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Expressionist Art

EXPRESSIONIST STYLE

While “expressionist” is used to describe any art that avoids naturalism and instead employs a bold use of flattened forms and intense brushwork, Expressionist art formally describes early-20th-century work from Europe that drew on Symbolism and confronted issues such as urbanization and capitalism. Expressionist artists experimented in paintings and prints with skewed perspectives, abstraction and unconventional, bright colors to portray how isolating and anxious the world felt rather than how it appeared. 

Between 1905 and 1920, Austrian and German artists, in particular, were inspired by Postimpressionists such as Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh in their efforts to strive for a new authenticity in their work. In its geometric patterns and decorative details, Expressionist art was also marked by eclectic sources like German and Russian folk art as well as tribal art from Africa and Oceania, which the movement’s practitioners witnessed at museums and world’s fairs.

Groups of artists came together to share and promote the themes now associated with Expressionism, such as Die Brücke (The Bridge) in Dresden, which included Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and investigated alienation and the dissolution of society in vivid color. In Munich, Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), a group led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, instilled Expressionism with a search for spiritual truths. In his iconic painting The Scream, prolific Norwegian painter Edvard Munch conveyed emotional turmoil through his depiction of environmental elements, such as the threatening sky.

Expressionism shifted around the outbreak of World War I, with artists using more elements of the grotesque in reaction to the escalation of unrest and violence. Printmaking was especially popular, as it allowed artists to widely disseminate works that grappled with social and political issues amid this time of upheaval. Although the art movement ended with the rise of Nazi Germany, where Expressionist creators were labeled “degenerate,” the radical ideas of these artists would influence Neo-Expressionism that emerged in the late 1970s with painters like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Francesco Clemente.

​​Find a collection of authentic Expressionist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Expressionist
Aurora over a Northern Lake, 1916
Aurora over a Northern Lake, 1916

Aurora over a Northern Lake, 1916

Located in Stockholm, SE

Aurora over a Northern Lake, signed and dated “G Claeson 1916”, oil on canvas. This evocative landscape, executed in an expressionist manner, and on the same time almost modern, cap...

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Marc Chagall, Place de la Concorde, from Views of Paris, 1963
Marc Chagall, Place de la Concorde, from Views of Paris, 1963

Marc Chagall, Place de la Concorde, from Views of Paris, 1963

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Place de la Concorde (Place de la Concorde), from Regards Sur Paris (Views of Paris), originates from the January 22, 19...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Coral Forest, Large Triptych, Gem-like Patterns, Illustration Style, Coastal
Coral Forest, Large Triptych, Gem-like Patterns, Illustration Style, Coastal

Coral Forest, Large Triptych, Gem-like Patterns, Illustration Style, Coastal

Located in Barcelona, ES

This original painting by Romina Milano presents a coral-like landscape composed of clustered, gem-like forms that unfold as a vibrant constellation. Balancing abstraction and marine...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Marc Chagall, The Ceiling of the Paris Opera, 1965 (after)
Marc Chagall, The Ceiling of the Paris Opera, 1965 (after)

Marc Chagall, The Ceiling of the Paris Opera, 1965 (after)

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph after Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Le Plafond de l’Opera de Paris (The Ceiling of the Paris Opera), from the album Le plafond de l’Opera de Paris par Ma...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Bumpy Road - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism, Modern Interior

Bumpy Road - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism, Modern Interior

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

European School 1955 Signed Oil painting Ox Cart Rural Landscape Framed Art
European School 1955 Signed Oil painting Ox Cart Rural Landscape Framed Art

European School 1955 Signed Oil painting Ox Cart Rural Landscape Framed Art

Located in Palm Coast, FL

This expressive 1955 oil painting on board depicts a rural countryside scene featuring a farmer guiding oxen pulling a cart along a rugged country path. The composition captures move...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Don't Rush Life 2 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Men
Don't Rush Life 2 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Men

Don't Rush Life 2 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Men

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Where am from Bandana was once a common style, we called it Big Boy Style, then it's seem to me like a style or fashion only, because our elder brothers only allowed to used it but n...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

African Woman 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black
African Woman 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black

African Woman 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bey...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

African Woman 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black
African Woman 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black

African Woman 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bey...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Aduke and Her Pets - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Animal
Aduke and Her Pets - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Animal

Aduke and Her Pets - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Animal

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Ola...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Your Life's Matter 2 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa

Your Life's Matter 2 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Eli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene
1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene

1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Riverside Scene By Alex Levrat, French 1941 signed & dated oil on board, framed Framed: 15 x 18 inches Board : 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very g...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Sun Through Flowers, Expressionist Oil Painting on Paper, 2010-
Sun Through Flowers, Expressionist Oil Painting on Paper, 2010-

