20th Century Figurative Art
These pieces of 20th century figurative art capture human form and character through the lens of modern movements, offering collectors a direct link to a transformative era in visual culture.
20th Century Figurative Art
When you search for 20th century figurative art, you encounter paintings, watercolours, bronzes and drawings that place the human subject at the centre of expression. The selection spans decades from Edwardian portraiture through to mid-century modernist explorations.
You are most likely to meet original oil paintings on canvas or board alongside paper works executed in pencil, charcoal and watercolour. These range from intimate domestic scenes and self-portraits to stylised studies influenced by art deco and post-impressionism.
Materials and methods
Artists working across this period relied on traditional supports such as canvas, wood, paper and glass, applying oil paint, gouache, pastel, watercolour and ink. Bronze and slip cast metals provide sculptural form for figures modelled in the round.
Techniques combine academic draughtsmanship with the looser brushwork of expressionism and the flat planes of modernism. Paint application varies from thin washes on paper to thick impasto built up on board.
20th Century Figurative Art Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 20th century figurative art among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Look out for spirited depictions of subjects ranging from snooker players and galloping ponies to ancient gods playing panpipes.
Evaluating quality
The distinction between pieces rests upon the surety of the line, the handling of the medium and the psychological depth of the subject. A successful composition demonstrates a confident command of proportion and space, regardless of whether the style tends towards realism or abstraction.
Provenance and documentation elevate certain works, particularly when the hand belongs to an established or exhibited artist. The vitality of the mark-making and the preservation of the original surface condition further distinguish the finest examples.
Kurt Lorein Victor Peiser·Bruno Zach·John Hassall·Francis Plummer·James Stroudley·Francisco Sancha·Oilver Messel·Herbert Johnson Harvey·Beatrice Saunders·Lena Gurr·Winifred Rymer·Christine Nesbit·J.A.Grant·Charles James McCall·Umberto Volpato·Valdemar Magaard·Percy Lancaster·Philip Naviasky·Lilian Colbourn·Ronald Ossory Dunlop·Friedrich Goldscheider·Margaret Maitland Howard·Henri Vincent-Anglade·Harry Freckleton·Attilio Toro
The 20th Century Figurative Art Glossary
- Figurative art
- Artwork that derives from real object sources, with a strong focus on the human figure. It maintains recognisable representations of subjects rather than descending into pure abstraction.
- Impasto
- Paint applied thickly to a canvas or board, standing out in relief from the plane. This technique adds tactile dimension and visible brush texture to the surface.
- Post-Impressionism
- A predominantly French art movement that developed roughly between the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. Practitioners extended impressionism while rejecting its limitations, focusing on geometric forms and expressive use of colour.
- Surrealism
- A cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, best known for its visual artworks and writings. Artists sought to channel the unconscious mind as a means to unlock the power of the imagination.
- Bronze
- An alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly used for casting sculptures. It allows for durable execution of intricate detail in three-dimensional figurative studies.
20th Century Figurative Art: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines 20th century figurative art?
These works represent human subjects while incorporating the stylistic shifts of the twentieth century, moving away from strict academic realism toward modern expression.
They reflect diverse movements such as surrealism, art deco and post-impressionism while keeping the human form as their primary focus.
How do I display these artworks?
Display them away from direct sunlight to protect sensitive paper, watercolours and oil paints from fading or degradation over time.
Pairing period frames with contemporary interiors creates a striking contrast that highlights the character of the piece.
Are bronze sculptures common in this category?
Sculptures in bronze and bronzed slip cast appear alongside two-dimensional works, capturing dancers, workers and mythological figures in three dimensions.
These pieces utilise metal casting techniques developed across the early decades of the century.
How are different mediums preserved?
Works on paper require conservation-grade framing behind glass to prevent environmental damage and paper acidification.
Oil paintings on canvas or board benefit from stable indoor humidity and occasional professional surface cleaning.