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.
Moses and the Ten Commandments (Passover), Large Tapestry Rug by Shlomo Katz
By Shlomo Katz
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: after Shlomo Katz, Polish/Israeli (1937 - 1992) Title: Moses and the Ten Commandments (Passover) Year: 2000 Medium: Woolen Carpet Tapestry Size: 84 x 54 in. (213.36 x 137.16 cm)
Tapestry, Wool
"Rooftops", Mixed Media Collage, Expressionist Style, Unframed, 2010+
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind mixed media collage by southern California artist, Susan Osborn. Its dimensions are 22"x28". It is unframed. A certificate ...
Mixed Media
Dragon's Dream, Original Painting
By Gary Leonard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A red-haired woman tilts her face toward the light, revealing a striking side profile. Bold washes of abstract color echo her presence, while an intricate dra...
Mixed Media
Judgment Hour
By Robert Flemming & Mizin Shin
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original mixed media, Photo Etching, Aquatint, Drypoint on paper by the collaboration of two artists, Robert Flemming and Mizin Shin. This piece entitled Judgment Hour measure ...
Paper, Mixed Media, Drypoint, Etching, Aquatint, Photogram
Stormy Day in the San Juans, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Storm clouds hang over the stunning high peaks of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. The rugged rocks rise against the sky while a green valley stretches bel...
Mixed Media
Infinite, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bright colors and abstract forms frame a tree. The contrasting background of purples, pinks, and greens highlights the twisting branches and lush foliage. The circular shapes represent the cycle of life and death. Artist Dafni Milan...
Mixed Media
Moonlit Blossoms, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A leafless tree stretches its branches toward a vibrant, swirling sky. Daisies bloom on the ground while lotus flowers scatter across the scene. A luminous mo...
Mixed Media
"Midnight Walk", Mixed Media Collage, Expressionist, Unframed, 2010+
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind mixed media collage by southern California artist, Susan Osborn. Its dimensions are 32"x41". It is unframed. A certificate of authenticity will follow deliver...
Mixed Media
Prize Winner, Original Painting
By Scott Dykema
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This is a piece of art from Scott Dykema's horse series. In the artwork, the horse is depicted as a unique and significant animal. The image is full of striki...
Mixed Media
Hearts on Her Sleeve, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Colette Wirz Nauke explores mixed media and freestyle designs in this portrait. The lady exudes a stoic grace, with patterns of heart embellishing her ...
Mixed Media
"Breakfast in Merida (Homage to Carmen Miranda), " Wool Tapestry by Joan Summers
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Breakfast in Merida (Homage to Carmen Miranda)" is an original woven wool tapestry with velvet fruit by Joan Ward Summers. It is a decorative tableau which displays a background pat...
Tapestry, Wool, Found Objects
$1,265Sale Price|20% Off
Faces, Expression, Depicting Calmness Serenity, Mixed Media, Sekhar Kar"In Stock"
By Sekhar Kar
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Re. the works : These are a set of 9 works of size 14 x 11 inches ( unframed work size ) . To get the best out of them we recommend placing them together in interesting ways . Few ...
Paper, Mixed Media
$390
Face, Expression, Mood, Depicting Calmness, Mixed Media, Indian Artist"In Stock"
By Sekhar Kar
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Sekhar Kar - Untitled - 14 x 11 inches ( unframed size ) Mixed media on board ** Delivered in parcel form mounted but not framed. Style : Sekhar Kar paintings depict men and women...
Mixed Media, Board
February Figure, female nude, greys earth tones
By Tom Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil and oil stick over ink on paper. Neutral limited color, expressionist female nude with active brush strokes.
Paper, Oil Pastel, Ink, Oil
nudes with raspberries, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
My artwork is my emotions :: Mixed Media :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes ::...
Mixed Media
LOERA NEBULA, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
LOERA NEBULA is an 8x8 square piece that Tiffani made using her iconic holographic resin layering painting technique. This piece gives the blackness of space center stage, hitting yo...
Mixed Media
Portrait - Drawing on Paper by Sebastiano Carta - 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Portrait is an original mixed media drawing on paper realized by Sebastiano Carta. In good conditions except for some diffused foldings. Hand-signed on the lower left margin in pen...
Mixed Media
Portrait - Drawing on Paper by Sebastiano Carta - 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Portrait is an original Mixed media drawing on paper, realized by Sebastiano Carta. In good conditions except for some diffused foldings. Hand-signed on the lower left margin in pe...
Mixed Media
Matron 1, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Matron 1 :: Mixed Media :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Locati...
Mixed Media
$283Sale Price|20% Off
Ernst Bruzek - "Demeter" - giclée print - hand signed
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Ernst Bruzek - "Demeter". Giclée print handmade paper. Hand signed A beautiful artwork that looks good in every room and especially in the living room ...
Giclée, Handmade Paper
$1,056Sale Price|20% Off
Lina Gonchar - "Lina III" - Unique Ceramic Sculpture - Coated in Green
By Lina Gonchar
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Lina Gonchar - "Lina III". Lina Gonchar, born 1963, is a Russian artist. She studied at the Far Eastern Academy of Arts and the Faculty of Art Ceramics. She is a member of the Unio...