Sun Through Flowers, Expressionist Oil Painting on Paper, 2010-

Located in Oslo, NO

This vibrant artwork captures the warmth of a sunlit interior where tulips dominate the scene. Rich hues of red and purple tulips burst from a textured glass vase, their petals softl...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Paper

Echoes of the Mind 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral
Echoes of the Mind 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral

Echoes of the Mind 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bey...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ray of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, Women
Ray of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, Women

Ray of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, Women

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Ola...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Marc Chagall, Inspiration, from Chagall Lithographer II, 1963
Marc Chagall, Inspiration, from Chagall Lithographer II, 1963

Marc Chagall, Inspiration, from Chagall Lithographer II, 1963

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled L'Inspire (Inspiration), from Chagall Lithographe II (Chagall Lithographer II), originates from the September 1963 issue...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Aimasiko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women
Aimasiko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women

Aimasiko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Yoruba proverb says, "Adániwáyè ò gbagbé enikan; àimàsikò lóndààmú edá", meaning "The Creator does not forget anyone; ignorance of divine timing troubles humans". Difficult times may...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Solitude - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Expressionism, Africa

Solitude - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Expressionism, Africa

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity About Artist Emma...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Sailors in the Port of Nice
Sailors in the Port of Nice

Sailors in the Port of Nice

By Alfred Salvignol

Located in London, GB

'Sailors in the Port of Nice', mixed media - gouache, pastel and oil on paper, by Alfred Salvignol (circa 1950s). The Port of Nice is one of the key hubs of Nice and, in fact, of the entire French Riviera, standing out as one of the main harbours for the boats which sail across the Mediterranean Sea. It accommodates both the ships operated by ferry companies and the private yachts of visitors who come to Nice by sea. The artist here depicts a group of crusty sailors watching...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Oil, Gouache

View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm
View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm

View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Janis Rikmanis (1901.5.IV – 1968.25.III) graduated Figurative painting studio of Latvia Art academy (1931). He took part in exhibitions since 1929. Self-exhibitions were made in Riga...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

"Raskolnikow" original linocut

"Raskolnikow" original linocut

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original linoleum cut. Printed in 1920 for Das Kunstblatt, and published in Berlin by Verlag Gustav Kiepenheuer. Image size: 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches (160 x 105mm). Sheet size: 1...

Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Linocut

"Stars" original lithograph

"Stars" original lithograph

By Wassily Kandinsky

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1938 and published in Paris by Teriade for the art revue Verve (volume 1, number 2). Kandinsky was invited to contribute an original compositi...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Be Bold
Be Bold

Adewuyi TheophilusBe Bold, 2023

$1,600Sale Price|20% Off

Be Bold

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

"Be Bold" is a striking piece that demands attention from the moment one sets eyes on it. The central figure, a woman with flowing blue hair, exudes an air of confidence and resilience. The blue hue not only serves as an aesthetic choice but also carries deeper significance, representing the freedom to break societal norms and embrace personal identity without fear. The composition is masterfully crafted, with bold brushstrokes and intricate details that draw the viewer into the artwork. The woman's piercing gaze locks with the observer, inviting them to explore their own journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Each stroke of Theophilus's brush seems to radiate energy and passion, capturing the spirit of the subject and infusing the artwork with a powerful presence. "Be Bold" serves as a powerful symbol of embracing individuality and embracing one's true self. The woman with blue hair stands as a representation of those who dare to be different, challenging societal expectations and norms. The vibrant blue color symbolizes freedom, confidence, and the courage to break free from conformity. In a world that often pressures individuals to fit into predefined molds, Theophilus's artwork is a reminder of the beauty and strength found in embracing one's unique qualities. "Be Bold" calls on viewers to celebrate their differences, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and express their true selves without hesitation or fear of judgment. The power of "Be Bold" lies in its ability to evoke a strong emotional response in those who experience it. The artwork serves as a catalyst for introspection, urging viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. The confident and defiant gaze of the woman with blue hair prompts individuals to question their own limitations and seek the courage to break free from them. By inspiring viewers to be bold, Theophilus encourages self-empowerment and personal growth. Through his art, he instills a sense of pride and confidence, reminding us that our uniqueness is a strength to be celebrated, not hidden away. The artwork's impact extends beyond the confines of the gallery walls, inspiring individuals to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. "Be Bold" by Adewuyi Theophilus...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Hoopoe Bird Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Unframed
Hoopoe Bird Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Unframed

Hoopoe Bird Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Unframed

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Hoopoe: The Crowned Messenger" is a definitive masterpiece by Elena Lukina, capturing the regal and ancient essence of one of nature’s most enigmatic archetypes. Part of the artist’...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

