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Expressionist Figurative Paintings

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
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Happy summer 25X30 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
In this expressive oil on canvas, vibrant hues dance with light and energy, capturing the essence of a sun-soaked meadow. The figure embraces the warmth, surrounded by the jubilance ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Face Your Fears 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Face Your Fears" by Simon Obeka is a thought-provoking artwork that captures the essence of courage and self-discovery. At its core, the painting features a young woman adorned in a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

My Mind
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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Ray of Hope 3
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Ray of Hope," a poignant creation by artist John Ali, encapsulates a moment of contemplation and the subtle interplay between vulnerability and resilience. The artwork features a yo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Thy Brother's Keeper
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Thy Brother's Keeper" describes a time in every man's life. When he is kept and entrusted with a refiner (a person that keeps them before they become their greatest self). I read th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Canvas

She Save Us
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"She Save Us" by Samson Toba is a captivating artwork that encapsulates the strength, resilience, and nurturing essence of womanhood. Through the depiction of a woman as the central ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Black Melanin
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Being black is our heritage, what we have inherited from the past to value and enjoy in the present, and to preserve and pass on to future generations. Shipping Procedure Ships in a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Masculine Elegance (Beauty Within Us)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The Beauty Within Us" is a compelling narrative series of paintings that celebrates the unique and diverse beauty of Black hair, serving as a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Black Angel
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Black Angel in a bustling city, where towering buildings cast shadows and exhaust fills the air, a hidden struggle unfolds. Olamide silently prayed for her...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Sunny day 24X30 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
In this oil painting, I captured the tranquil harmony of a serene walk along the shore. The vivid portrayal intertwines impressionism with realism—each brushstroke conveys the gentle...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Dancing in the rain 60X30 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
In this vibrant oil painting, I've captured the essence of unbridled joy and carefree abandon. Two figures dance beneath a crimson umbrella, their movements a blend of expressionism ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Independent
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
At first glance, "Independent" captures the viewer's attention with its striking imagery of a woman wearing a vibrant yellow coat. The choice of yellow as the dominant color is symbo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

La Chemin de la Croix
Located in ATLANTA, GA
Jean-Louis Mendrisse is a self-taught painter born in 1955 in Clermont-Ferrand. Art, family affairs Jean-Louis Mendrisse studied the deal with his famous sculptor father, Jean Mos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting framed MIQUEL was an artist focused on the art of realism. His structured works on his great mastery of drawing, are romantic and tran...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Pastel

Bold Gaze 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Bold Gaze" by Rotimi Godwin is a striking piece of art that commands attention and captivates with its powerful portrayal of a young woman. The title it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled
Located in ATLANTA, GA
Jean-Louis Mendrisse is a self-taught painter born in 1955 in Clermont-Ferrand. Art, family affairs Jean-Louis Mendrisse studied the deal with his famous sculptor father, Jean Mos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Ajoke
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Ajoke is an original painting by Theophilus Madaki. Theophilus created Ajoke Oil on a 28W by 33H inches primed canvas. "Ajoke" is a stunning artwork...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Inner Joy
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artwork "Inner Joy" portrays a lady sitting in a relaxed position with a peaceful smile on her face. This piece of art speaks volumes about the importance of finding inner happin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Abella gymnast Original acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Abella. Original acrylic painting Juan Jose Abella Rubio was born in Estercuel, a hamlet anchored in the Teruel mining basin in March 1944. In his painting the ocher and reddish c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Cardboard

Red dress 60X80 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
In this embodiment of passion and serenity, crafted with oil on canvas, my hand wove the essence of raw emotion into every stroke. I melded expressionism's vigor with realism's detai...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Lady in Red 60X80 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
This artwork is a passionate symphony in oil, where expressive strokes and vibrant hues of red capture the essence of emotion and movement. It blurs the lines between realism and exp...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

le rêve bleu, nude woman, blue figurative modern, oil on canvas, collage, France
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Nude painting by artist Sophie Dumont, titled "Blue Dream," captures a portrayal of the female form through a blend of collage and oil on canvas. In this evocative piece, a nude wom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

