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.
European landscape, Wiltshire UK, surrealism, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
English landscape oil color on canvas Castle Combe, Wiltshire UK :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artis...
Oil
Tuscany Village, Italy, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
Tuscany Village, Italy Italian landscape oil on canvas :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready...
Oil
true love, Painting, Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
True love Egyptian style architecture :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Si...
Acrylic
Thousand & one nights , Arabian night, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
Thousand & one Nights, The Painting title: Thousand & one nights Les Mille et une nuit Tausend und eine Nac...
Oil
Night walk, Romeo & Joliet, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
The Painting title: Night Walk promenade de nuit Nachtspaziergang Passeggiata notturna Caminata nocturna Artist: Esam Jlilati Medium: oil color on canvas Size: 28â€
Oil
Joyful Journey, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Esam Jlilati
Located in Yardley, PA
Joyful Journey The Painting title: Joyful Journey voyage joyeux fröhliche Reise viaggio gioioso Viaje alegre Artist: Esam Jlilati Medium: original oil color on can...
Oil
Composition florale 08242, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Emily STARCK
Located in Yardley, PA
Floral composition realized during summer 2024 in France. Worked in several layers with professional and high quality painting with anti UV protection and velvet rendering. The pic...
Acrylic
Poolside 5: Abstract Figurative Oil Painting, Signed, 30x60 cm
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Grackles, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watercolor painting on 140 lb Arches cold press paper with deckled edges :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity sign...
Watercolor
Grackles No. 2, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watercolor and ink painting on 140 lb Arches cold press paper with deckled edges :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticit...
Watercolor
Tree Swallows, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watercolor and ink painting on 140 lb Arches cold press paper with deckled edges :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticit...
Watercolor
Red-Tailed Hawks No. 2, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watercolor and ink painting on 140 lb Arches cold press paper with deckled edges :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticit...
Watercolor
Poppies No. 6, Painting, Watercolor on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watercolor painting on 140 lb Arches cold press paper with deckled edges :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed...
Watercolor
Herons in Flight No. 8, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watercolor painting on canvas. Signed on front. Varnished and ready to hang, with a handcrafted maple solid wood floater frame. :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece co...
Watercolor
Hawks in Flight, Painting, Watercolor on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original watercolor painting on canvas. Signed on front. Varnished and ready to hang, with a handcrafted maple solid wood floater frame. :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece co...
Watercolor
AutumnWalk 01, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"AutumnWalk 01" is a large original painting that captures the essence of a radiant autumn day spent wandering through the woods. The artist's skillful use of both oil and acrylic ...
Acrylic
Stump Pond, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A winter storm enlivens this simple tableau of Massachusetts in twilight. Snow contrasts with the bridge and road bank, while bringing clarity to the reflection...
Acrylic
Backyard, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cluster of trees rises at the center of a field, their foliage showing the colors of autumn. Vertical strokes in the foreground suggest grass, while a thin wh...
Oil
Water lily inspiration, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In creating this painting, I was inspired by the tranquil beauty of water lilies. I aimed to capture their serene essence and the dynamic interplay of light on water. This piece blen...
Oil
Sojourner, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
She moves ahead of the crowd to get a start on her day. She has a plan and is focused and determined. The background seems to blur as she comes through the crowd, with the light in ...
Oil
Dreams of Yesterday, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman rests gently against a swirling current that resembles both wind and water, as if she is swinging between past and present. Soft touches of yellow and o...
Acrylic
![Book: Francis Bacon von [with] John Russell (hand signed and inscribed twice)](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/francis-bacon-prints-works-on-paper-book-francis-bacon-von-with-john-russell-hand-signed-and-inscribed-twice-for-sale/a_17452/a_130412521694307115175/axScsafc_master.jpg?width=240)
![Book: Francis Bacon von [with] John Russell (hand signed and inscribed twice)](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/francis-bacon-prints-works-on-paper-book-francis-bacon-von-with-john-russell-hand-signed-and-inscribed-twice-for-sale-picture-2/a_17452/a_130412521694307116129/unnamed_5_master.jpg?width=240)
$10,000
Book: Francis Bacon von [with] John Russell (hand signed and inscribed twice)
Located in New York, NY
Highly collectible and coveted item: Francis Bacon von [with] John Russell (Monograph, hand signed and inscribed twice by Francis Bacon), 1972 Hardback monograph with dust jacket (ha...
Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
Untamed, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is an energetic floral with bursts of colour and abstracted ribbons of colour. The peony is the subject of this beautiful rendition of nature at it's fullest! :: Painting :: Ex...
Oil
Burnett, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Trees shine like incandescent light bulbs under the warm afternoon sun. A kaleidoscope of pink, green, and yellow leaves spread across the scene. Overlapping ...
Oil
Chromatic Nomad, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A solitary rider stands against a vibrant, textile-inspired backdrop of bold geometric forms and saturated color. Rendered with raw, gestural lines, the figure ...
Oil
Tranquil Day, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Vibrant autumn trees paint a distant forest in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Soft layers of beige and blue land stretches across the foreground. A pale sky...
Oil
Autumn Color’s in Misty Land, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A stand of trees stretches across a landscape in warm, autumnal shades. Vertical strokes suggest tall trunks rising through the orange, yellow, and green foliag...
Oil
View from a Window, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Three chairs occupy a sunlit room, with one propped in front of a window that opens onto a lush garden. Blue curtains, one with playful zigzag edges, hang again...
Acrylic
House with Greenhouse, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A small house sits surrounded by snow, framed by tall trees stretching across the sky. The structure's pale walls and grey roof catch the winter light. Rather t...
Acrylic
Grey Colonial, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The morning sun bathes a northeastern colonial house in golden light. Medium grey siding balances with rich gold highlights, while the house contrasts with the ...
Acrylic
Snowy Rooflines, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Tall trees stand in the foreground, their trunks and branches cutting across the view of a suburban house behind them. Artist Robert Hofherr reinterprets this u...
Acrylic
Melting Snow, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Tall trees frame a snowy yard, their bare branches cutting across a pale sky. A farmhouse sits to the right, while another rests farther back on the left. Cool ...
Acrylic
Isles of Passing Light, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A coastal landscape features silhouetted evergreens and islands set against a radiant, cloud-filled horizon. Energetic, sweeping brushstrokes unify the dynamic ...
Oil
Threshold with Blue Curtain, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This semi-abstract painting explores the relationship between built structure and the soft boundary suggested by a blue curtain. Jagged and straight lines intro...
Acrylic
In the Light of the Stars, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman rests and dissolves into the vast night sky. Star-like spirals pulse gently around her body, creating a rhythmic sense of movement and calm. Flowers wea...
Acrylic
Colors of Winter, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This expressionist landscape painting by artist Robert Hofherr depicts tree trunks rising through thick layers of snow, with quiet houses set in the background....
Acrylic
Old Gray, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr shares that certain structures framed by trees often suggest strong compositional possibilities, as seen in this scene. The style and sett...
Acrylic
Emotional Metamorphosis 11: Lines of Illusion, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Petal-like shapes, vines, and organic forms overlap in this botanical painting. Created with acrylic paint, spray paint, and markers, the artwork features raise...
Acrylic
Emotional Metamorphosis 7, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Colorful organic and geometric shapes define this abstract expressionist painting. Paint drips run downward, adding a sense of motion to the scene. The composit...
Acrylic
Emotional Metamorphosis 2, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This vibrant medium-sized artwork explores the ever-changing emotional landscape. Its vivid colors and bold strokes suggest a blossoming, floral motif. The piec...
Acrylic
Creation Code: Code 5, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Expressive splashes and deliberate lines explore the tension between disorder and intention in this abstract expressionist painting. Vibrant colors and dynamic ...
Acrylic
Ecce Homo - Rare Book Illustrated by George Grosz - 1923
By George Grosz
Located in Roma, IT
Ecce Homo is an original modern rare book illustrated by George Grosz (Berlin, 1823 - 1959, Berlin) in 1923. Original First Edition. Published by Malik Verlag, Berlin. Format: Lar...