Ceramic
$1,056Sale Price|20% Off
Lina Gonchar - "Lina II" - Unique Ceramic Sculpture - Coated in Brown
By Lina Gonchar
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Lina Gonchar - "Lina II". Lina Gonchar, born 1963, is a Russian artist. She studied at the Far Eastern Academy of Arts and the Faculty of Art Ceramics. She is a member of the Union...
Ceramic
$1,056Sale Price|20% Off
Lina Gonchar - "Lina I" - Unique Ceramic Sculpture - Coated in Gold
By Lina Gonchar
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Lina Gonchar - "Lina I". Lina Gonchar, born 1963, is a Russian artist. She studied at the Far Eastern Academy of Arts and the Faculty of Art Ceramics. She is a member of the Union ...
Ceramic
$2,640Sale Price|40% Off
LILY REFLECTIONS
Located in Aventura, FL
Original mixed media painting on canvas. Hand signed on front; signed and titled on verso by the artist. Canvas is stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of authe...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Girl with pork pie hat. Black and white small head portrait drawing.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a charcoal and gouache drawing initialed on bottom left. It is signed and titled on the reverse. Including the Frame it measures 15x 11 in. Please note: THERE IS NO CHARGE ...
Charcoal, Gouache, Archival Paper
Enchanted Reflection
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Multiple roses take center stage, their delicate petals and vibrant colors commanding attention. Each rose is meticulously depicted, with intricate details. The roses, with their emp...
Canvas, Oil
$4,800
Le Rêve
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This painting is a masterful blend of realistic and surrealistic elements. The painterly brushwork and textural elements create a sense of abundance and opulence, while the interplay...
Wood, Mixed Media, Wood Panel
I Love You, Abstract Mixed Media Portrait by Wayne Ensrud
By Wayne Ensrud
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Wayne Ensrud, American (1934 - ) Title: I Love You Year: circa 1970 Medium: Marker and Collage, signed l.r. Size: 18 in. x 14 in. (45.72 cm x 35.56...
Paper, Mixed Media, Permanent Marker
"Poésie 34", embroidery by Yanne Kintgen (12.5x16.5 in), 2022
Located in Paris, France
Embroidery by Yanne Kintgen : "Poetry 34". Born in Redon (France) on April 26, 1960, Yanne Kintgen has been a painter and illustrator since 1985. To en...
Fabric, Linen, Thread
"Poésie 33", embroidery by Yanne Kintgen (20 x 16.5 in), 2022
Located in Paris, France
Embroidery by Yanne Kintgen: "Poetry 33" Born in Redon (France) on April 26, 1960, Yanne Kintgen has been a painter and illustrator since 1985. To enter...
Fabric, Linen, Thread
"Poésie 32", embroidery by Yanne Kintgen (16.5 x 12.5 in), 2022
Located in Paris, France
"Poésie", embroidery by Yanne Kintgen. Born in Redon (France) on April 26, 1960, Yanne Kintgen has been a painter and illustrator since 1985. To enter ...
Fabric, Linen, Thread
"Poésie 30", embroidery by Yanne Kintgen (16.5 x 12.5 in), 2022
Located in Paris, France
Embroidery by Yanne Kintgen: "Poetry 30". Born in Redon (France) on April 26, 1960, Yanne Kintgen has been a painter and illustrator since 1985. To ente...
Fabric, Linen, Thread
"View of Mt. Miguel", Mixed Media Collage, Expressionist, Unframed, 30x40
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind mixed media collage by southern California artist, Susan Osborn. Its dimensions are 30"x40". It is unframed. A certificate of authenticity will follow deliver...
Mixed Media
Golden calyx flower, Mixed Media on Glass
Located in Yardley, PA
Artwork is lambda c printed on acryl glass; museum quality. beautiful! Ready to hang. Artwork comes with an international certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist. Other siz...
Mixed Media
Girl In A Blue Chair
By Wyona Diskin
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Wyona Diskin, American (1915 - 1991) Girl In A Blue Chair Acrylic on canvas partially painted over wire mesh, Unsigned. Framed. Measurements: H 70.5 x W 49.5 x D 1.25 inches Wyona ...
Wire
Faces, Moods, Expression, Mixed Media work by Contemporary Artist "In Stock"
By Sekhar Kar
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Re. the works : These are a set of 9 works of size 14 x 11 inches ( unframed work size ) . To get the best out of them we recommend placing them together in interesting ways . Few ...
Mixed Media, Board
$7,500
Portrait of African Man by African American Artist Expressionist Brush Strokes
Located in Miami, FL
This Portrait of an African Man by an African American artist exhibits penetrating psychological insight and is executed in vibrant colors with quick gestural post-expressionist brus...
Paper, Watercolor, Pen
Kubrick Kidman Scarf : Fashionable Cashmere/Modal blend Scarf
Located in New York, NY
Claudia Doring-Baez, "Kubrick Kidman Scarf", 2021, Cashmere/Modal blend, 26 x 71 in. Beautiful scarves created by artist Claudia Doring-Baez with her paintings printed on high quali...