African Boy III
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
African Boy is a series of paintings by talented artist Faith Gbadero. This series of Artworks captures the response and attitudes of African young adult...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

I'm stronger than you think and even than I think
Located in Sempach, LU
Participant SOLO EXHIBITION in Thun, Switzerland "Strength, and Vulnerability" December 2022. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about this artwork. MATERIALS: Th...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Cloaks 1: Conceal
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Cloaks 1: Conceal is an original painting by Victor Chigozie. Victor created Cloaks 1: Conceal Acrylic on a 35.4W by 47.2H inches primed canvas. "Cloaks 1: Conceal" is a thought-pro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Medusa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artwork titled "Medusa" features a woman with a sophisticated hairstyle and body parts made of fabrics. This piece of art is a powerful representation of female strength and resilience, with the artist unapologetically portraying the woman's body as a work of art. The name "Medusa" is a nod to the Greek mythological creature, Medusa, who was known for her beautiful but dangerous appearance. In this artwork, the artist has taken the concept of Medusa and turned it on its head, creating a powerful and captivating image of a woman who is unafraid to show her strength and beauty. The sophisticated hairstyle of the woman in the artwork is a testament to Fatunmbi Anjolaoluwa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Acrylic

secrets thoughts, nude woman, figurative modern, oil on canvas, textured, France
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
A captivating piece by artist Sophie Dumont, titled 'Secret Thoughts,' this oil-on-canvas female nude, painted with a palette knife, unveils a profound introspection. The canvas port...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Walk under umbrella 40X30 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
In this oil painting, I've captured a serene stroll, both playful and introspective. The vibrant umbrella stands against the soothing backdrop, a dance of color and light, invoking a...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Cowboy
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting is depicting the enthusiasm, strength, and passion in getting things done with the readiness to achieve the dream of their talent and charisma Shipping Procedure Ship...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas, Acrylic

Romantic freshness 80X80 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
In this oil painting, I attempted to capture the raw energy of passion and the serene embrace of love against the dynamic backdrop of nature's untamed beauty. The fluid brushstrokes ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Franclisa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artwork titled "Franclisa" by Gbemileke Blessing Adegboro is a stunning piece that features a lady standing gracefully with two white birds, one on each side of her head. The pai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Untitled!" is a striking piece of artwork created by Okeowo Oluwaferanmi, a talented Nigerian artist. The artwork depicts a woman laughing, with her head thrown back and her mouth w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Nature Call 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artwork titled "Nature Call 1" is a striking representation of a man sitting in the middle of two women, with each woman placing a hand on his shoulde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Dreamscape, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This painting features a woman as the central subject, depicted with bold textures and spontaneous brushstrokes. Her white dress against the deep blue backgroun...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Tight Corner 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artwork titled "Tight Corner" features a man and woman looking at each other in a romantic way, with a smile on their faces. This piece of art is a beautiful representation of lo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Bold Gaze 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Bold Gaze" by Rotimi Godwin is a striking piece of art that commands attention and captivates with its powerful portrayal of a young woman. The title it...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

