurism in LA, Signed by Helmut Newton
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Silver Gelatin Print Signed & Numbered in blue pencil verso Along with copy right stamps and the negative number written in regular pencil Sheet size: 15.8" x 12" Image size: 7" x ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Rediscovered Relics: Objet Trouvé Limited Edition Photography by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the past with "Objet Trouvé," a captivating series of color photographs by renowned photographer David Urbano. These prints bring to light the beauty of early 20th-century ob...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Group of Vintage NC State Highway Commission Glass Plate Negatives (Set of 39)
Located in New York, NY
Group of Vintage 1960s NC State Highway Commission Glass Plate Negatives (Set of 39) A rare and historically significant collection of 39 aerial glass plate negatives from the 1960s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Glass

Shelby Lee Adams, American B. 1950 'The Napier Brothers with Puppies' 1993 25/25
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Shelby Lee Adams (American, b. 1950). The Napier brothers with Puppies Silver gelatin print, 25/25. Signed in pencil lower left, titled and dated 1993. Dimensions: 16" x 20" paper si...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Black and White Framed Human Skull Art Photograph Photo
Located in Studio City, CA
An engaging black-and-white abstract human skull art photograph. Oddly alluring and beautiful. The photo is custom-matted and framed using UV-protected g...
Category

20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

Rediscovered Relics: Objet Trouvé Limited Edition Photography by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the past with "Objet Trouvé," a captivating series of color photographs by renowned photographer David Urbano. These prints bring to light the beauty of early 20th-century ob...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Ernst Haas 1981 Can of Paint Dye Transfer Signed Wall Photography Art
Located in South Charleston, WV
Original photography by Ernst Haas. Dye Transfer. "Can of Paint" done in 1981 from a photograph taken in Japan. Signed by Ernst Haas to the mounting. Not a later reprint, this is an ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Rediscovered Relics: Objet Trouvé Limited Edition Photography by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the past with "Objet Trouvé," a captivating series of color photographs by renowned photographer David Urbano. These prints bring to light the beauty of early 20th-century ob...
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

Paloma Picasso In a Karl Lagerfeld Dress, Signed by Helmut Newton
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Silver Gelatin Print Signed & Numbered in blue pencil verso Along with copy right stamps and the negative number written in regular pencil Sheet size: 15.8 x 12 Image size: 14.25 x...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Rediscovered Relics: Objet Trouvé Limited Edition Photography by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the past with "Objet Trouvé," a captivating series of color photographs by renowned photographer David Urbano. These prints bring to light the beauty of early 20th-century ob...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Vintage Photograph Martha Graham Letter to the World by Barbara Morgan
Located in Atlanta, GA
An iconic black and white photography by Barbara Morgan (American, 1900-1992) of "Martha Graham, Letter to the World". The photo was originally tak...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Rediscovered Relics: Objet Trouvé Limited Edition Photography by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the past with "Objet Trouvé," a captivating series of color photographs by renowned photographer David Urbano. These prints bring to light the beauty of early 20th-century ob...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Rediscovered Relics: Objet Trouvé Limited Edition Photography by David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Unearth the past with "Objet Trouvé," a captivating series of color photographs by renowned photographer David Urbano. These prints bring to light the beauty of early 20th-century ob...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Serge Gainsbourg Photography on Plexiglass
Located in Paris, FR
Photography Serge Gainsbourg on plexiglass. Limited Edition of six pieces. Made by Valerie Durand artist. Delivered with certificate.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Photography

Materials

Plexiglass

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

Annette Kelm Money Tree Photography, 2015
Located in Vienna, AT
Annette Kelm Money Tree photography, 2015 ed. 1/6+2Aps Very good condition, professionally framed, museum glass, 90% UV protected. Dimensions: 38“ x 27...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Polaroid Test Image by Denise Tarantino for Dah Len Studios c. 1990
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is an original test Polaroid image. In the pre-digital age, a Polaroid test image would verify that the model, product, and lighting would translate well on film. The studio needed to ensure that everything would translate correctly before the expense of shooting on film. Framed in a new matte black frame, this piece retains its original finish. Creator: Denise Tarantino for Dah Len Studios. Date of manufacture: circa 1990-1995 Materials and techniques: Photography paper, polaroid, wood, glass. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: H 6.5 in., W 6.5 in., D 1 in. History: Dah Len, a Taiwanese fashion photographer, was in high demand, and the images created at the studio were used for high-end fashion editorials, fashion magazine ads, clothing catalogs, album covers, and pop culture publicity. The client list included publications and high end brands: Vanity Fair, W, New York Times, Interview, Details, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole, Sean John...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

