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.
"Breathe in the Warm Salty Air" (2025) Original Acrylic Painting, Whimsical
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Breathe in the Warm Salty Air" is an original acrylic and charcoal painting depicting a blue vase with flowers next to a picturesque scene featuring a blue oc...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
"Peaches" (2025) Still Life of Fruit and Ceramic, Acrylic/Charcoal Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Peaches" is a charming acrylic and charcoal painting, created on canvas, which depicts peaches resting on a plate near a pitcher of sweet cream. Van Fossan w...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
Gravity of Light: Marine Chronicles
Located in Zofingen, AG
A cornerstone of the 'Gravity of Light: Marine Chronicles' collection, this 2012 masterpiece marks the origins of Elena Lukina’s signature philosophy: "The Turquoise Silence." Painte...
Canvas, Oil
The Secret in Her Eyes, Romantic Realism Oil on Canvas Painting, 1980s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Technical Sheet - Title: *The Secret in Her Eyes* - Artist: Rosendo González Carbonell - Technique: Oil on canvas - Dimensions: 24 x 20 inches - Framing: Unframed - Style: Romantic realism...
Canvas, Oil
Night Lights, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Simplified shapes and colors form a fragmented image of a village and night sky. Accents of warm colors from the moon and houses balance the dominant blue and g...
Acrylic
2 Funny pink ballerinas. Original impasto Miniature oil painting.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting captures two funny pink ballerinas in a lighthearted dance. The artist's use of impasto brings a delightful texture to the canvas, enhancing the ballerinas...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$957Sale Price|63% Off
Mid-Century French Expressionist Oil, 'Anniversary Flowers and Champagne'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid Century Expressionist oil on canvas tablescape of flowers and Champagne. This wonderfully energetic painting straddles the line between impressionism and expressionism. The form...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Forgotten but Not Gone, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr presents a derelict structure forgotten in the woods in a bold expressionist style. A blue underpainting and high-energy palette bring the...
Acrylic
"Sanctuary" (2025) Original Acrylic Painting, Whimsical Interior
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Sanctuary" is an original acrylic and pastel painting depicting a warm interior with a cozy cat perched on a chair peering out a picturesque window. Van Fos...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
$1,250
Mason-Jar - 21st Century, Contemporary, Still Life, Abstract, Plants, Flower
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 Josue M Pierre ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sakura 2 Colorful Abstract Interior Painting by Iryna Kastsova
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sakura 2. Japanese tree. Acrylic paints in soft pink, pastel pink, cream, burgundy, yellow, peach, cream, opal white, magenta, and creamy pink splattered and splattered, creating a s...
Acrylic
Spring poppies 50X50
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I've poured my soul into the vivid crimson blooms, contrasting against the subdued greens and blues, evoking life's vibrancy. Each stroke is a breath, blendin...
Canvas, Oil
$1,042Sale Price|20% Off
Pond with pink lilies
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this painting, I sought to capture the tranquility and ephemeral beauty of nature. Each brushstroke is a tender embrace of the lilies' delicate dance on the water's refle...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000
"Interior Scene with Figure" Expressionistic Style Oil Painting on Masonite
Located in New York, NY
A strong modernist oil painting depicted in 1969 by Russian painter Michael Baxte. Mostly known for his abstracted figures on canvas or street scenes, this piece is a wonderful representation of his bold still life paintings, with expressive use of color, shape, and form. Later in his career, Baxte explores Expressionism, infusing both European and North American stylistic trends. This piece is from later in his career, but we can feel this underlying style throughout. Art measures 21.75 x 18 inches Michael Posner Baxte was born in 1890 in the small town of Staroselje Belarus, Russia. For the first half of the 19th century it was a center of the Chabad movement of Hasidic Jews, but this group was gone by the middle of the 19th century. By the time the Baxte family immigrated to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, the Jewish population numbered only on the hundreds. The native language of the Baxte family was Yiddish. It is likely that the death of Michael Baxte’s father triggered the family’s immigration. Three older brothers arrived in New York between 1903 and 1905. Michael and his mother, Rebecca, arrived in 1907. By 1910 Michael, his mother, and brother, Joseph, were living in New Orleans and may have spent some time on a Louisiana plantation. Around 1912, Michael Baxte returned to Europe to study the violin. In 1914 he, his mother, and Joseph moved to New York City. Meanwhile, in Algeria, a talented young woman painter, Violette Mege, was making history. Since for the first time, a woman won the prestigious Beaux Art competition in Algeria. At first, the awards committee denied her the prize but, with French government intervention, Mege eventually prevailed. She won again 3 years later and, in 1916, used the scholarship to visit the United States of America. When Violette came to New York, she met Baxte, who was, by then, an accomplished violinist, teacher, and composer. Baxte’s compositions were performed at the Tokyo Imperial Theater, and in 1922 he was listed in the American Jewish Yearbook as one of the prominent members of the American Jewish community. As a music teacher he encouraged individual expression. Baxte stated, “No pupil should ever be forced into imitation of the teacher. Art is a personal experience, and the teacher’s truest aim must be to awaken this light of personality through the patient light of science.” By 1920 Michael Baxte and Violette Mege were living together in Manhattan. Although they claimed to be living as husband and wife, it seems that their marriage did not become official until 1928. On their “unofficial” honeymoon around 1917, in Algiers, Baxte confided to her his ambition to paint. There and later in New Mexico where the wonderful steeped sunlight approximates the coloring of Algiers, she taught him his heart’s desire. He never had any other teacher. She never had any other pupil. For ten years she devoted all her time, energy, and ambition to teaching, encouraging, inspiring him. Then in 1928, their mutual strivings were rewarded, as his works were being chosen as one of the two winners in the Dudensing National Competition for American Painters. Out of 150 artists from across the country participated in the Dudensing, and Michael Posner Baxte and, Robert Fawcett...
