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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
The One That Got Away. Smoking man in antique bathtub soft green tones humorous
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an oil on wood painting. There is a rough stipple texture to this work achieved by mixing a pumice like compound into the primer. The work is consistent with the artists humo...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

"Il motivo di un viaggio" by Enzio Wenk, 2006- Acrylic on Metal, Urban Landscape
Located in Bresso, IT
Translated title: "The reason for a trip" Acrylic on metal plate.
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Metal

"6.5 Koi 23" Bright Red & White Koi Swimming in Swirls of Blue Water with Green
Located in Wellesley, MA
"6.5 Koi 23" is a complex work of koi fish swimming underwater filled with light and brilliant color painted in a lush and fluid style bordering on abstraction. Fish are in shades...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Girl, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
My work is about dealing with the real world and above all using the images that surround us in everyday life. I often search for the unexpected. An ironic turn to images or things y...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"Artist at his studio" - Horizontal indoor purple and yellow painting.
Located in Miami, FL
The artist is creating inside his studio.
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Masonite

'Pastel Repose' - Reclining Young Nude Woman - 1970's Oil Pastel on Paper
Located in Carmel, CA
'Pastel Repose' is a 30.125" x 29.125" oil pastel on paper by Chris Ferrigno that employs vibrant, contrasting colors and bold, gestural marks that are indicative of an expressionist...
Category

1970s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

"Farmer" Portrait Oil Painting 16" x 12" inch by Shaaban Zaki
Located in Culver City, CA
"Farmer" Portrait Oil Painting 16" x 12" inch by Shaaban Zaki circa 1930 Signed. Shaaban Zaki came from a lower-middle-class family who was mostly government employees, but he was...
Category

20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

IN THE MOMENT
Located in Aventura, FL
Original acrylic on canvas painting. Hand signed on front by the artist. Framed. Additional images available upon request. Certificate of authenticity included. Artwork in excellent...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

'Untitled' Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Portrait by Masri
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri is a passionate Italian, US-based artist whose work has been exhibited in USA, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, Italy, and Norway. His work is varied and known especially in Europe, a...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

In a corner of the soul. Colorful expressionist garden with fuchsia flowers
Located in Segovia, ES
Colorful expressionist corner of a garden with fuchsia flowers. In a corner of the soul (En un rincón del alma), Oil on linen by Chico Montilla. Original perspective of a garden, w...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen

Quarantine Blues
Located in Toronto, ON
23” x 12” Unframed Original Acrylic on Canvas Board Hand Signed by Todd White Todd white captures restaurant, night and Hollywood scenes with contrasting colors serving the viewer’...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Expressionist Still life with flowers and fruit. Yellow, turquoise, pink, purple
Located in Segovia, ES
DO DAISIES FLICK? ( ¿Parpadean las margaritas? ), Oil on linen by Chico Montilla. Measurements in centimeters (H) 100 x (W) 81 x (D) 2 cm. / In inches 39.37 x 31.89 x 0.79 " Expres...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

'Portrait Of An Old Woman' Contemporary, Natural, Oil/ Canvas By Leviathan
Located in Carmel, CA
David Leviathan, an Israeli born artist who worked mainly in Holland, is widely known amongst European art collectors. His works are exhibited in several museums in Holland and Fran...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

