The International Style, a modernist movement within architecture and furniture design that was given its name by American architect Philip Johnson and historian Henry-Russell Hitchcock, was born during the 1920s and ’30s. It gained steam initially in Europe and then in the United States as a response to the first World War. Building projects associated with the movement, as well as vintage International Style chairs, tables and other furnishings, are minimal and pared back.
Pioneers of the International Style — architect Walter Gropius and his Bauhaus colleagues Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, De Stijl advocate and Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and visionary designer Le Corbusier — stripped away decorative elements and placed considerable value on functionality and clean lines, integrating the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and large sheets of glass in their work. Quite aptly, this mode of design and architectural style coincided with an era now known as the Machine Age and became a global symbol of modernism. The primary motive of its practitioners was to address the changing needs of a rapidly industrializing society, especially the demand for office complexes and apartments in large cities, through economical, technologically advanced, yet aesthetically pleasing designs for furniture and buildings.
“Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep,” said Le Corbusier of the philosophy behind his practical modernist architecture.
The International Style’s designers and architects were inspired by the advantages afforded them by the era’s new technology and industrial machinery as well as state-of-the-art materials. Le Corbusier was fond of framing his buildings in steel but reinforced concrete made far more economic sense. He is probably most admired for the iconic private homes and commercial buildings that he designed or codesigned with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, which are spread across the world, from New York City to Paris to Chandigarh, India. Today, Breuer’s Wassily Lounge chair; the elegant LC series created by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich, are emblems of progressive modernist design and all make prominent use of tubular steel. Vintage originals are the prized cornerstone of collections.
“The International Style is probably the first fundamentally original and widely distributed style since the Gothic,” posited Johnson in the book that accompanied “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition,” an architectural show he cocurated with Hitchcock that featured the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra and others. While the term “International Style” had previously been circulating in Europe, when the show opened at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, it yielded a much broader application of this important style of design.
Find International Style furniture on 1stDibs.
Hunting trophy – Mountain hare 1900 Blackforest
Located in Vienna, AT
Description: Historic hunting trophy depicting a mountain hare (Lepus timidus), mounted in the Black Forest tradition and dated by inscription to 1900. The hare features original gla...
Antler, Wood
Stainless Steel Double Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Chains series represents a particular look into a rough object, which is often strictly associated to its functional purpose. The piece propose a reflection on mass production...
Stainless Steel
Oil Painting of the Capri Coastline by Matteo Sarno
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early 20th century oil painting of the coastline off the Isle of Capri, near Naples painted in the impressionist style, showing rocky cliffs and the azure Mediterranean sea. The painting is titled ‘Capri’ and is signed Matteo Sarno...
Canvas
1970's 'Modern Painting of Sun Rays' Screen Print after Roy Lichtenstein
Located in New York, NY
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997). "Modern Painting of Sun Rays". color silkscreen, printed in 1972. Very light cream smooth sturdy wove paper. The full sheet. Fine impression...
Paper
$1,070Sale Price|20% Off
Alois De Laet 1895
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Alois De Laet grew up in the Schipperskwartier in Antwerp, where his mother ran a café. De Laet was initially more interested in music. He took lessons from Peter Benoit and played the piano in his mother's café. As a painter he was self-taught. In 1900 he was the first to exhibit at the social philosophical movement 'De Kapel'. There he met artists such as Eugeen Van Mieghem and Henry Van de Velde. De Laet called himself one of the first Antwerp socialist artists. After the First World War he achieved success with his landscapes of the Kalmhoutse Heide and the Antwerp polders. He was a member of various art circles, including Eenigen, Als ik Kan, de Scalden, La Libre Esthétique and Vie et Lumière...
Paint
$52,570Sale Price|20% Off
Painting Oil on Canvas by Pio Joris Important Italian Artist of the 19th centur
Located in Rome, IT
Pio Joris (Rome, 1843-1922). The Via Flaminia, a Sunday morning," 1869, (winner of the Gold Medal Exhibition in Monaco, 1869) with frame 160 x 83 cm. Pio Joris attended the Istitu...
Canvas
Ancient engraving, map of the earth with circling zodiac
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ancient engraving, map of the earth with circling zodiac "Situs Terrae Circulis Coelestibus Circumnate"
Paper
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Original Vintage French Theatre and Cabaret Poster by René Gruau, 1966
By René Gruau
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Original vintage French theatre and cabaret poster by René Gruau, 1966 René Gruau was a fashion illustrator whose exaggerated portrayal of fashion d...
Paper
Stainless Steel Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Polished
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Chains series represents a particular look into a rough object, which is often strictly associated to its functional purpose. The piece propose a reflection on mass production...