Oil, Masonite
$1,250
Bulb Vase - 21st Century, Contemporary, Still Life, Abstract, Plants, Flower
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 Josue M Pierre ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Poppy meadow 50X70
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I have captured the wild spirit of a meadow, brimming with vibrant poppies. My brushstrokes dance with expressionism and impressionism, while fine art technique...
Canvas, Oil
Pink bouquet 35X35 oil painting.
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my creation, I sought to capture the fleeting beauty of life through vibrant strokes, harmoniously blending realism and impressionism. This oil painting is a celebration of nature...
Canvas, Oil
Two Under the Rain Original impasto Miniature oil painting for living room
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Two Under the Rain" captures a profound connection amidst solitude. This original oil painting features two figures sharing an intimate moment under the rain. The artist's expressio...
Oil, Canvas, Cardboard
Fantasy with Flowers 54
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Fantasy with Flowers 55
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Fantasy with Flowers 60
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Scilla in the morning park Original impasto Miniature oil painting landscape
Located in Zofingen, AG
I poured my heart into capturing the delicate dance of morning light filtering through the trees, awakening the blue blooms below. This original oil painting embraces both vibrant ex...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$710Sale Price|20% Off
Flowering branch
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I surrendered to the dance of colors and textures, letting oil become emotion on canvas. Each brushstroke captures the trembling beauty of nature's fleeting m...
Canvas, Oil
Blue Memories, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A Fauvist composition depicts a series of reimagined abandoned structures, stacked one on top of another. The layered mix of deep blue, green, and brown hues co...
Acrylic
Blue Pond 30X30
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions into the delicate balance between tranquility and fleeting movement. The shimmering water lilies float gently, capturing the quiet moments of refl...
Canvas, Oil
$2,752Sale Price|45% Off
Expressionist Colorful Oil Paint Still-Life: Aves del Paraíso
Located in Segovia, ES
Aves del Paraíso, 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 " Expressionist interior corner whith fl...
Linen, Oil
Flowers on the window
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I poured my soul into capturing the transient beauty of blossoms basking in sunlight by a window. Each stroke embodies the dance between shadow and light, the d...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Fantasy with Flowers 66
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
A fated meeting in the rain Original impasto Miniature oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting captures a chance encounter on a rainy city street. The artist's skillful brushwork blends expressionism with realism, depicting a fleeting moment of conn...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Sunny water lilies
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I captured the serene beauty of water lilies bathed in the soft glow of dawn’s light. Using oil paints, I embraced a blend of impressionism and realism to reflect t...
Canvas, Oil
The Back of Beyond, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Rural farm buildings serve as the focal point for this colorful Fauvist painting. The structures' forms connect with other compositional elements, each shaped a...
Acrylic
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
MUSIC ROOM with HARP - INTERIOR oil large painting 100x70cm /40x27.5in FRAMED
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Music Room with Harp" Oil on canvas. Part of Interior series. Large original, one-of-a-kind, painting 100x70cm / 40x27.5in Shipped stretched and framed. 1st dibs covers up to $200 o...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 65
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
A Girl Running Through Puddles Original impasto Miniature oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting captures a girl running through puddles under a vibrant red umbrella. The artist's passion comes alive through bold strokes that create a beautiful contras...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Fantasy with Flowers 56
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Fantasy with Flowers 57
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Spring pond 55X40
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I sought to capture the serene essence of nature's renewal. The interplay of light and color reflects on the water's surface, inviting contemplation. Each str...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 53
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Under the sun 50X70
Located in Zofingen, AG
This piece is a vibrant celebration of nature's beauty and light's transformative power. Layered with oil, each brushstroke contributes to the vivid visual symphony. The sun, breakin...
