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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Gucci Cocoa Brown Stitched Leather Picture Frame, circa 1990
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci created this exceptional leather picture frame for its Interior Collection. The rare piece was crafted in Italy, circa 1990. The photo frame boasts the timeles...
Leather
Brass Photo Frame, Tokyo Song, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Photo Frame, Tokyo Song, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from the rev...
Brass
Decorative Photo Frame with Brass, Dreamscape, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Decorative Photo Frame with Brass & Semi Precious Inserts, Dreamscape, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass with semi precious inserts. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves ha...
Brass
Brass Photo Frame, Peacock Paradise, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Photo Frame, Peacock Paradise, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from t...
Brass
Brass Photo Frame, Jaipur Repoussé, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Brass Photo Frame, Jaipur Repoussé, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in brass. Handmade in India. Repoussé involves hammering low-relief designs into malleable metal sheets from th...
Brass
Leather Travel Picture Frame or Keepsake Wallet for Photos, Papers, by T Anthony
By T. Anthony
Located in New York, NY
A red Bordeaux leather travel picture frame and keepsake wallet from American luxury house T. Anthony, made in Germany, circa mid to late‑20th century (1960s–1970s). Crafted in smoot...
Brass
Emilia Castillo Monkey Picture Frame with Malachite Inlay, Taxco Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A whimsical and highly collectible vintage picture frame designed and manufactured in Taxco, Mexico by Emilia Castillo, one of the most celebrated figures associated with the legendary Los Castillo tradition. This sculptural frame is crafted in solid brass with silver plating and showcases Castillo’s unmistakable blend of playful narrative and refined Mexican silversmithing. The design features two charming sculptural monkeys, each playfully holding a picture frame, suspended from a central stem modeled after bamboo—a recurring motif in Castillo’s work. The top of the stem is adorned with leaf forms inlaid with crushed malachite...
Malachite, Silver, Brass
Christian Dior Sterling Silver Two Views Picture Frame with Bow Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
Christian Dior Paris designed this superb sterling silver picture frame for The Dior Interior Collection. The piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1980. With its double-oval pe...
Sterling Silver
Italian Red Marble Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian picture frame crafted from richly veined red marble, featuring a bold beveled geometric profile. The natural white veining makes each section unique, while the warm w...
Marble
1970s Modern Stuffed Butterfly Decorative Object from Brazil
Located in Roma, IT
Stuffed butterfly is a decorative object of 1970s. 19.5 x 25.5 cm. Good conditions
Animal Skin
Modernist Maroon Stitched Leather Picture Frame, France circa 1950
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning Modernist Leather Picture Frame, France, circa 1950 This exquisite modernist picture frame exemplifies mid-century French craftsmanship, dating circa 1950. Wrapped in fine-g...
Leather
Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Dancing Bear ABC Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Wide and rectangular surround. At top are applied interlaced ABC block letters; dancing bears in bottom corners. With glass, silk lining, and le...
Sterling Silver
Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois Chrome and Lucite Picture Frame, 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Michel Dumas for Roche Bobois designed this stunning Machine Age metal and Lucite picture frame. The rare photo frame was expertly crafted in France, circa 1960. The modernist design...
Metal, Chrome
Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Frame for 3 Special Pictures
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1970. Horizontal rectangular surround with three vertical windows: central oval flanked by rectangles. Wit...
Sterling Silver
Wonderful R&Y Augousti Shark Skin Bone Picture Frame
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful R&Y Augousti Shark Skin & Bone Picture Frame
Bone, Faux Leather
Christian Dior Sterling Silver Multiple Views Picture Frame with Bow Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning sterling silver picture frame was crafted for The Christian Dior Interior Collection circa 1980. With its three oval perspectives, the multiple-view frame can show a fa...
Sterling Silver
Federico Simone for Artek Modernist Pine Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Artek
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning pine wood photo frame, designed by renowned Italian designer Federico Simone for Artek, captures the essence of Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship. The rare piece was cra...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Picture Frame, Green Murano Glass & Brass, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined Italian picture frame from the mid-20th century, beautifully crafted in handblown Murano glass. The frame features a bold green hue with a twisted, textured surface that re...
Murano Glass
Murano Art Glass Picture Frame with Multicolor Murrine, circa 1990
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Murano art glass picture frame was hand-crafted in Italy circa 1990. Murano mosaic Murrine plaques adorn the frame's picture view, which features an L-shaped Plexiglass f...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Lucite, Plexiglass
Gucci Lizard Skin Leather and Gilded Brass Picture Frame, Italy circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by the legendary House of Gucci, this exceptional picture frame is a rare example of Italian luxury mastery. The piece was expertly crafted in Italy, circa 1970. The photo f...
