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Untitled Abstract Expressionist composition
By Eve Peri
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful ca. 1955 oil painting by American artist, Eve Peri. Oil on illustration board, panel
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Illustration Board

Courtyard Interior
Located in Soquel, CA
shadows is suggestive of mid day or early afternoon, and the foliage, including grapevines, is indicative
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen, Illustration Board

Columbus Refuses a Plea to Turn Back
By Tom Lovell
Located in Cliffside Park, NJ
Tom Lovell (1909–1997) called himself "a storyteller with a brush," a description appropriate for an artist who spent over five decades capturing the sweep of American history on can...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Oil, Board, Illustration Board

The Dethroning / Italian School, 18th Century
Located in Middletown, NY
, outside of image area. Paper is braced on the verso with two pages from a mid 19th century book with
Category

Late 18th Century Italian School Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Handmade Paper, Graphite

Up at Bat
By Arthur Sarnoff
Located in Fort Washington, PA
A mid-century sports illustration by Arthur Sarnoff depicting a classic baseball moment. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Materials

Oil

Marine Elegance: A 19th Century Mosaic of Mollusk Diversity, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
of the marine biodiversity study in the mid-19th century, and their illustrations would serve
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

18th Century Hand-Colored Engraving of a Serene Navigator: The Harbor Porpoise
Located in Langweer, NL
mammal species with great scientific detail during the late 18th to mid-19th century. Description of the
Category

Antique 1770s German Prints

Materials

Paper

Thomas William Ward (1918-2000) - Watercolour, Flatners on the Fleet
Located in Corsham, GB
A delightful mid 20th century illustration by the artist Thomas William Ward (1918-2000) depicting
Category

Mid-20th Century Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

Antique Botanical Lithographs of Potatoes and Tubers, Calwer 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
, rendered with careful shading and naturalistic coloring that reflect mid-19th-century advances in
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

Natural History Title Page, Insects Serpents, Jan Jonston, Amsterdam 1660
Located in Langweer, NL
, and dragons, published in Amsterdam in 1660. The composition is a striking example of mid-17th-century
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Greek Woman Costume Print – Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1854
Located in Langweer, NL
hand adds a touch of grace and femininity. For European audiences of the mid-19th century, such
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Ribbonfish Print – Hand-Colored Lithograph of Trachypterus Bogmarus 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
of the best mid-19th-century French natural history illustrations, created both for scientific
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Vintage Sea Life Print – Moray Eel and Panther Shark from French Voyage
Located in Langweer, NL
Rognard, and printed by Bougeard. It showcases the elegance and scientific rigor of mid-19th-century
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Exquisite Hand-Colored Botanical Print of a Siberian Lily (Lilium Pensylvanicum)
Located in Langweer, NL
print is lithographed by Stroobant in Ghent (*Gand*), reflecting the mid-19th century’s rich tradition
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Italian Reverse-Painted Glass Wall Plaque, signed “Pachini”
Located in Bilzen, BE
elegance with mid-century fashion illustration influence, set against a richly textured ground of gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Art Glass

Leonard Rosoman ARA (1913-2012) - 1962 Lithograph Poster, Royal Albert Dock
Located in Corsham, GB
A wonderful mid-century poster illustration of the London Albert Docks against the setting sun by
Category

Mid-20th Century Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Wayne Benter Jung, Fashion Sketch of Josephine Baker, Post WWII
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
work of mid-century fashion illustration, this piece is not simply a costume sketch—it is an artifact
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper, Lacquer

Freddy Wittop Ballet Drawing, Mixed Media
By Freddy Wittop
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
appeals to collectors of ballet ephemera, costume illustration, and mid-century theater history.
Category

Mid-20th Century Feminist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paint, Mixed Media, Board

David Gentleman ARCA (b.1930) - 1962 Lithograph Poster, Doggett s Coat Badge
Located in Corsham, GB
A wonderful mid-century poster illustration of Doggett's Coat & Badge. The Badge is the prize and
Category

Mid-20th Century Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Vintage Boho 70s Original Louis Feraud Sketch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
embody the spirited luxury of mid-century fashion illustration, providing an authentic, soulful narrative
Category