Canvas, Oil
Sunny Lilac Branches - original lilacs painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
Impressionistic sunny painting with lilacs branches is very cozy, perfect gift, looks great in the interior will delight You and Your loved ones and be sure to give positive. May is ...
Canvas, Oil
Feline surrealism 70X50 oil
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my painting, I've embraced the whimsical charm of naive art while infusing it with surreal and symbolic elements. Using oil paints, I've brought two feline figures to life against...
Canvas, Oil
$2,086Sale Price|20% Off
Blooming tree
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I endeavored to capture the ephemeral beauty of nature's awakening. With each stroke, I sought to embody the delicate dance of blossoms on a gentle breeze, inf...
Canvas, Oil
$2,622Sale Price|20% Off
1960’s French Expressionist Oil Wine Bottles Drying on Metal Rack
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French expressionist artist, circa 1960’s Circle of Bernard Buffet oil painting on board, framed framed: 37.5 x 31 inches board: 32 x 25.5 inches provenance: private collection, Fran...
Oil
Summer Bouquet – Vibrant Floral Impressionist Painting on Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Summer Bouquet” – Vibrant Floral Impressionist Painting on Canvas Bring the beauty of summer into your home with this stunning hand-painted floral artwork titled “Summer Bouquet.” ...
Oil
Morning in a sunny vineyard
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I captured the vibrant energy of a sunlit vineyard at dawn, blending impressionism and realism to evoke warmth and renewal. The golden hues reflect the morning ligh...
Canvas, Oil
Beautiful garden
Located in Zofingen, AG
"This work is inspired by the wonderful time of the year when it is warm and everything is in bloom. Beautiful garden with a meadow of fragrant summer flowers. A path leading to a co...
Canvas, Oil
Pond with fish. Sketch
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions into the swirling colors of the pond, capturing the graceful dance of fish beneath rippling water. Using oil, I merged expressionism's boldness wi...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$711Sale Price|20% Off
Still-life with bouquet of roses Giclée print
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I poured my soul into capturing the essence of ephemeral beauty. The delicate interplay of light and shadow, the tender petals against the vintage tones, all ...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Sunny Terrace 25X35
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I've intertwined the essence of expressionism and impressionism, allowing the vibrant colors and bold textures to evoke feelings of warmth and serenity. The f...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Field poppies 60X70 oil on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've captured the wild vibrancy of nature and the ephemeral beauty of blooming flowers. Each stroke conveys raw emotion and the dynamic interplay of color and t...
Canvas, Oil
Flowers Abstract
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I've poured my zeal for nature's beauty into every stroke. The oil medium allowed me to layer textures, creating a tapestry of emotions. This painting evokes ...
Canvas, Oil
Irises on the pond
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I sought to capture the ephemeral beauty of irises by the pond's edge, reflecting my deep admiration for nature's transient moments. The oils allowed me to blend vi...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
$995Sale Price|30% Off
Late 20th Century French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Board. 'Jazz Night'.
By Thierry Miramon
Located in Cotignac, FR
Late 20th century abstract expressionist oil on board representation of a lively jazz night by French artist, Thierry Miramon, signed top left and pres...
Acrylic, Board
$2,363Sale Price|30% Off
Blooming garden by the pond
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I poured my soul into capturing the enchanting interplay of light and shadows, where blooms dance above tranquil waters. Merging realism with impressionistic t...
Canvas, Oil
Blue pond
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this artwork, I sought to capture the serene beauty of nature using the delicate dance of light and shadow upon water. This expressionistic approach emphasizes the tranqu...
Canvas, Oil
Sakura in the city park
Located in Zofingen, AG
"As the artist behind this canvas, I've infused life into the scenery, with vivid oil strokes blending impressionism and expressionism. It captures the transient beauty of blooms aga...
Canvas, Oil
$2,500
Dauntless 3 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman, Blue Pattern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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 Authent...
Canvas, Acrylic
Blooming pond 50X50 oil on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant oil painting, I've poured my zest for nature and renewal. Brushstrokes blossom across the canvas, capturing the essence of a serene pond, where time seems suspended. ...
Canvas, Oil
Cherries
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I sought to evoke a simple yet profound beauty through the bold, vivid strokes of these cherries set against a muted, textured backdrop. The rich, deep reds o...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Lily pond
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this tranquil scene, I've poured my soul into the serene play of light and reflections, seeking to capture the pond’s subtle dance of water and lily pads. My use of oils ...
Canvas, Oil