Fabric, Wool
Tree of Life #4, Mixed Media on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
In creating this artwork, I delved deep into the vibrant emotions and symbolic expressions, blending acrylics, spray paints, and earth elements. The fiery hues and swirling forms con...
Mixed Media
Red Handbags strong red colors older female figure interior subject handbags
Located in Brooklyn, NY
soft pastel on toned paper framing under glass required
Paper, Pastel
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Delaware River, female frontal nude, text, maps, green, energetic, profile
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These collages were created first in the presence of a model, working quickly, in charcoal and pastel, and again, later, alone, furiously tearing and pasting images from magazines, v...
Paper, Mixed Media, Charcoal
Blessings
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These collages were created first in the presence of a model, working quickly, in charcoal and pastel, and again, later, alone, furiously tearing and pasting images from magazines, v...
Paper, Mixed Media
Four women, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
In my pictures I try to combine the visual and the conceptual. For me, drawing is a medium of knowledge which, beyond direct expression, makes visible material and immaterial forces,...
Mixed Media
Expectation, Mixed Media on Paper
By Nadia NL
Located in Yardley, PA
Title: Expectation Medium: Acrylic, Gesso and Gouache Support: Strathmore watercolor Paper 140 lb (300 g/m2) Size : 18?x 24? Painting is signed and dated by the artist as well...
Mixed Media
Gardener, Mixed Media on Paper
By Nadia NL
Located in Yardley, PA
Large acrylic painting (and drawing) Title: Gardener Medium: Acrylic and graphite Support: Strathmore watercolor paper 140 lb (300 g/m 2)Size : 18?x 23? (45.72 cm x 58.42 cm ) ::...
Mixed Media
I am going to be silent and listen to the wind, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Collage: Acrylic, Ink, Pencil, Paper on Paper. Mixed media painting ( acrylic ,paper ,ink and pencil) on paper. The painting explores a modern balance of realism and abstract exp...
Mixed Media
I'm never going to look back, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Contemporary expressionist portrait on a Birch wood panel. The painting explores a modern balance of realism and abstract expressionism. Acrylic, ink and pencil on a Birch wood panel...
Mixed Media
Nude with red hair, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In my pictures I try to combine the visual and the conceptual. For me, drawing is a medium of knowledge which, beyond direct expression, makes visible material and immaterial forces,...
Mixed Media
Star, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Etoile/The star/Steaua :: Mixed Media :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Si...
Mixed Media
$26,000
Cat Friends Portrait, Collage on Paper - Guggenheim Museum Founder
By Hilla Rebay von Ehrenwiesen
Located in Miami, FL
A portrait of two cats is deftly assembled by trailblazing modernist Hilla Rebay. The work is signed and titled lower left. 'Muschi et Antonio v. Rebay - Rome'. Titled to verso ‘Musc...
Paper, Pencil
Sailing Through Colors
Located in West Hollywood, CA
ABOUT THE PAINTING 15" X 12" Monoprint In this dreamy monoprint painting, a vibrant red canoe rests snugly between two majestic trees. The artist skillfully captures the essence of s...
Oil
Morning Glow in Love
Located in West Hollywood, CA
ABOUT THE PAINTING 40" X 28" Monoprint In this enchanting morning scene, the essence of love and connection amidst the beauty of nature is captured skillfully. The backdrop reveals a...
Oil
Serenity in Bloom
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The artist has carefully arranged the bouquet to evoke a sense of closeness and connection, as if the roses are whispering to each other in hushed tones. The surrounding canvas provi...
Canvas, Oil
Whisper of Love
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In this stunning and intimate artwork, a very small bouquet of roses comes together in the center of a canvas. The delicate roses, with their exquisite petals and gentle colors, carr...
Canvas, Oil
Bouquet of Blush
Located in West Hollywood, CA
39" X 32" Wood Framed A beautiful arrangement of roses takes center stage in this painting. The flowers, meticulously placed in a vase, seem to have a mind of their own, as they gra...
Canvas, Oil
Whisper of Petals
Located in West Hollywood, CA
30" X 38" Wood Framed In this painting a rose bouquet takes center stage, delicately exploding out of the canvas in a soft and ethereal manner. The artist has skillfully captured th...
Canvas, Oil
Passionate Resurgence
Located in West Hollywood, CA
With its dynamic interplay of realistic and abstract elements, this painting invites viewers to explore the boundaries between perception and imagination. It evokes a sense of wonder...
Mixed Media
Harmony in Bloom
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunning bouquet of roses exudes a vibrant energy through the artist's expressive energy. It is a perfect balance between freedom and control, allowing the subject matter to com...
Mixed Media
Ethereal Embrace - Framed Figurative painting
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In "Ethereal Embrace," the artist draws inspiration from the concept of soulmates and the enchanting beauty of nature. The painting depicts two bodies, representing a man and a woman...
Mixed Media
My Neighbor with her Dog: Drawing of a human figure with a dog
Located in New York, NY
A drawing by Serge Hollerbach. Hollerbach's work was influenced by the Abstract Expressionist movement and he was associated with the "New York Schoo...
Ink, Pen