Stainless Steel
$5,760Sale Price|20% Off
Oil on Canvas Original Painting in Wooden Gold Leaf, "Golden Griffins"
By Alexander's Collection, Andrew Ryabov
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Oil on Canvas Original Painting in Wooden Gold Leaf, "Golden Griffins" An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travellers of Civi...
Gold Leaf
Heidi Lange Batik Cranes
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful Batik depicting 3 stylized preening Cranes by Swedish artist Heidi Lange. Great visual and contrast. Curbside to NYC/Philly $350
Cotton, Wood
Pencil Drawing by the Bolivian Surrealist Artist, Benjamin Mendoza y Amor Flores
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Pencil Drawing on Paper by the Bolivian Surrealist artist, Benjamin Mendoza y Amor Flores (1935 - 2014), untitled of a Man laying on his back holding a large fish on top of him and b...
Paper
Black Chain, by Rain, Wall Piece, Stainless Steel, Black
By RAIN
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Chains series represents a particular look into a rough object, which is often strictly associated to its functional purpose. The piece propose a reflection on mass production...
Stainless Steel
$1,050Sale Price|20% Off
Orthodox icon "Christ Pantocrator" 18th century Russian area
Located in Sant'Arsenio, Campania
Orthodox icon "Christ Pantocrator" 18th century Russian area Orthodox icon "Christ Pantocrator" 18th century Russian area, a specimen of considerable art-historical value from the R...
Wood, Paint
Jaroslav Hovadik, Czech Structural Graphic Art Abstract
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Jaroslav Hovadik (Czech/Canadian, 1935-2011) Abstrakce s písmeny. (Abstraction with letters) Structural graphic on paper. Size: 24 3/4 x 18 3/4 in.(63 x 47.5 cm.) Framed. Ref.: Jirí Bernard Krticka, “ Czech Structural Graphic Art...
Paper
Toscanini, Arturo. (1867-1957) Signed Photograph
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Toscanini, Arturo. (1867-1957) Signed Photograph Striking photograph sad in odictor in profile, " Arturo Toscanini 29-2. 1936" by Renato Toppo of New York Size: 7" x 9" inches (17.8...
Paper
Mid-Century Dutch Impressionist City Buildings with Bridge
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Impressionist painting by a Dutch artist C1950 with a period frame Signed but cannot make out the name A dutch cityscape with a bridge in what looks to be winter In excellen...
Canvas, Hardwood, Paint
Lotte Lehmann Elisabeth Rethberg Kathryn Meisle 3 Signed Opera Promo Photographs
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
3 Signed Promotional Photograph of Female Opera Singers LOTTE LEHMANN, ELISABETH RETHBERG, KATHRYN MEISLE All dated 1935-1936 and approx. 7.5 x 9 in. (19 X 23 cm.) Charlotte "Lotte...
Paper
19th Century French School Still Life of Field Flowers
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A brightly colored 19th century French school still life of field flowers Signed J. Levy, lower Left. The painting measures: 25 5/8" inches ...
Paint
ALICE BIERNE SAWTELLE MACKENZIE 1898-1989 The Flower Seller, Mexico, circa 1940
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
ALICE BIERNE SAWTELLE MACKENZIE 1898-1989 The Flower Selle Mexico, circa 1940. Oil on canvas. 22" x 18" in. (61.1 x 45.7 cm.) Frame: 30 1/2" x 24 1/4" in. (77.5 x 61.5 cm.) Alice...
Paint
$544Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ligurian port (Camogli) 1961 Painting
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Natale Pollastrini (1902-1996) Depicting a Ligurian port (Camogli) from 1961 signed lower left Oil on canvas applied on cardboard 17.8 x 24 cm. Frame present as per photo Provena...
Canvas
Pair of Square Textured Gold Paintings by Rebecca Koury for Neiman Marcus
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Inspired by Nature and elements, Rebecca Koury is a vert talented artist creating very unique pieces. This beautiful pair was picked from a series of 9 paintings titled, “Echoes”. Th...
Wood
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Late 18th Century Original Vintage French Poster, 'Fernand Calment & Co'
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Original vintage French poster, 'Fernand Calment & Co', 1896 bicycle poster Year: 1896 Dimensions: 118 x 77 cm Condition: Good Format: Linen backed.
Paper
Pair of Gilded Fruitwood Friezes, Rope Bowl Design, Late 19th Century
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Pair of small gilded wooden friezes in the shape of unusual rope bowls. They can be hung under pictures or mirrors or..elsewhere. Elegant ! ref. O/4792/5 and 6.
Fruitwood
Early 19th Century Neapolitan Gouache on Paper, Set of 3
Located in Bradenton, FL
A set of three Neapolitan street scenes. Gouache on paper. Not examined out of the frames. Apparently unsigned. Early 19th century. Possibly by Saverio della Gatta. Label on back from a prominent Boston frame...