‘Enlightened’ Abstract Portrait - Mixed Media 40"x30" by Masri
Located in Carmel, CA
Enlightened by Masri is a stunning abstract-portrait that depicts a man's upward transcendence into a state of enlightenment. The thick, textured, and vibrant palette strokes of or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Nantes Seaport
By Robert L.P. Lavoine
Located in Pasadena, CA
Robert L. P. Lavoine is a French painter born in 1916 and dead in 1999. Known for his sea landscapes and urban landscapes, he is associated with the expressionist current of the twe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Untitled" Contemporary Expressionist Self-Portrait by Masri
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri is a passionate Italian, US-based artist whose work has been exhibited in USA, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, Italy and Norway. His work is varied and known especially in Europe, an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Truro Beach, colorful abstract female sun bather
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil painting on board of expressionist figure in repose. Expressive, energetic brush strokes, colorful palette.
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Original Oil On Canvas Painting Titled: Audrey
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
(Designers: Custom framing is available for this item) Quotes in this order: The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes because that is the doorway to her heart, the place...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Acrylic on Canvas by Robert Catapano “little Mona”
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Robert was born in 1949 to Dominick and Antoinette Catapano in Brooklyn New York. He is a self taught artist. He began drawing and painting as a child. He says he did it as a way of ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"Untitled" Contemporary Abstract Portrait of a Young Man by Masri
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri is a passionate Italian, US-based artist whose work has been exhibited in USA, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, Italy and Norway. His work is varied and known especially in Europe, an...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Iva" Oil Painting 39" x 39" inch by Andrey Remnev
Located in Culver City, CA
"Iva" Oil Painting 39" x 39" inch by Andrey Remnev ARTIST BIO: "My birth place is Yakhroma town, in the vicinity of Moscow. It is situated on high hills, from where broad Bruegelian vistas are open. The uneven terrain with significant differences of high and low; a canal between the Moskva river and the Volga; small rivers, woods and villages; a nearby ancient town of Dmitrov, which is equal to Moscow in age; ships cruising the canal and trains outdistancing them – all this I saw from my window since my early years. It was a view that embraced all the diversity of the world. This is why I can say that the impressions of my childhood and youth – beautiful nature and remarkable people – are the most important ones. In the museum of Moscow's St. Andronic Monastery I copied the best examples of the old Russian painting...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"9 Koi 23 - 2" Brightly Colored Koi Fish Underwater - red/orange/yellow/blue
Located in Wellesley, MA
"9 Koi 23 - 2" is a complex work of koi fish swimming underwater filled with light and brilliant color painted in a lush and fluid style bordering on abstraction. Fish are in shad...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Moon Bathers festive colorful green Coney island beach denizens women humor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
oil on stretched canvas heavy duty stretchers framing not required signed and dated on reverse Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic, yet thought provoking fantasies. His whimsical works are alive with boundless imagination, wry wit and fearless color. His shrewd social observations often translate into eerily humorous figurative scenes and narratives. Mr. Basso’s works evoke a high level of inquiry. The fanciful, yet keenly observed characters are unpredictable and evocative. The viewer vacillates between surprise, delight, and consternation. .) Seeking emotional honesty, he looked to the work of several "mentors": Max Beckmann, Francisco Goya, Willem de Kooning , Philip Guston , Marsden Hartley and Albert Pinkham Ryder...
Category

1980s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Seascape with Pier and Lighthouse of Monaco Harbour, Antoine Daens, 1871 - 1946
By Antoine Daens
Located in Knokke, BE
Seascape with Pier and Lighthouse of Monaco Harbour Daens Antoine Brussels 1871 – 1946 Belgian Painter Signature: Signed bottom right Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: Image size 3...
Category

Early 20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

'The Painter' by Masri - Artist Self Portrait - 2004 Oil on Canvas
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri is a passionate Italian, US-based artist whose work has been exhibited in USA, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, Italy and Norway. His work is varied and known especially in Europe, an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Who Are These Angels CIII, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This is "Who Are These Angels "CIII", an original oil painting on Gallery wrapped canvas. This large painting measures 36" x 36" x 1.5 inches. The sides are p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Melodramatic Breakup romantic couple theme human drama humorous undertones
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil on canvas signed on reverse. Heavy duty stretcher ready for display
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

