Beginning in the early 20th century, abstract art became a leading style of modernism. Rather than portray the world in a way that represented reality, as had been the dominating style of Western art in the previous centuries, abstract paintings, prints and sculptures are marked by a shift to geometric forms, gestural shapes and experimentation with color to express ideas, subject matter and scenes.
Although abstract art flourished in the early 1900s, propelled by movements like Fauvism and Cubism, it was rooted in the 19th century. In the 1840s, J.M.W. Turner emphasized light and motion for atmospheric paintings in which concrete details were blurred, and Paul Cézanne challenged traditional expectations of perspective in the 1890s.
Some of the earliest abstract artists — Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint — expanded on these breakthroughs while using vivid colors and forms to channel spiritual concepts. Painter Piet Mondrian, a Dutch pioneer of the art movement, explored geometric abstraction partly owing to his belief in Theosophy, which is grounded in a search for higher spiritual truths and embraces philosophers of the Renaissance period and medieval mystics. Black Square, a daringly simple 1913 work by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, was a watershed statement on creating art that was free “from the dead weight of the real world,” as he later wrote.
Surrealism in the 1920s, led by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim and others, saw painters creating abstract pieces in order to connect to the subconscious. When Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York during the mid-20th century, it similarly centered on the process of creation, in which Helen Frankenthaler’s expressive “soak-stain” technique, Jackson Pollock’s drips of paint, and Mark Rothko’s planes of color were a radical new type of abstraction.
Conceptual art, Pop art, Hard-Edge painting and many other movements offered fresh approaches to abstraction that continued into the 21st century, with major contemporary artists now exploring it, including Anish Kapoor, Mark Bradford, El Anatsui and Julie Mehretu.
Find original abstract paintings, sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.
"Innocence" by Gilbert Pauli - Watercolor on Paper - 48x36 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Watercolor
Argentinian Tango, Mixed Media Abstract Expressionist
Located in Soquel, CA
Argentinian Tango, Mixed Media Abstract Expressionist An abstract portrait in cool pastels accented in vibrant yellow and pink and lined in ink, by California-based artist, Ricardo de Silva (American). Paper size: 17.75"H x 12"W From a collection of Ricardo de Silva's work and memorabilia. DeSilva was born in Brazil and grew up in Los Angeles. He was a gallery owner, first in Santa Barbara in the 1960's and 70's, then in San Jose in the 1980's. He was dedicated to promoting the work of talented upcoming artists, including Kogyo and Hasui Kiyochika, Robert Frame, Jim Stuckenberg, Alice Robertson Carr, Deborah Eve Alastra...
Paper, Gouache, Ink, Watercolor
Abstract Portrait of a Woman in Gouache on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Portrait of a Woman in Gouache on Paper A vibrant abstract portrait of a woman with raven black hair accented in bold red and yellow, by California-based artist, Ricardo de Silva (American...
Gouache, Paper
Robert Goodnough - Seated Girl, original signed Expressionist charcoal drawing
By Robert Goodnough, 1917-2010
Located in New York, NY
ROBERT GOODNOUGH Seated Girl, 1961 Charcoal Drawing on Paper 23 3/4 × 18 inches Hand signed in charcoal on the front Unframed Unique Signed, titled and dated on the front in black ch...
Charcoal
"Family" by Gilbert Pauli - Pastel on Paper - 48x32 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Pastel
"Méfiance du Miroir" by Gilbert Pauli - Watercolor - 48x32 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Watercolor
29.4M. CRYPTO PUNK. Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
"Question" by Gilbert Pauli - Watercolor on Paper - 48x36 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Watercolor
“Listen to Time”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
A monochrome minimalist portrait in a restrained palette. The white face, resembling a mask, is immersed in music, dissolving into time. Simple yet expressive brushstrokes create a s...
