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.
Venice Palace and Gondola Mooring Colorful Impasto Canal View Oil Painting Italy
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Venice Palace and Gondola Mooring, Colorful Impasto Canal View Artist: Ulpiano Carrasco Title: Palacio y embarcadero en Venecia Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 60 × 73 cm / 23.6 ×...
Oil
Happy corner. Calm, blue, village, landscape, small, framed, gift, houses, rural
Located in Oslo, NO
A silent landscape lies in blue, mint and orange, as if dusk has softly drifted into a dream. The hills melt into each other like a slow breath, and the air feels light and the life ...
Canvas, Oil
Who Cares If I'm Waiting -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Horse
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; it is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Arti...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Nude in Venice: Large Oil/Canvas Contemporary Art 55x40in Unstretched inFlorida
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Nude in Venice" - original large art by Paula Craioveanu - Contemporary Expressionism Original, large, unique painting, oil on canvas, 55x40in / 140x102cm. Shipped rolled in a tube...
Canvas, Oil
Expectancy - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, Women
By Olajide Kuti
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Trying to Leave Myself 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, People
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...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Large contemporary expressionist figurative still life painting "Floral pause"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Floral Pause" is a contemporary still life painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, celebrated for her colorful floral art and expressive compositions that capture the simple poe...
Canvas, Acrylic, Linen
Waiting Room - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Fashion
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...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Aduke and Her Pets - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Animal
By Olajide Kuti
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
On the same wave. Couple painting, love, blue, sea, man and a woman, fish, large
Located in Oslo, NO
A man and a woman float in gentle harmony, surrounded by flying fish moving through soft turquoise and deep blue. The scene is calm yet surreal, a space between dream and sea, presen...
Canvas, Oil
Bouquet with Japanese roses in Provence style" still life of Volskya Liliya.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Bouquet with Japanese rose in Provence style" still life of Volsky Lily. The warm spring has given us a lot of pleasure. The magnificent weather, the delicate foliage of flowers and...
Canvas, Varnish, Oil
Anticipation of Love - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The lady rings on her fingers, except for one, symbolizing her commitment and love for her partner. The empty finger represents the promise of a marriage. The bike serves as a symbol...
Canvas, Acrylic
Displaced Beauty - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Displaced Beauty challenges the shifting standards of beauty shaped by social media and societal expectations. The figure stands as a quiet resistance, embracing natural African feat...
Canvas, Mixed Media
"Canyon River" (2025), Original Expressionist Impasto Landscape, Oil Painting
By Sandra Pratt
Located in Denver, CO
"Canyon River" (2025) is a beautiful original impasto oil painting, created on linen panel by American artist Sandra Pratt, which depicts a vast forest, captured in an expressionisti...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Canvas, Oil
Ray of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, Women
By Olajide Kuti
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
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.
Oil
Symbol of Hope -21st Century Contemporary Figurative of a Woman and Bird Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
God instructed the prophet Elijah to flee a drought by hiding at the Kerith Brook (Cherith Ravine) east of the Jordan River, where God promised to provide water and commanded ravens ...
Canvas, Oil
Finding Solace - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral
By Olajide Kuti
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
2Pac and Snoop
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"2Pac and Snoop" by James Ogamba Tochukwu is a striking artwork that pays homage to the iconic figures of 2Pac and Snoop Dogg, two influential fi...
Canvas, Oil
Potted Flowers Oil Painting, Expressionist, Signed, Framed, 1933
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 ...
Oil, Canvas
Family Scene with Guitarist oil on canvas painting picasso Paris school
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Family Scene with Guitarist Artist: Pedro Creixams (Barcelona, 1893 - 1965) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 39.4 x 31.9 inches (unframed) Signature: Signed lower right "C...
Canvas, Oil
Empathy. Kind, sympathy, hugs, semi abstract, warm colors, psychology, emotional
Located in Oslo, NO
Three beings merge in a silent embrace -a white animal, a blue woman with flowers in her hair, and another blue figure resting against her. Their bodies glow with orange and yellow w...
Canvas, Oil
Working without a Net Oil On Canvas Female Character Starry Moonlight REDUCED
Located in Houston, TX
Reduced from $1450. Working without a Net 20" x 20" oil Dogs sometimes accompany the pale bald “Everywoman” protagonist on her journeys that often take place beneath a starry moonl...
Canvas, Oil
Togetherness - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa, Love
By Olajide Kuti
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bohemian - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Surrealism, Africa, Women
By Elisha Nyong
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"The Bohemian" is part of a new collection titled "Ode to Guardians and the Impuissant". It is a visual discourse on the frail but resilient nature of black women whom I call black h...
Linen, Oil
Friends. Family, friendship, strange creations, yellow, beige, whimsy, whimsical
Located in Oslo, NO
"This painting that I called "Friends" is from my favorite series "We and Our Mountains", "Friends" is a painting that appeals to my love for strange and mystic solutions, there’s so...
Canvas, Oil
The advisor. Bright, warm, inner world, faces, strong, strange, psychology
Located in Oslo, NO
“Adviser” shows a figure surrounded by creatures that feel half-memory, half-warning. The face is calm, almost distant, while the forms around it shift like unspoken hints. Bright am...
Canvas, Oil
Blooming balcony – Impressionist Landscape Garden Oil Painting Wall Art
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This vibrant oil painting is an evocative landscape painting titled Blooming balcony created by the internationally registered artist Elena Lukina in 2020.As a comforting landscape p...
Canvas, Oil
The legend of mountains. Love, family, parents, happiness, togetherness, couple
Located in Oslo, NO
"I painted this artwork about being together, being loved, and happy, which is perhaps the most important thing in life. "The legend of mountains" reflects this simple yet profound ...