Metal, Brass
Striking Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Picture Frame on Wood Base
Located in New York, NY
Striking Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1928. Flat and rectangular surround; interior rim has chamfered corners. Mounted to raised and st...
Sterling Silver
Alvar Aalto for Artek Pine Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pine wood photo frame, designed by renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto for Artek, captures the essence of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The rare piece ...
Pine
Photo Frame with Cane & Brass, Namsai Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Photo Frame with Cane & Brass, Namsai Small, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in cane with brass. Handmade in India. A craft that naturally adheres to restraint and rhythm, cane we...
Brass
Morpho Anassibia Butterfly Frame, Mid-20th Century, Modern Italy
Located in Roma, IT
Morpho anassibia is a stuffed embalmed butterfly in a frame. Species Morpho anassibia blue. 19.5 x 25 cm. Very good conditions!
Animal Skin
House of Gucci Fine-Grain Exotic Wood Picture Frame, Italy, circa 1980
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian designer Gucci created this exceptional fine-grain wood picture frame. The rare piece was crafted in Italy circa 1980. The rich wood's texture and inherent beauty will give y...
Metal
Christian Dior White and Gilded Ceramic Picture Frame, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
This spectacular Christian Dior Paris white and gilded ceramic picture frame is a rare piece from the Dior Interior Collection, circa 1980. Crafted from delicate white ceramic with a...
Ceramic
Photo Frame with Cane & Brass, Namsai Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Photo Frame with Cane & Brass, Namsai Large, Viya by Vikram Goyal Photo frame in cane with brass. Handmade in India. A craft that naturally adheres to restraint and rhythm, cane we...
Brass
Christian Dior Paris Modernist Silver Plate Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional Christian Dior Paris silver plate photo frame designed from the Dior Interior Collection. The stunning piece was expertly crafted in France circa 1980. This tall, rect...
Silver Plate, Metal
Tommaso Barbi Black Lucite and Brass Decor Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning modernist picture frame was designed by the renowned Italian designer Tommaso Barbi. The rare piece was expertly crafted, circa 1970. The photo frame boasts a refined m...
Metal, Brass
Murano Glass Photo Frame by Tommaso Barbi, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Italian photo frame designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced in Italy during the 1970s. The frame features a richly textured Murano glass body with diagonal ribbing, forming...
Art Glass
Silver Mirrored Glass Picture Frame, France circa 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning French mirrored picture frame features silver mirror-beveled edges with a deep geometric design. You can arrange the photo frame in either a portrait or a landscape ori...
Glass, Mirror
Swid Powell Italian Silver Plated Chrome Picture Frame by Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Swid Powell Floating Picture Frame by Richard Meier is a masterclass in refined modern design—architectural in spirit and minimal in execution. Created for Swid Powell, the fram...
Silver Plate, Chrome
Christian Dior Paris Chrome Metal Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This outstanding Christian Dior Paris chromed metal picture frame features a plain and minimalist geometric shape with an oval picture view. The rare piece was crafted in France circ...
Chrome
Spherical frame for 2 portrait translucent fire enamel on guilloché Salimbeni.
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Spherical frame for 2 hinged photographs in 925/1000 sterling silver goldplated with translucent fire enamel on guilloché. Modern contemporary style. Sphere diameter cm. 7.5. Weight ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of Brass and Malachite like 8 x 10 Picture Frames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome pair of picture frames featuring elegant ribbed brass borders accented by richly veined green panels with the appearance of malachite. Whether executed in faux malachite, ...
Stone, Malachite, Brass
1980s Italian Stuffed Butterfly Display Frame with Modern Design
Located in Roma, IT
Three species of stuffed butterflies : Appias Drusilla, Graphium doson, Troides Helena. Dedication on the back with the date 8 November 1980. 39 x...
Animal Skin
Italian Brass and Wood Round Picture Frame, Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian mid-century picture frame crafted in the 1970s, featuring a richly stained wood surround accented by a satin brass bezel and border. The frame showcases refined Itali...
Wood
Christian Dior Interior Collection Silver Plate Picture Frame, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Christian Dior Paris silver plate picture frame was designed for the Dior Interior Collection. The piece boasts a tall rectangular shape with molded and raised edges al...
Silver Plate
Vintage Italian Hand-Woven Silver Plate Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking vintage Italian picture frame featuring a meticulously hand-woven silver-plated metal surface in an intricate basketweave pattern. The textured mosaic-like design creates ...
Silver Plate
Emanuele Pantanella Italy Geometric Wood Picture Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
Emanuele Pantanella (1939-2014), an Italian designer, created this sumptuous picture frame circa 1980. The rare piece boasts a solid, tropical-wood carved construction with a high-gl...