Acrylic, Cardboard
"Children in Rebellion" by Gilbert Pauli - Watercolor on Paper - 48x36 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Watercolor
L'enigme
By André Masson
Located in LE HAVRE, FR
André MASSON (1896-1987) The enigma, 1975 ink drawing Dimensions: 47.8 x 35cm Signed lower right Provenance: Louise Leiris Gallery, Paris Paper in perfect condition. FREE period ...
Paper, Ink
untitled Woman by the Windows
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Woman by the Windows) Unsigned. Pastel on board, c. 1915 Created while the artist was in Giverny, France Provenance: Gift of the artist to his wife, Mary Hess Buehr by Desc...
Pastel
Portrait of a Man, Abstract Expressionist Graphite on Paper by Bruce Tippett
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruce Tippett, American (1933 - 2017) - Portrait of a Man, Year: 1977, Medium: Graphite on Paper, signed and dated in pencil, Size: 8.75 x 12 in. (22.23 x 30.48 cm), Description: Si...
Graphite
Untitled: Portrait of a Woman 2
By Pier Canosa
Located in New York, NY
Pier Canosa (Italian, b. 1940), "Untitled: Portrait of a Woman 2", Abstract Figurative/ Portrait Charcoal Drawing signed and dated on Paper, 25.25 x 18.25, Late 20th Century, 1969 C...
Charcoal
Silence and Shadows Secrets Lefts Between Us Today
Located in Oslo, NO
The painting shows a large female portrait built from overlapping translucent planes, creating a sense of multiple faces and gazes. In the center is a softly rendered head with deep...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
1.0 M (DETECTIVE COMICS). Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
The Registrar - Contemporary Art, Collage on Paper, Funny, Green
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
The Registrar, 2019 collage on paper 15 3/4 H x 11 13/16 W in. 40 H x 30 W cm The artist’s collages describe a series of faces composed of different materials – cardboards, textiles...
Paper
Organic Shapes and Lines - Original Expressionistic Ink Drawing, Signed
By Felix Ruvolo
Located in Soquel, CA
Organic Shapes and Lines - Original Expressionistic Ink Drawing, Signed Energetic ink drawing by Felix Ruvolo (American, 1912-1992). A cluster of light and dark areas make the focal...
Paper, Ink
Untitled (Rabbi Scholar)
Located in New York, NY
Seymour Rosenthal (American 1921-2007) "Untitled: Rabbi Scholar", Figurative Pen/Watercolor on Paper signed in bottom right hand corner, 10.50 x 8 (24 x 20.50 In Frame), Late 20th Ce...
Watercolor, Pen
3.2 M (ACTION COMICS). Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
$4,500
1.0 M (DETECTIVE COMICS), 3.2 M (ACTION COMICS) and 1.2M BAT MAN, Triptych
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
$3,000
Abstracted Portrait - Original Expressionistic Ink Drawing, Signed
By Felix Ruvolo
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstracted Portrait - Original Expressionistic Ink Drawing, Signed Energetic ink drawing by Felix Ruvolo (American, 1912-1992). In the center of this composition a face emerges from...
Paper, Ink
"Beaten Children" by Gilbert Pauli - Watercolor on Paper - 48x36 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Watercolor
"Chet Baker" by Gilbert Pauli - Pastel on Paper - 48x32 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Pastel
Vintage Expressive Multimedia Portrait of a Woman
Located in Soquel, CA
Vintage Expressive Multimedia Portrait of a Woman Portrait of a Woman by Irvin Nahan (American b. 1927.) Elegant portrait of a woman looking off into the distance. She has her head t...
Paint, Graphite, Canvas
$2,400
Untitled Baseball Player
Located in New York, NY
Unknown Artist, "Untitled Baseball Player", Figurative Charcoal Drawing, 17.50 x 23.50 (In Frame 25.50 x 31), Late 20th Century Colors: Blac...
Charcoal
29.4M. CRYPTO PUNK AND 15M RINGERS. Diptych Drawings on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons end up gaining very high prices. By redrawing the...