Canvas, Oil
Baker. Happy, bread, bakery, bright, landscape, happiness, kind, framed, gift
Located in Oslo, NO
This painting called "Baker" is from the "We and Our Mountains" series of the artist. This is a right happy oil painting with a funny baker, who is absolutely satisfied with this ni...
Canvas, Oil
La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Africa
By Olajide Kuti
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
One More Shot 3 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Sport, Football, Green
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Spring came!
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I embraced the raw vitality of expressionism to capture the essence of renewal. The figurative approach intertwines with the soft vintage touch, conveying a fin...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
Women. Landscape, landscape, modern, contemporary, semiabstract, warm colors
Located in Oslo, NO
This painting feels like stepping into a dream. Women in flowing black dresses stand quietly in warm, golden light. There's a softness in their mystery like they carry secrets, but t...
Canvas, Oil
Fruit Market in Haiti, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1990
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Fruit Market in Haiti Artist: JM Gary Delly Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (unframed): 9.8 x 7.9 in Dimensions (framed): 15 x 13 in Period: Approx. 1990-1999 Origin: Haiti Condition: Good, with frame included Description of the Artwork This painting captures a lively Haitian market scene, embodying the essence of Haitian primitivist art with its vibrant colors and thick impasto brushstrokes. The scene depicts a bustling marketplace where vendors and buyers interact, surrounded by piles of tropical fruits arranged in baskets. The figures are dressed in bright, contrasting tones, enhancing the painting’s dynamic and energetic atmosphere. The artist’s expressive, thick strokes and saturated colors create a sense of movement and liveliness. The composition is carefully balanced, with figures arranged in different planes, providing depth and perspective in an intuitive manner. The lush vegetation in the background and the bright blue sky add further context to the scene, situating it in the Caribbean setting. Haitian art, influenced by its African and Caribbean heritage, is known for its naïve style and depictions of everyday life. JM Gary Delly follows this tradition, celebrating the vibrancy of Haitian culture in his work. Comparable Artists This artwork shares stylistic similarities with renowned Haitian artists, including: Wilson Bigaud (1931-2010): A master of Haitian art, famous for his detailed depictions of everyday life and folklore. André Normil (1934-2015): Known for his naïve style and colorful representations of Haitian life. Laurent Casimir...
Canvas, Oil
Ewie - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral, Modern, Women
By Kum Cletus
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Born in 1993 in...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sunny corner. Small, framed, gift sized, landscape, happy, bright, sun, houses
Located in Oslo, NO
This painting is from the series "We and Our Mountains". Artwork is painted in the shades of orange, red, and gold evoking a sunlit landscape full of life and calmness. Nestled bet...
Canvas, Oil
Deserving More
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In "Deserving More," the central figure, a man, sits solemnly on a chair, his gaze piercing through the canvas to meet the audience's eyes. A subtle sadness etches his features, refl...
Fabric, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
What are you dreaming about? Kind, warm, empathy, inner voice, friendship, pet
Located in Oslo, NO
A girl stands with her eyes closed, her deer beside her—two beings breathing in the same silence, bound by something older than words. This is an oil painting from "Alter Ego" seri...
Canvas, Oil
Reflection- 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion
By Gobe Joseph
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 Gob...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Staircase in Taormina Sicily Expressionist Oil Painting, Signed, 1967
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Staircase in Taormina Sicily 1967 Artist signed lower right corner, canvas size (36x 40). Original vintage frame. Nicola Simbari was born in Italy and grow up in Rome. He studied a...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Waiting for My Name to Return - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, People
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
Market Day in Piazza Grande, Expressionist Oil on Board, 1940s, Framed
Located in London, GB
'Market Day in Piazza Grande, Locarno, Switzerland', oil on board, by unknown artist (1947-48). Locarno is an utterly charming Italian-speaking resort located on the northern shore o...
Oil, Board
One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Sometimes, our thoughts can be the enemy. We need to be careful about our thoughts because we can lose ourselves. Life can be tough, filled with challenges and difficulties, but it's...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Don't Be Perfect, Be Real -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait 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 Eli...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Even in Pain - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern, Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Set in a small, resilient village on September 1, 2022, ADEROGBA, a young artist, loses his eyesight due to a sudden illness. With a chain on his hands symbolizing pain. Devastated b...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
Girl in a whited dress. Love, friendship, pet, landscape, kind, small, framed
Located in Oslo, NO
This oil painting is a nice story of love and friendship, about a young girl in a white dress and her goat pet, it captures a rural landscape dominated by mountains and houses that ...
Canvas, Oil
Tranquility. Blue, small, night, landscape, gift sized, village, quiet, calm
Located in Oslo, NO
A quiet landscape rests in shades of blue and soft carmine, as if evening has gently settled over a dream. The hills dissolve into one another like slow breathing, and the air feels ...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Man - Early 20th Century Antique French Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A superb large early 20th century French expressionist oil on canvas depicting a seated man. Very similar to the work of Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943). Excellent quality depiction of th...
Oil, Canvas
Large Oil Painting Circus Scene Clowns Rediscovered NY Artist Jonah Kinigstein
Located in Surfside, FL
Jonah Kinigstein "Death of a Clown" Large Oil on Board Painting of macabre circus scene with clowns Hand signed lower left and signed and titled verso Frame: 55 X 43 Image: 48 X 36 ...
Oil, Board
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
Trying to Leave Myself 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, People
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...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Sisters in Yellow 3
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. A sister is a gi...
Canvas, Acrylic