Young Woman Fetching Water, Oil on Canvas, Signed, Circa 2000, Spain
Young Woman Fetching Water, Oil on Canvas, Signed, Circa 2000, Spain

Young Woman Fetching Water, Oil on Canvas, Signed, Circa 2000, Spain

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Title: Young Woman Fetching Water Artist: Jesús Villar (1930–2015) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 39.4 x 20.1 in Estimated date: c. 2000 Signature: Signed lower left: "Villar...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract Figurative Expressionist painting
Abstract Figurative Expressionist painting

Abstract Figurative Expressionist painting

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Amazing Figurative Expressionism painting with exceptional color and movement. Oil on canvas, ca. 1960s. Measures 40 x 52 inches. Unsigned and unattributed. Excellent condition.

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

"Lago Maggiore" original lithograph

"Lago Maggiore" original lithograph

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original lithograph. Catalogue reference: Jentsch 91. This impression on wove paper was printed in 1919 for Das Kestnerbuch, an important collection of original prints publis...

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Your Life's Matter 1 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa

Your Life's Matter 1 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Eli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Togetherness - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa, Love
Togetherness - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa, Love

Togetherness - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa, Love

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Ola...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Love and Bond 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Whites, Black
Love and Bond 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Whites, Black

Love and Bond 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Whites, Black

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

A better society is not built solely by wealth or power, but by shared values. By the courage to love without condition, the strength to treat all as equals, and the wisdom to honor ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)
French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)

French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)

By Gen Paul

Located in SANTA FE, NM

"A Vase of Flowers" Eugene Paul aka Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975) Oil crayon on paper 20 1/2 x 14 (28 x 21 1/2 frame) inches "Gen Paul is undoubtedly the greatest representative, and...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Oil Crayon

Potted Flowers
Potted Flowers

Charles KvapilPotted Flowers, 1933

$3,724Sale Price|40% Off

Potted Flowers

By Charles Kvapil

Located in London, GB

'Potted Flowers', oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (1933). Potted red geraniums symbolise happiness, good health, good wishes, and friendship. They are ...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Marc Chagall, The Celebration, from Homer, The Odyssey, 1989 (after)
Marc Chagall, The Celebration, from Homer, The Odyssey, 1989 (after)

Marc Chagall, The Celebration, from Homer, The Odyssey, 1989 (after)

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph after Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Das Fest (The Celebration), from Homer, Die Odyssee (The Odyssey), originates from the 1989 German-language folio published by Daco-Verlag Gunter Blase, Stuttgart, and printed by Lichtdruck AG, Zurich, Dielsdorf, September 1989. This authorized edition, issued under the direction of Vava Chagall, presents one of Chagall’s most joyful and expressive interpretations of Homer’s epic. In Das Fest, Chagall transforms the revelry of ancient feasts into a luminous vision of human connection, music, and harmony, rendered with his signature lyricism and dreamlike color palette. Executed on 250 g/m² Butten Papierwerke Miliani AG, Fabriano paper, this lithograph measures 14.88 x 11.69 inches. Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. The edition exemplifies the exceptional quality and precision of Lichtdruck AG’s craftsmanship, reproducing the depth and richness of Chagall’s original lithographs with remarkable fidelity. Artwork Details: Artist: After Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Das Fest (The Celebration), from Homer, Die Odyssee (The Odyssey), 1989 Medium: Lithograph on 250 g/m² Butten Papierwerke Miliani AG, Fabriano paper Dimensions: 14.88 x 11.69 inches Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued Date: 1989 Publisher: Daco-Verlag Gunter Blase, Stuttgart Printer: Lichtdruck AG, Zurich, Dielsdorf Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From the folio Homer, Die Odyssee (The Odyssey), Daco-Verlag Gunter Blase, Stuttgart, 1989 Notes: Excerpted from the folio (translated from German), Imprint—The French edition, L'Odyssée, with the original lithographs by Marc Chagall was published in 1974/75 in a CCL-example edition by Fernand Mourlot, Paris. In 1989, with the authorization of Mrs. Vava Chagall, the German-language edition of the Odyssey in two volumes was published by Daco-Verlag Gunter Blase, Stuttgart. Volume I contains the songs I - XII with XX color plates, including IV on double pages and XIX gray printed reproductions in the text. Volume II contains the songs XIII - XXIV with XXIII color plates, including II on double pages and XX gray printed reproductions in the text. For the German text, the prose translation by Wolfgang Schadewaldt was chosen with the permission of Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag, Reinbek near Hamburg. Set design in the Berthold Garamond Antiqua by F+M Bauer...

Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Expressionist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of orange, blue, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Iryna Kastsova, George Grosz, Stephen Basso, and Marc Chagall. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Expressionist art, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.