Paper, India Ink
"Old Cronies" Original Bay Area Abstract Expressionist Watercolor
Located in Soquel, CA
"Old Cronies" Original Bay Area Abstract Expressionist Watercolor Bold portrait piece by Byron Randall (American, 1918-1999). The composition focuses on a man and woman standing clo...
Paper, Watercolor
Etching “Head”, Rafael Canogar, author's proof, 1987 Spain
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding and representative work by Rafael Canogar (Toledo, 1935), entitled “Head”, signed, dated, and marked as an artist's proof. Rafael Canogar's “Heads” represent a key stage...
Paper
2.1M TINTIN EN AMERIQUE. Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
The Juggler - Contemporary, Collage, Green, Yellow, Funny, 21st Century
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
The Juggler, 2019 collage on paper 15 3/4 H x 11 13/16 W in. 40 H x 30 W cm The artist’s collages describe a series of faces composed of different materials – cardboards, textiles, ...
Paper
The Poker Player - Contemporary, Blue, Pink, 21st Century, Funny
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
The Poker Player, 2019 collage on paper 15 3/4 H x 11 13/16 W in. 40 H x 30 W cm The artist’s collages describe a series of faces composed of different materials – cardboards, texti...
Paper
1M 1 CENT POSTAGE DUE. Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
Seated Woman (Elizabeth)
By Franz Kline
Located in New York, NY
EX COLL.: the artist; to I. David Orr (1904–1997), Long Island, New York; to his estate, 1997 until the present Originally trained as a figurative painter, Kline was an exceptional ...
Paper, Pastel, Ink
$2,500
Self Portrait, Abstract Surrealist Ink Drawing by Josep Grau-Garriga
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josep Grau-Garriga, Spanish (1929 - 2011) Title: Self Portrait II Year: circa 1976 Medium: Ink on Paper Size: 28 x 24 in. (71.12 x 60.96 cm)
Ink
$57,663
Cecil
Located in London, GB
1973 Ink on paper 18.4 x 16.8 cm. Signed with the artist's initials 'DH' (lower right); inscribed 'Cecil' (upper right) Provenance: Collection of the Artist. Private Collection, Lon...
Paper, Ink
Portrait of Aiko
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Seiichi Hara (Japanese). Portrait of Aiko, 1972. Pencil, gouache on paper. Sheet measures 16 x 20 inches. Signed lower right and en verso. Custom frame of hardwood with welded steel ...
Paper, Gouache, Pencil
Classical Female Head (woman portrait)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful 1950 drawing by Spanish artist, Federico Castellon (1914-1971). Graphite on wove paper, sheet measures 12 x 18 inches. Excellent condition with no restoration or damage. Signed lower right. Unframed. From a recently discovered collection of over 60 important Castellon drawings and watercolors c.1939-1950. Birth place: Almeria, Spain Death place: New York, NY Addresses: NYC (immigrated 1921; citizen, 1943) Profession: Painter, graphic artist, sculptor, etcher, illustrator, teacher Exhibited: Weyhe Gal., 1934, 1936-40; AIC, 1935-47 (prize, 1938); AFA traveling exh., 1937; WMAA, 1938-45; PAFA, 1938-39, 1940 (prize), 1941-42; Carnegie Inst., 1942; PAFA, 1943-53; Assoc. Am. Ar., 1946 (prize), 1952 (solo); Corcoran Gal, 1947; LOC, 1949 (prize); Paris, France, 1952; Bombay, India, 1952; Gallery 10, 1961; Dintenfass Gal., N.Y., 1963; Phila. Pr. Cl., 1964 (prize); Hudson Gld. A., 1964; Great Neck, L.I., 1964; SAGA, 1964 (prize). In 1953, under the auspices of State Dept. Specialist Div., of I.E.S., he exhibited in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, with lectures in each country. Awards: F., Spanish Republic, 1934-36; fellow, Guggenheim Fnd., 1941, 1950; Nat. Inst. A. & Let. Grant, 1950. Member: NA; SAGA Work: WMAA; PAFA; MoMA; PMA; MMA; BM; AIC; NYPL; LOC; Univ. KY; San Diego Mus. FA; Newark (NJ) Pub. Lib.; Princeton Univ. (Frank Jewett Mather Coll.). Comments: A Surrealist painter whose imagery of the 1930s was greatly influenced by Dali. His full name was Federico Cristencia de Castellón y Martinez. Teacher: Columbia Univ., 1946-61; Pratt Inst., Brooklyn, 1952-61. Illustrator: Shenandoah, 1941; I Went into the Country, 1941; Bulfinch's Mythology, 1948; The Story of Marco Polo, 1954; The Man Who Changed China, 1954; The Story of J. J. Audubon, 1955; The Little Prince, 1954; The Life of Robert L. Stevenson, 1954. Reproduction of paintings on The Sumerian Civilization" for Life series "The Epic of Man," 1956; 15 paintings on "The History of Medicine" for MD magazine, 1960-61; The Story of Madame Curie...