KNIFE. Expressionist yellow Still-life with flowers fruits and Buddhist figures
Located in Segovia, ES
KNIFE. Expressionist yellow Still-life with flowers fruits and Buddhist figures. Author: Chico Montilla (Spain 1961). Oil on Canvas. Measurements: (H) 100 x (W) 81 x (D) 2 cm. ...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Cupid Under Construction valentine hearts quasi romantic theme strong red colors
Located in Brooklyn, NY
oil on canvas heavy duty stretcher framing recommended but not required . painting part of a series of narrow vertical canvases depicting totem like stories
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

Like This (Homage to Rumi) colorful spiritual abstract goddess figure
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Watercolor, mixed media ___________________ Janet Morgan’s explosive art captures the exuberance and deep wisdom we humans yearn to experience. Her sense of humor and spiritual dept...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Watercolor

Holder of Light, Wild Woman Series, bright color blue yellow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This painting is in a series called the Wild Woman which is also printed in a pocket sized book. Watercolor, mixed media, using resists. Janet Morgan’s...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Mixed Media, Archival Paper

Energy Worker, bright colorful swirling patterns mystical yoga Wild Woman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This painting is in a series called the Wild Woman which is also printed in a pocket sized book. Watercolor, mixed media, using resists. Janet Morgan’s...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Mixed Media, Archival Paper

Onyx blue tone and black female nude sculptural qualities
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early experimental work by the artist it combines a loosely painted head combined with a hard sculptural body.
Category

1980s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Oil on Canvas Man Portrait Male Model On Red Background 20"x24" by Masri
Located in Carmel, CA
A Lebanese born, Italian artist ,Masri has developed a style that captures mideastern mood with A Lucien Freud brush touch. His work is varied and known especially in Europe, and in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Patrol Boys - Contemporary Figurative History Oil Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Patrol Boys 84.0 x 60.0 x 1.5, 12.0 lbs Oil on streched canvas Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "Gun violence in America and the ineffective ability of our society to a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Green general, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
My work is about dealing with the real world and above all using the images that surround us in everyday life. I often search for the unexpected. An ironic turn to images or things y...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

French Contemporary Art by Sandra Detourbet - Sapho
Located in Paris, IDF
Gouache on canvas & handmade paper Sandra Detourbet is a French artist born in 1967 who works & lives in Ivry-sur-Seine, near Paris. She is graduated in 1997 from ENSAD in Paris, Ar...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Gouache, Handmade Paper

Open Heart, Vibrant blues, Eastern spiritual, figure
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Watercolor, mixed media _________________________ Janet Morgan’s explosive art captures the exuberance and deep wisdom we humans yearn to experience. Her sense of humor and spiritu...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Watercolor

Palm to Palm Again, spiritual, abstract healing goddess, blues, energy fields,
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Watercolor, mixed media This piece is very much about the energy of the body and breath. We are just rediscovering the power of the breath to increase energy and general well being. This work is so important as our society gets more disembodied and broken, we need to come home to our bodies and realize the sacredness of ourselves and every being on the planet. Janet has both shown and taught with Alex...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Watercolor

Lights of the Temple, colorful on black, dynamic, goddess, abstract, energy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Watercolor, mixed media
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Isa, Génie, Catou, Patoche and Didine - Julien Wolf, 21st Century, Painting
Located in Paris, FR
Oil on canvas 2018 Signed on the back Unique work
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

'The Party' Original Chinese Art Painting Figurative Oil On Paper by Duan
Located in Carmel, CA
Artist Duan Z. Born in 1955 in Yunnan, renowned Chinese Opera Figure Painter, Educator, Playwright and Producer. Mr. Duan serves as Director of Chinese...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Pigment

Cat Face
Located in Austin, TX
By Pep Suari 39" x 39" Acrylic on Canvas
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Cats and a Woman
Located in Austin, TX
By Pep Suari 39" x 39" Acrylic on Canvas
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Freelance., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The era of freelancing is long overdue. And some all think that this is some kind of misunderstanding. Global changes have improved my life. But I've been freelancing all my life. An...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Figura Danzante" by Enzio Wenk, 2018 -Acrylic, Enamel, Figurative Expressionism
Located in Bresso, IT
Translated title: "Dancing figure". Acrylic paint and enamel on canvas. The artist sells the handmade, original and one-of-a-kind piece, but he reserves the right to duplicate it...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Enamel