The world belongs to you 80X100 oil, Valentine’s Day gifts art
Located in Sempach, LU
In creating this piece, I poured my soul into capturing the essence of freedom and joy. The vibrant brushstrokes in oil reflect the intensity and depth of the liberating emotions cou...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Sculpted Heritage (Beauty Within Us)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The Beauty Within Us" is a compelling narrative series of paintings that celebrates the unique and diverse beauty of Black hair, serving as a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Togetherness
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Togetherness" is a stunning artwork created by Gbelekale Azeez, featuring a man and a woman. The piece is an expression of the beauty of togetherness, and it captures the essence of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Female Nude Sitting Figure - Expressive Oil Painting
Located in Salzburg, AT
Agata Czeremuszkin-Chrut was born in 1983 in Czestochowa, Poland. She graduated from the Academy of the Fine Arts in Wroclaw (2008) with the Master degree in Painting. In 2007 she st...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Dialogue With Butterfly
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Dialogue With Butterfly" is a captivating piece of art that portrays a man with a butterfly in his hand. This artwork is a visual representation of the profound connection between m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Ewa (Beauty)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Ewa (Beauty)" portrays a lady who exudes a captivating aura, drawing viewers into her world of enigmatic charm. The artist skillfully crafts the lady's features, conveying a sense o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Culture 5
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
People believe money is power in my society - because the leaders steal money to oppress and suffer the poor. But I realize the opposite of this is the purpose of living. We are all ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Garden Blossoms-Original abstract floral landscape oil painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
"Garden" by Valery Khattin, a captivating original abstract landscape painting that brings the beauty of nature to life on canvas. Created with mastery and flair in oil, this artwork...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Africa Girl's Right
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Africa Girl's Right is an original painting by Jonathan Kabeya. Jonathan created Africa Girl's Right with Coffee-Sukarism (Burnt Sugar, ink of pen on a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Pen

The snowman and the rabbit are handing out gifts to everyone
Located in Sempach, LU
In this oil painting, I sought to capture the essence of joy and the spirit of giving. The snowman, with its wide grin and open arms, represents the warmth of celebration amidst a ch...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Lady on Blue 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Lady on Blue 2" is a captivating piece of art that features a lady with blue skin sitting in a seductive pose. The painting portrays a woman who is both alluring and mysterious, wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Fairy Tale
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Fairy Tale is a Mixed Media painting by Damilola Olusegun. Damilola created "Fairy Tale on a prime canvas of 60W by 72H inches. Damilola Olusegun de...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Benavente Solis. bull. dream of a bullfighter expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
bull. dream of a bullfighter original expressionist acrylic painting During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it like "The Catalan Sorolla". Honorary Member of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

Unbeatable Me
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting is a self-proclamation painting by Ayomabidele John. The proclamation goes thus: I choose to be full of love and compassion. I refuse for any part of my heart to be ove...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

African Boy I
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
African Boy is a series of paintings by talented artist Faith Gbadero. This series of Artworks captures the response and attitudes of African young adult...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Seclusion
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Seclusion" is a captivating artwork created by Kehinde Oyafajo that depicts a lady sitting on the floor with her hand resting on a stool. The lady is dressed in a sensual way and is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Arise!!!
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Nigerians arise, brothers and sisters that believe in the union called Nigeria, ARISE!!! The green-white-green t-shirt has turned to rag on us, let us let go of any excuses to keep ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Omodaratan Oni Afro
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the realm of art, creativity knows no bounds, and artists continue to amaze us with their ability to capture the essence of beauty in various forms. One such captivating artwork t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Welcome! Gift Art 30X25
Located in Sempach, LU
In this oil painting, I captured the joyful essence of winter's enchantment. The cheerful snowman, adorned in vibrant attire, embodies the warmth of the season against the cool, impr...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Aboja (The Sash Bearer)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Aboja (The Sash Bearer)" is a provocative and striking work of art created by Nigerian artist Adegbenro Adeola. The painting depicts a woman sitting ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

My Sister and Friend 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
My Sister and Friend 1 is an Original painting by Esther Obiwuru. Esther created My Sister and Friend with Acrylic on a 36W by 48H primed canvas. My Sister and Friend depict the ins...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

No More
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
You are the only person holding yourself back, stop the excuses, wishes, and procrastinating and you can't. The pain you feel today is the strength of tomorrow in achieving your drea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Expressionist figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist figurative paintings 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 figurative paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Evelyne Ballestra, Julien Wolf, Stephen Basso, and Bernard Harmon. 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 figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.

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