Graphite
Modernist Simon Samsonian, Two Sisters Mixed Media
Located in New York, NY
Simon Samsonian (1912-2003) Two Sisters, 1995 Poster color and mixed media on paper Sight size: 16 1/2 x 14 3/4 in. Framed: 26 x 23 1/2 x 1 in. Signed ...
Paper, Pastel, Mixed Media
Untitled: Portrait of a Woman
By Pier Canosa
Located in New York, NY
Pier Canosa (Italian, b. 1940), "Untitled: Portrait of a Woman", Abstract Figurative/ Portrait Charcoal Drawing Signed and Dated on Paper, 24.50 x 18.50, Late 20th Century, 1969 Col...
Charcoal
"Curiosity" by Gilbert Pauli - Pastel on Paper - 38x32 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Pastel
Carolyn (Arms raised to her head)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Carolyn (Arms raised to her head) Graphite on laid paper Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the artist by descent to his Grandson Depicts the artist's wife Carolyn. Most probably created in Nashville, Indiana Related to the painting entitled "Maiden" in the Haan Museum, Lafayette, IN (see photo) Condition: Excellent Archival framing with TruVue Conservation Clear glass Image size: 10 3/4 x 8 1/2 inches Frame size: 18 7/8 x 16 inches Louis Oscar Griffith (1875-1956) Born in Greencastle, Indiana, Griffith grew up in Dallas, Texas where Texas artist and teacher Charles Franklin Reaugh recognized young “Griff’s” artistic talent. At age 18, Griffith moved to St. Louis where he attended the St. Louis School of Fine Arts. In 1895, he moved to Chicago where he worked making color prints for the firm Barnes and Crosby. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago and during a brief stay in New York, the National Academy of Design. A successful commercial artist with a studio in the Chicago Loop, Griffith was a member and president of the Chicago Palette and Chisel Club. He made his first trip to Brown County...
Graphite
1.0 M (DETECTIVE COMICS) and 1.2M BAT MAN, Diptych. Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
The Archangel - Contemporary Art, Collage, Funny Character, Yellow
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
The Archangel, 2020 collage on paper 15 3/4 H x 11 13/16 W in. 40 H x 30 W cm The artist’s collages describe a series of faces composed of different materials – cardboards, textiles...
Paper
The Jester in Disguise - 21st Century, Green, Yellow, Funny, Collage
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
The Jester in Disguise, 2019 collage on paper 11 13/16 H x 15 3/4 W in. 40 H x 30 W cm The artist’s collages describe a series of faces composed of differ...
Paper
The Origami Seller - Contemporary Art, Collage, Orange, Funny, 21st Century
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
The Origami Seller, 2019 collage on paper 15 3/4 H x 11 13/16 W in. 40 H x 30 W cm The artist’s collages describe a series of faces composed of different materials – cardboards, tex...