Paint
Lily Pons Lauritz Melchior Dusolina Giannini 3 Signed Opera Promo Photographs
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
3 signed promotional photograph of opera singers LILY PONS, LAURITZ MELCHIOR, DUSOLINA GIANNINI 1930's, approx. 7.5 x 9 in. (19 x 23 cm.) Charming photograph of Alice Joséphine PONS...
Paper
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Original Vintage French Poster, 'La Marmotte', 1904
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Early 20th century original vintage French poster, 'La Marmotte', 1904 Artist: A Barreress Year: 1904 Dimensions: 125 x 86 cm Condition: Great condition Format: ...
Paper
1960s Original Abstract Painting By Swedish Artist Kulo Green (1913-1972)
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Original abstract oil on board by Swedish artist Gustaf Holger Fritiof (1913-1972) who painted under the name Kulo Green. The son of a master painter he studied at the Technical Eve...
Acrylic
SUPERSTUDIO Lithograph "Catalogo degli Istogrammi d'Architettura"
By Superstudio
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
Very Rare Framed Lithograph by the preeminent Italian Intellectual Architectural Practice. Lithograph "Catalogo degli Istogrammi d'Architettura," 1969 Signed, stamped and numbered ...
Paper
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Original Vintage French Poster, 'Froid Philips' by Darigo
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Midcentury original vintage French poster, 'Froid Philips' by Darigo Artist Darigo Year 1950 Dimensions: 160 x 120 cm ...
Paper
$7,646Sale Price|20% Off
Large Summer Painting Signed and Dated or Sliding Door
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Antique particular large painting "Summer" like an open window on a garden - There is also another one "Autumn" - Signed and dated 1894 - May be used also as a sliding door between t...
Canvas
$792Sale Price|20% Off
'Velo - Moteur Thomann', Mid-20th Century Original French Lithograph Poster
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Velo - Moteur Thomann', mid-20th century original French lithograph poster Artist: Anonymous Dimensions: 59 x 40 cm Condition: G...
Paper
$823Sale Price|20% Off
Dutch Landscape 1930s Oil on Canvas
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Beautiful summer impressionistic Dutch landscape with children playing at a lake surrounded by trees and in the background grassland, cornfields and a forest edge. Painted en plein a...
Canvas
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Herve Morvan Original Vintage Poster, 'Salon De L’enfance' Yellow Rooster
By Herve Masson
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Original vintage poster by Herve Morvan, 'Salon De L’enfance' Yellow Rooster "Youth, Sports, Leisure" Camp for children; Herve Morvan is a french ar...
Paper
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury European City Marina Scene Signed Zint Lov, 1966
By Raoul Dufy
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An original oil painting in a gilded wood frame signed by an unknown artist Zint Lov and dated 1966. The painting is in the style of Raoul Dufy and shows a Harbour scene full of boat...
Canvas
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Savignac Bird 'Au Musee De L’Affich' Original Vintage French Exhibition Poster
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Savignac Bird 'Au Musee De L’Affich' original vintage French exhibition poster "Savignac", was a French graphic artist famous for his comm...
Paper
$1,040Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mid-1970s Original Vintage French Festival Poster, 'Festival D'automne', 1973
By Arman
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Mid-1970s original vintage French festival poster, 'Festival D'automne', 1973 Artist: Arman Dimensions: 158 x 109 cm Year: 1973.
Paper
$7,646Sale Price|20% Off
Autumn Large Painting, Signed G. Marion, 1894, Versatile Room Divider
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Particular proposal of a large painting "Autumn": like an open window on a forest. There is also another one like "Spring- Summer". Dated 1894 - Signed G. Marion - May be used also a...
Canvas
Large Six-Panel Steve McQueen Portrait Painting by Detroit Artist Billy Couch
By Billy Couch
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large six-panel Steve Mcqueen portrait painting by Detroit artist Billy Couch. Acrylic on canvas . Six separate panels hung individually . Each measure...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
Limited Edition Print after original Andrew Ryabov - "Pegasus"
By Andrew Ryabov, Alexander's Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Limited Edition Print after Andrew Ryabov - "Pegasus" Not framed. Printed on Fine Art Matt Paper, smooth texture. Hahnemuhle Museum Etching is an exceptional 350 gsm weight paper, sm...
Paper
$12,720Sale Price|20% Off
Oil on Canvas Contemporary Painting in Wooden Frame 24K Gold Leaf 'Time Fighter'
By Alexander's Collection, Andrew Ryabov
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Oil on Canvas Contemporary Painting in Wooden Frame 24K Gold Leaf 'Time Fighter' An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travellers...