David Urbano the Rose Garden No. 21
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Photography by David Urbano made in Barcelona, circa 2017. ?Giclée print in Hahnemüler paper with a varnish layer applied by hand. Signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9. Year 2015 printed 2018. Measures: Framed 40...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

David Urbano the Rose Garden No. 21
David Urbano the Rose Garden No. 21
$2,480 Sale Price
30% Off
Model in Trouser Suit, Signed by Helmut Newton
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Silver Gelatin Print Signed & Numbered in blue pencil verso Along with copy right stamps and the negative number written in regular pencil Sheet size: 15.8 x 12 Image size: 10.5 x 10...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Black and White Photo of African American Mother and Children
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Black and White photo of African American Mother and Children Glossy Paper mounted on Foam Core Overall size = 18" x 24" Image size = 12" ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

"The Teaser" Black and White Photography Gelatin Silver Print Ana Maria Cortesão
By Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau
Located in Coimbra, PT
"The Teaser" street photography /2000, Portugal / Analog camera photo / B&W 35 mm film. 400 iso / Gelatin Silver Print. Unframed Signed, titled, negative date & print date on verso. Please take a moment to visit our art gallery on 1stdibs listed in the Fine art section. Ana Maria Cortesão...
Category

Early 2000s Portuguese Modern Photography

Materials

Other

Pictorialist Photography, "Pensive Woman"
Located in Rochester, NY
Pictorialist photograph of a young woman. Silver print in the original oak frame. Inscribed on reverse R.S. Paddock, Early 20th century. Pictorialism is the name given to an intern...
Category

Early 20th Century American 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

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

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

Photograph by Jean Daniel Lorieux, 1994
Located in Berlin, DE
Katherina, Hotel Cap Ferrat, 1994. Photograph from the 2016 "True Blue" Exhibition Berlin by Jean Daniel Lorieux in a white frame. Signed.
Category

1990s French 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

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 Contemporary Land Photography, Rewind/Forward N05
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rewind/Forward Serie - N05 Analogue photography, giclée print in Hahnemüler Paper. Signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9. Year 2016 printed 2018. Measures: Framed...
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

"Obvious", Limited Edition, Abstract Photography by Marko Milić
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Macro photography - Giclée print on archival Hahnemühle paper 308 gsm Finest Quality - Archival properties with lasting up to 400 years Print will be produced, numbered and signed up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian 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

"Mythical Beast", Limited Edition, Abstract Photography by Marko Milić
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Macro photography - Giclée print on archival Hahnemühle paper 308 gsm Finest Quality - Archival properties with lasting up to 400 years Print will be produced, numbered and signed up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

"Acid", Limited Edition, Abstract Photography by Marko Milić
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Macro photography - Giclée print on archival Hahnemühle paper 308 gsm Finest Quality - Archival properties with lasting up to 400 years Print will be produced, numbered and signed up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Josep Martinez Photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson
By Josep Martinez
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Henri Cartier-Bresson photographed by Josep Martinez. "C'est pour la police?" Photography taken in Barcelona in 2003. In good original conditions.
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

Graham Nash Signed Silver Gelatin Black & White Photograph "Why?", 2003
Located in Studio City, CA
An engaging photographic image by famed British musician and photographer Graham Nash (from the folk-rock supergroups Crosby, Stills & Nash and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young). Nash's ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Photography

Materials

Wood, Paper

"Lich", Limited Edition, Abstract Photography by Marko Milić
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Macro photography - Giclée print on archival Hahnemühle paper 308 gsm Finest Quality - Archival properties with lasting up to 400 years Print will be produced, numbered and signed up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Modern Photography

Materials

Paper

"Dragon's Lair", Limited Edition, Abstract Photography by Marko Milić
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Macro photography - Giclée print on archival Hahnemühle paper 308 gsm Finest Quality - Archival properties with lasting up to 400 years Print will be produced, numbered and signed up...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian 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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