Summer #4, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic on unmounted canvas. Belongs to a series started in the summer 2020. I like going to the beach to sketch people . The beach is a place where you get all types of live models ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"At the jury" - Indoor horizontal painting in bright red tones.
Located in Miami, FL
Inside a justice hall, a man witnesses a trial from a balcony.
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Angel and Rooster
Located in Boston, MA
Signed lower right: "Zerbe". In fine condition
Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Encaustic, Board

"Contemplation" Black, Pink, Red, Oil on canvas 30"x40" Original by Masri
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri is a passionate Italian, US-based artist whose work has been exhibited in USA, the UK, Germany, Lebanon, Italy and Norway. His work is varied and known especially in Europe, an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Woman III, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
My work is about dealing with the real world and above all using the images that surround us in everyday life. I often search for the unexpected. An ironic turn to images or things y...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Fighters South American Oil on Canvas
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
The Fighters. Artist signed and dated lower left, also signed and titled on verso. Erwin Guillermo was born in Guatemala City in 1951. He is one of the best representatives of Guatemalan Art...
Category

1990s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sitting woman IV, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
My work is about dealing with the real world and above all using the images that surround us in everyday life. I often search for the unexpected. An ironic turn to images or things y...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Patterns and Stripes, Expressionist Portrait by Philadelphia Artist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Patterns and Stripes" is a painting by Philadelphia born Expressionist painter Bernard Harmon. The 40" x 34" oil on board portrait of two figures is painted in a muted color palette. The painting is framed in a new, gold frame and signed "Harmon" on verso. Figurative expressionism in the style of Alice Neel. Bernard Harmon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1935. Harmon was primarily a portrait painter and a well loved teacher in the Philadelphia area. A graduate of the Philadelphia Museum School and Temples Tyler School of Art, Harmon traveled extensively in Europe and South America. Beloved by many, Harmon taught in the Philadelphia School District for 32 of his 54 years of life. Beginning his career as an art teacher at West Philadelphia High School, in the early 1960s he became one of the district's artists in residence, traveling from school to school to demonstrate for students how an artist works. Returning to the classroom, Harmon joined the art department at Central High School where he taught for 14 years and became an innovator in art curriculum, developing a program offering advanced placement art classes to gifted students. In his final years Harmon became a supervisor, mentoring teachers and overseeing programs in the Philadelphia school systems District #1. During his short life Harmon taught collage preparatory art classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, summer classes at the University of the Arts, and a Saturday program for gifted children at Drexel University. Among Harmon's portraits were commissioned by Philadelphia Jazz organist Jimmy Smith and Mayor Richardson Dilworth. Bernard Harmon was active in promoting African American Artist throughout his life time. He organized many early shows such as the "Afro American Artists...
Category

1970s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

The Shield of Heracles, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Title: "The Shield of Heracles" Artist: Derek Overfield The shield of Heracles, wrought by the hands of Hephaestus, appears in the account of the hero's ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Oranges. Montilla Oil on canvas. Orange, Yelow, Fuchsia Expressionist Still-Life
Located in Segovia, ES
"Oranges" oil on canvas. Expressionist colorful still life. Measurements: (H) 61 x (W) 46 x (D) 2 cm. Framed: (H) 81 x (W) 66 x (D) 4 cm Expressionist still life with ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen

Procession With Elephant
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Procession with elephant, expressionist style oil painting, signed and dated. George Russin was born in New York 1910-2010. He attended the High School of Music and Art to pursue bot...
Category

1970s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Contemporary Expressionist Horse in Blue and Yellow
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Daniela Nikolova Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 39.3" x 31.5"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

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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