Glass, Wood
Chrome and Gunmetal Picture Frame with Kinetic Design, circa 1970
By Noel BC
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning picture frame features a silver and gunmetal-chromed metal geometric design with a kinetic effect. The photo frame design is reminiscent of the Italian designer Noel BC...
Metal, Chrome
Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Plain and flat rectangular surround; with glass, silk lining, and velvet back with hinged easel supp...
Sterling Silver
1980s Modern Sterling Silver and Ebonized Wood Picture Frame by Silvan
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Sleek 1980s Modern Sterling Silver and Ebonized Wood Picture Frame by Silvan, Italy This exquisite picture frame is a testament to sophisticated Italian craftsmanship by the esteemed...
Sterling Silver
$675Sale Price|50% Off
Shagreen with Multi-Color Stones Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ivory shagreen leather with multi-color stone inserts and gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 10.5 inches, width 8.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by ...
Stone, Gold
5 x 5 inch Sterling Silver Picture Frame in the Style of Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful sterling silver picture frame in the style of Ralph Lauren. The hammered surface is accented by subtle detailing at the center of each side, adding depth and visual inter...
Sterling Silver
Italian Polished Brass Geometric Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian picture frame from the 1970s, crafted in solid polished brass with a bold, architectural presence. The design features a stepped geometric composition, with layered r...
Brass
Picture Frame Silver rectangular sterling silver enamel on guilloché Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Renato Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 9251000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché. Modern contemporary style. Blue velvet panel. External dimensions 18 x 24 c...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$175Sale Price|30% Off
Jay Strongwater Carmela Round Paisley Swarovski Crystal Picture Photo Frame
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century Jay Strongwater Carmela brass and Swarovski crystal miniature round picture frame. Swirling paisley design studded with garnet, copper, and gold crystals Enameled e...
Metal
Britannia .999 Silver Picture Photograph Frame Paul Vernon Fitchie London 1993
Located in Portland, OR
A good large English Britannia Standard .999 pure silver photo or picture frame, by silversmith Paul Vernon Fitchie, London, 1993. The frame having a crest to the top with a repousse...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Signed Tommaso Barbi Italian Burl Wood and Brass Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant signed Italian picture frame designed by Tommaso Barbi in the 1970s, featuring a richly figured burl wood veneer framed by polished brass borders. The striking contrast be...
Wood
$523 / item
Morpho Helenor with Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Morpho anassibia is a stuffed embalmed butterfly in a frame. Species Morpho anassibia blue. 19.5 x 25 cm. Very good conditions!
Animal Skin
1990s Marquis Picture Frame Waterford Crystal Germany
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s Marquis Waterford Crystal Picture Frame Germany 10.63 h x 8.75 w x 2.75 d stamped Marquis Waterford Crystal Germany Preowned vintage condition Re...
Crystal
Swid Powell Silver-Plated Picture Frame with Spherical Detail
By Swid Powell
Located in New York, NY
This Swid Powell silver-plated picture frame, crafted in the United States circa 1980, is a refined example of the design brand’s ability to blend modern sophistication with thoughtf...
Silver Plate
Small Picture Frame Rounded Round English style, early 1900s. Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small rounded round frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloche, English style, early 1900s. External diameter 7 cm, internal 5 cm. Weigh...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Picture Frame Silver Squared Blue Enamel modern contemporary style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
A Modern Heirloom: Large Square Guilloché Enamel Frame by Giorgio Salimbeni Presented is a commanding and radiant square photo frame, a masterwork of contemporary Florentine jewelry...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tiffany Midcentury Modern Sterling Silver Oval Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Plain and flat oval surround. With glass, silk lining, and stained-wood back and hinged support fo...
Sterling Silver
Cornici Amber Shell and Brass Geometric Picture Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking vintage picture frame handcrafted from amber-toned shell inlay and intersecting brass bands. Its sculptural octagonal form and bold geometric pattern create a warm, decorati...
Shell
Vintage Burl Wood & Chrome Double Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage double photo frame featuring a rich burl wood veneer panel accented by a polished chrome border. The frame holds two square images side by side, creating a stylish di...
Metal
Owl Butterfly Specimen in Frame, Modern Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Owl embalmed butterfly species. Suffed brown butterfly with frame, 1970s. 19 x 25 cm. Good conditions!
Animal Skin
Vintage Gucci Silver & Gold Tone Picture Frame 7 x 9
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage Gucci photo frame crafted in a polished silver-tone metal with gold-tone bamboo-inspired trim accents. The frame features Gucci’s iconic interlocking GG logo centered...
Silver Plate