Late 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Prints

Materials

Other

Antique Hand-Coloured Bird Engravings from Goldsmith’s Animated Nature, ca.1852
Located in Langweer, NL
, presented with the naturalistic charm typical of mid-19th-century ornithological illustration. The
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Prints

Materials

Paper

Tarantula 1955 US 1 Sheet Film Poster, Reynold Brown
Located in Bath, Somerset
‑fi and horror posters, his legacy remains a touchstone for mid‑century American illustration
Category

20th Century American Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

1940 s Set of Gil Elvgren Pin Up Girl Playing Cards by Brown Bigelow in Box
By Gil Elvgren, Brown Bigelow
Located in Red Lion, PA
collectors of: Vintage pin-up art, Brown & Bigelow memorabilia, Mid-century American illustration, World War
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Games

Materials

Paper

Original 1946 French advertising poster - Armagnac Barnabé
Located in PARIS, FR
, humour, and elegance intersected in lithographic mastery. The style is distinctly mid-century: loose
Category

1940s More Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Original circa 1950 French anatomical poster - Skull - Anterior Face
Located in PARIS, FR
anatomist Dr. Louis Auzoux. A superb example of mid-century medical illustration, this monochrome
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Original circa 1950 French anatomical poster - Skull - Left Lateral Surface
Located in PARIS, FR
anatomist Dr. Louis Auzoux. A superb example of mid-century medical illustration, this monochrome
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Robert Bernard Robinson, “The Hapless Fisherman”, O/C Painting, Ca. 1910s-1920s
Located in New York, NY
hallmarks of early to mid-20th century American realism/illustration, with strong narrative content. The
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Original 1964 Gouache by Charles Burki – Dramatic Bear Attack Book Cover Art
Located in Langweer, NL
. Today his original gouache boards are prized as rare examples of mid-century Dutch illustration and as
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mexican Street Scene – Ranchero, Cavalier, and Poblana Women, c.1845
Located in Langweer, NL
artistic and technical standards of mid-19th-century French ethnographic illustration, capturing the
Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Anatomy Print: Skeleton, Skull, Organs Nerves Study – Antique 1867
Located in Langweer, NL
uncoloured, providing clear contrast and scientific clarity typical for mid-19th century academic plates
Category

Antique 1860s German Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of FOUR Framed Prints of South American Palm Trees from 1843 originals, New
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
century French illustrations back to life, and they’ve been digitally restored to their former glory
Category

2010s British Victorian Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Circa 1950 Original Cigare Havane poster by Dujardin
Located in PARIS, FR
, positioning them as a mark of class and distinction. Executed in a mid-century commercial illustration style
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Hand-Colored Botanical Litho of Nicotiana Tabacum and Nicotiana Rustica, 1854
Located in Langweer, NL
the details are sharp, making it a prime example of mid-19th-century botanical illustration. This rare
Category

Antique 1850s German Prints

Materials

Paper

1853 Hand-Colored Litho of Dragonflies and Nymph Stages – A Study in Entomology
Located in Langweer, NL
habitat. The artwork reflects the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of mid-19th-century
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Graceful Ducks by the Water: An 1857 Avian Portrait
Located in Langweer, NL
interesting for its blend of artistic beauty and scientific precision, characteristic of mid-19th-century
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens Poster Copenhagen, Denmark, 1981
By Bjørn Wiinblad, Bjorn Wiinblad
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
professionally framed and ready to hang. DIMENSIONS: 24.25ʺW × 1ʺD × 33.5ʺH. Figurative Illustration Mid-Century
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Die gefleckte Hyäne (Spotted Hyena) - Hand-Colored Zoological Print, Circa 1840
Located in Langweer, NL
the Hyena crocuta as described by Zimmerman. The artwork is a stunning example of mid-19th-century
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Sydney: Entrance to Port Jackson View of the Capital of New South Wales, 1863
Located in Langweer, NL
that characterizes Sydney in the mid-19th century. These illustrations provide a vivid portrayal of
Category