Paper
$824
The Amateur - Contemporary, Collage, Figurative, Funny Character, Brown, Pink
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
The Amateur, 2019 collage on paper 15 3/4 H x 11 13/16 W in 40 H x 30 W cm The artist’s collages describe a series of faces composed of different materials – cardboards, textiles, f...
Paper
1.2M BAT MAN. Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
15M RINGERS. Drawing on paper
Located in Miami Beach, FL
As a reflection on the value we give to objects, this series exposes examples of objects that we use daily and for different reasons ended up gaining very high prices. By redrawing t...
Paper, India Ink
Harlequin
By Paul Aizpiri
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This expressive portrait composition captures the whimsical and poetic spirit associated with mid-century French modernism. Rendered with loose, gestural linework and a richly textur...
Paper, Gouache, Cardboard
$2,250
Long Face, Abstract Expressionist Ink and Wash Painting by Abraham Rattner
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Abraham Rattner, American (1895 - 1978) Title: Man with Long Face Year: 1961 Medium: Ink and Wash on Paper, signed, dated and dedicated to Sue Salinas Size: 10 x 8.5 inches ...
Ink, Watercolor
$169Sale Price|20% Off
Geisha. Paper, colored pencils, 22x21 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Geisha. Paper, colored pencils, 22x21 cm Ivars Zaikins (1942-2017) Zaikins Ivars - an artist. He was born in 1942. During of the Soviet Union period, h...
Paper, Color Pencil
“Untitled” Orange, Blue & Yellow Abstract Portrait of George Washington
Located in Houston, TX
Orange, blue, and yellow abstract figurative portrait by Texas artist Ike E. Morgan. This pastel drawing depicts an abstract figure of George Washington against a yellow halo on a re...
Pastel, Archival Paper
"Portrait of a Couple" 1990s Painting Bill Shields
Located in Arp, TX
Bill Shields "Portrait of a Couple" 1990's Watercolor and ink on paper affixed to mat board Site measures 5.5"x3.5" Unsigned came from artist's es...
Board, Ink, Watercolor
$1,200
Continuum pregnancy collage female figure, ochre earth tones time clocks, hands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper paint charcoal collage Whether the subject matter is figuration or nature, Audrey Anastasi approaches all her subjects directly and unabashedly. In this work on paper, she co...
Archival Paper, Magazine Paper, Mylar, Acrylic
The Redeemer-Framed, Original Pastel on Paper. Signed by Artist-comes with COA
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Original Pastel on Paper. Measures 18 x 26 inches with Frame and Matting. Signed by Artist, comes with Certificate of Authenticity. Image is in Excellent/Good Condition. Framing show...
Pastel
"Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, and Eva Marie Saint"
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Ashley John is proud to offer this artwork by: Albert Hirschfeld (1903 - 2003) Albert Hirschfeld is known for his pen and ink personality caricatures of theatre people. He worked a...
Paper, Ink
$6,800Sale Price|28% Off
"Guardian of the Mosque" Drawing 14" x 10" inch by MOUNIR CANAAN
Located in Culver City, CA
"Guardian of the Mosque" Drawing 14" x 10" inch by MOUNIR CANAAN Signed and dated. ABOUT: Mounir Canaan (1919 – 1999) was a powerful artist whose body of work & style was always...
Paper, Pencil
$18,000
1970 Dodge Charger Masculine Cover Art Painting, Unsigned, 16x16.5
Located in Miami, FL
Bold Face. A low, wide-angle portrait of the Dodge Charger's front grille, combined with the car's impactful scheme, conveys power, style, and muscular masculinity. This is not a typ...
Mixed Media, Gouache, Illustration Board
"Portrait 1" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Portrait 1" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko Unique work ball pen, spray paint, paper 300g ARTIST BIO: Oleksandr Miroshnychenko lives and works at his studio in...
Paper, Spray Paint, Ballpoint Pen