Gold Leaf
$17,040Sale Price|20% Off
'Sirens' Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2002
Located in Hong Kong, HK
'Sirens' Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2002 An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travelers of Civilizatio...
Gold Leaf
$10,240Sale Price|20% Off
Sacrifice Oil on Canvas Original Painting in Wooden Gold Leaf Frame, 2005
By Andrew Ryabov, Alexander's Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sacrifice Oil on Canvas Original Painting in Wooden Gold Leaf Frame, 2005 An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travelers of C...
Gold Leaf
$5,760Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Oil on Canvas Original Painting in Wooden Gold Leaf, "Mermaids"
By Andrew Ryabov, Alexander's Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Contemporary Oil on Canvas Original Painting in Wooden Gold Leaf, "Mermaids" An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travellers o...
Gold Leaf
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Oil on Canvas Contemporary Painting "Glance from Eternity" in Golden frame 2000
By Alexander's Collection, Andrew Ryabov
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Oil on Canvas Contemporary Painting "Glance from Eternity" in 24K Golden frame, 2000 An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov, - “Trav...
Gold Leaf
$1,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
Limited Edition Print after original Andrew Ryabov - "Silver and gold deers"
By Andrew Ryabov, Alexander's Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Limited Edition Print after Andrew Ryabov - "Glance from Eternity" Not framed. Printed on Fine Art Matt Paper, smooth texture. Hahnemuhle Museum Etching is an exceptional 350 gsm wei...
Paper
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Oil on Canvas Painting in Wooden Frame 24K Gold Leaf 'Wounded Lion'
By Alexander's Collection, Andrew Ryabov
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Contemporary Oil on Canvas Painting in Wooden Frame 24K Gold Leaf 'Wounded Lion' An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist - “Travellers of Civilisat...
Gold Leaf
$792Sale Price|20% Off
'T’en Fais Pas, C’est Une Bicyclette Sparting', Original Lithograph Poster
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'T’en Fais Pas, C’est Une Bicyclette Sparting', original lithograph poster T’en Fais Pas, C’est Une Bicyclette Sparting - "Don't worry, this is a sparting bicycle" Artist Anon...
Paper
Very Unusual Large Trompe L'oeil Game Painting on Board
Located in West Chester, PA
Trompe L'oeil game painting on board. Birds, guns and a bugle. Italian artist and dated 1910.
Paint
Large University Anatomical Chart “Ligamnets” by Turner
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large University Anatomical chart “Ligamnets” by Turner W&A K Johnston’s Charts of Anatomy and Physiology By Dr William Turner, Professor of Anatomy University of Edinburgh/A J Nystrom & Co US Agents Chicago This is Plate 2, Ligaments, by Turner, it is large lithograph set...
Linen
"Desert Rock Painting" by Valerj Pobega, USA, 2013
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Desert Rock Painting" by Valerj Pobega, USA, 2013 Valerj's recent body of work is inspired by nature and in particular a trip to the Grand Canyon in 20...
Fabric, Wood, Paper
$1,147Sale Price|20% Off
Flowers and Fruit Vintage Simple Painting
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/8193 - Pleasant composition of flowers and fruit, with roses, pomegranates, grapes: everything that can give pleasure to the sight and the palate.
Canvas
$1,589Sale Price|30% Off
Boats in Camogli Port: 21st Century Italian Oil Painting
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/5868 - Italian modern painting with the famous port of Camogli "the city of a thousand white sailing ships", near Portofino.
Canvas
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Plaster Over Wood Relief Painting of Sailboat Scene
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Plaster Over Wood Relief Painting of Sailboat Scene Discover the artistry of this plaster over wood relief painting, depicting a serene scene of a person on a sailboat. Rendered in...
Plaster, Wood, Paint
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
'Time Keeper' Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2003
Located in Hong Kong, HK
'Time Keeper' Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2003 An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travelers of Civili...
Gold Leaf
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
'Time Keeper' Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2003
Located in Hong Kong, HK
'Time Keeper' Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2003 An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travelers of Civili...
Gold Leaf
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Reincarnation" Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2000
Located in Hong Kong, HK
"Reincarnation" Original Oil on Canvas Painting in Gold Leaf Frame, 2000 An incredible and mystical collection of paintings, after a unique artist Andrew Ryabov - “Travellers of Civ...
Gold Leaf
$1,024Sale Price / item|20% Off
Limited Edition Print after Andrew Ryabov - "Glance from Eternity"
By Andrew Ryabov, Alexander's Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Limited Edition Print after Andrew Ryabov - "Glance from Eternity" Not framed. Printed on Fine Art Matt Paper, smooth texture. Hahnemuhle Museum Etching is an exceptional 350 gsm wei...
Paper