Paper, Lithograph, Offset
Regarding the Sky, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting captures a tranquil scene where a body of water reflects the sky. The muted, distant horizon suggests an endless expanse, inviting contemplation...
Oil
Colorful Day, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A stand of trees stretches across the center of a vast field. Their foliage glows with brilliant autumn colors. Tall grass spreads in the foreground while soft ...
Oil
$891
Das Gesicht der Herrschenden Klasse - Rare Book Illustrated by G. Grosz - 1920
By George Grosz
Located in Roma, IT
Das Gesicht der Herrschenden Klasse is an original modern rare book written by Wieland Herzfelde (Weggis 1896 – 1988) and illustrated by George Grosz (Berlin, 1823 - 1959, Berlin) in...
Paper, Photogravure
Wanting to go out #8, Painting, Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic work on archival quality paper. Belongs to a series of work on windows done during confinement in 2020. The longing to be outside. :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece...
Acrylic
Evening Splendor, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A beautiful depiction of an autumn evening, this painting by artist George Peebles captures an expansive panoramic view of the landscape. An endless blue horizo...
Oil
Yellow lamp by window, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic work on unmounted canvas. A window letting the bright light come through. Painting windows is a recurrent subject in my work. Life from the exterior entering the quiet sub...
Acrylic
woman with hat, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic work on unmounted canvas. Depicts the face of a young black woman sheltering herself from the sun under her wide rim hat. The work would be sent varnished and rolled up in ...
Acrylic
Pastoral Lane, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A wide, open landscape stretches beneath a blue sky, where a single wispy cloud drifts above. Colorful woodlands rise along gentle hills on both sides, guiding ...
Oil
"Evening over the Bay"Hendaye, France, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Evening over the Bay" (2024) reflects the tranquility of the Bay of Biscay near the shores of Hendaye, France. Bright colors emphasize the contrast between the evening ...
Oil
October Dreams, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles captures a solitary tree standing in the middle of a vast field. "This is a perspective of autumn in its splendor," says George. The viv...
Oil
Flowers in a Vase, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A variety of flowers spring from a white vase, their shapes and orientations creating a lively sense of movement. The background accentuates the freshness of th...
Acrylic
Forest Bathing in Blue, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The water’s surface shimmers with sunlight, creating reflections that bring depth and movement to the pond. Lush, green vegetation lines the edges, highlighti...
Acrylic
The Art of Communication, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
- Title - The Art of Communication - Medium: acrylic on canvas - Support: stretched canvas, ready to hang, painted sides. - Size: 40" x 30" x 0.8" - Two coats of protective gloss...
Acrylic
Kubrick Dance Scarf : Fashionable Cashmere/Modal blend Scarf
Located in New York, NY
Claudia Doring-Baez, "Kubrick Dance Scarf", 2021, Cashmere/Modal blend, 26 x 71 in. Beautiful scarves created by artist Claudia Doring-Baez with her paintings printed on high qualit...
Fabric, Wool
Germaine Krull Les Amies : Cashmere/Modal blend Scarf
Located in New York, NY
Claudia Doring-Baez, Germaine Krull Les Amies Scarf, 2020, Cashmere/Modal blend, 26 x 71 in Beautiful scarves created by artist Claudia Doring-Baez with her paintings printed on hig...
Fabric
Orchids in the Morning Light, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Flowers drift across a background that moves like currents of air. The petals seem to expand and contract within that motion, creating a sense of breath. The ar...
Acrylic
A Windy Day, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Wind sweeps across a coastal scene, moving through the grasses in the foreground. The water shifts in layers of blue and green, meeting the beige and yellow san...
Oil
Kubrick Lady Honoria Scarf : Fashionable Cashmere/Modal blend Scarf
Located in New York, NY
Claudia Doring-Baez, "Kubrick Lady Honoria Scarf", 2021, Cashmere/Modal blend, 26 x 71 in. Beautiful scarves created by artist Claudia Doring-Baez with her paintings printed on high...
Fabric, Wool