Antique 1860s English Prints

Materials

Paper

Rudolf von Erlach Leading the Swiss in Grand Festival Procession, 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
composition. The lithograph is a fine example of mid-19th-century historical illustration, with meticulous
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Dwarf Crimson Nasturtium ("Tom Thumb"): Hand-Colored Lithograph from 1855
Located in Langweer, NL
remains a stunning example of mid-19th-century botanical illustration. Louis van Houtte (1810–1876) was a
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Entomological Elegance: An Original Antique Catalogue of Beetles, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
, likely hand-colored after printing, which was the style of the mid-19th century scientific illustrations
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Map of Rhône: Culture and Commerce in Lyon s Silk and Wine Legacy, 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
century. The illustrations on the map reflect the local industries, agriculture, and landscapes that are
Category

Antique 1850s Maps

Materials

Paper

Vintage Midcentury Pan Am Poster Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy Via Jet Clipper
By Aaron Fine
Located in London, GB
experienced airline. Fun and colorful Mid-Century Modern illustration depicting a leaning Italian Carabiniere
Category

Vintage 1950s American Posters

Materials

Paper

Horses, Chicken, Ducks, Rooster and Pigs Children s Book - Female Illustrator
Located in Miami, FL
Cover illustration for mid-century children's book publisher Merril Publishers. Signed lower
Category

1950s Feminist Animal Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Mid Century Ojai Spring Cottage Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderful mid century landscape of Ojai, California with charming stucco cottage and almond trees
Category

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board

Artist at the Easel
Located in Soquel, CA
Century). Dresses in a white smock, an artist works at an easel. The background is partially filled in
Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Illustration Board, Oil

California Lake Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful oil painting of a California lake by Margaret Ward (American, 20th century). Mountains of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board

Original Vintage Travel Poster Koln Cologne Cathedral Germany Mid-Century Modern
Located in London, GB
Original vintage travel poster for Koln / Cologne featuring a stunning midcentury illustration by
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper

Perfect Day
Located in Portland, ME
-century illustration style. I added the Firesid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Acrylic, Panel, Birch

Out to Sea
Located in Portland, ME
/monochromatic art; a mid-century illustration style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Birch, Acrylic, Panel

Daybreak
Located in Portland, ME
/monochromatic art; a mid-century illustration style.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Birch, Acrylic, Panel

Twilight Dock
Located in Portland, ME
-century illustration style. I added the Fireside Cook Boo
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Birch, Acrylic, Panel

Original Vintage Travel Poster Koln Cologne Cathedral Church Of Saint Peter Art
Located in London, GB
Original vintage travel poster for Koln / Cologne featuring a stunning mid-century illustration by
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage London Transport Poster Royal Guard Buckingham Palace Design
By John Bainbridge
Located in London, GB
Original vintage London Transport poster featuring a colourful mid-century illustration by the
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Poster Das Volk Socialist Press Festival News Midcentury Modern
Located in London, GB
Erfurt Germany featuring a colourful and fun mid-century illustration of a smiling family with a mother
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Australian Airline Travel Poster For Qantas - At Your Command!
By Mandson
Located in London, GB
and Tasman Empire Airways Ltd. Great mid century illustration featuring a smartly dressed smiling lady
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Travel Advertising Poster British European Airways BEA Schleger
By Zero Hans Schleger
Located in London, GB
-century illustration by the notable graphic designer Zero (Hans Schleger; 1898-1976) showing a hand
Category

1950s More Prints

Materials

Paper

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Mid Century Illustrations For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century illustrations available on 1stDibs. There are many Impressionist, Modern and Art Deco versions of these works for sale. These items have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Mid century illustrations available on 1stDibs span a range of colors that includes gray, beige, brown, red and more. There have been many well-done artworks of this subject over the years, but those made by Marjorie Ullberg, Calvin Anderson, Clyde F. Seavey Sr., George Wachsteter and René Genis are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Frequently made by artists working in paint, watercolor and gouache, all of these available pieces are unique and have attracted attention over the years.

How Much are Mid Century Illustrations?

Mid century illustrations can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price for items in our inventory is $922, while the lowest priced sells for $99 and the highest can go for as much as $50,000.
Questions About Mid Century Illustrations
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.