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.
Duality, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The expressionist landscape painting depicts houses overlooking a pond in the northeastern United States. Inspired by the works of English painters Keith Vaugha...
Acrylic
"Pleasantries" (2025) Still Life of Fruit and Ceramic, Acrylic/Charcoal Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Pleasantries" is a charming acrylic and charcoal painting, created on canvas, which depicts slices of mango resting on a plate Van Fossan was born in Vail, C...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
$1,550
Still Life With Oil Lamp in a Room Interior, Expressionistic Oil on Canvas
Located in Stockholm, Stockholm
Expressionistic still life with oil lamp in a room interior, signed by Arne Roland Anderson (1915-1982) and probably painted in 1938. Oil on canvas. Signed a.r.a. lower left. Accordi...
Canvas, Oil
The Architecture of Radiance, Impasto Botanical Oil Painting, Fine Art
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"The Architecture of Radiance" by Elena Lukina (2022), from the series "The Architecture of Fragility". This authentic Alla prima oil painting on stretched professional Caravaggio ca...
Canvas, Oil
Zimbeaux's Garden by Graydon Foulger, Original Oil 30x36"
Located in Loveland, CO
Zimbeaux's Garden by Graydon Foulger 30x35" image size (37x43" including the frame) Original Oil on Canvas, Signed lower right as pictured. The painting demonstrates the artist's hig...
Oil
$710Sale Price|37% Off
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
$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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Unwind 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Modern, Interior
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, Acrylic
$2,745Sale Price|46% Off
Series "The Imaginary traveler nº29" Expressionist corner with flowers and cat.
Located in Segovia, ES
Series "The Imaginary traveler nº29" Expressionist corner with flowers and cat. Oil on linen by Chico Montilla. Measurements: (H) 100 x (W) 81 x (D) 2 cm. Framed (H) 112 x (W) 93 ...
Linen, Oil
House on Old Ocean Street, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Spring blossoms emerge under the morning sunlight, casting vivid colors across the landscape, even in the shadowed areas. Tall trees surround the house, creatin...
Acrylic
"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
$956Sale 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
"The Fragile Rhythm of Petals" Horizontal Oil Painting – 2017
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original horizontal oil painting from the series "The Silent Pulse of Decadence" explores the tension between structure and fading life. The composition presents a sharp contras...
Canvas, Oil
$501Sale Price|20% Off
Light in the forest
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil on canvas, I've poured my soul into capturing the ethereal play of light amidst the trees. I intertwine expressionism with realism to weave a dance of colors that evoke a...
Canvas, Oil
Azure Opulence. Hydrangea, floral, modern impressionism, luxury interiors, azure
Located in Oslo, NO
"Azure Opulence" is an emotional yet refined work, filled with light, air, and a sense of natural splendor. The composition is built on a rich interplay of azure, ultramarine, lilac,...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,200
"Nestled" - Rural Midwestern Winter Landscape, Acrylic/Charcoal Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Nestled" is a charming acrylic and charcoal painting, created on canvas. Artist Statement: "This emotional, impulsive, and nostalgic work captures a familiar...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
Expression with sunflowers 50X50
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this vibrant piece, I embraced the vivid, passionate essence of sunflowers. My brushstrokes carry the emotion of raw energy juxtaposed with the gentle dance of light, hop...
Canvas, Oil
Lily pond
By Elena Lukina
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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Siblings 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Modern, Interior
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, Acrylic
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
Monet's Water Lily Pond
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've sought to capture the essence of tranquility and the ephemeral nature of light dancing on water. Through bold, impressionistic strokes and a soothing palette o...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Bouquet of white peonies
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've captured the soft, ethereal beauty of white peonies, illuminated by a tender joy. I aimed to blend impressionistic spontaneity with delicate realism, each ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$8,050
Evening Mood, Original Painting on Canvas, Hand Signed, 36 x 48 in. Stretched
Located in Aventura, FL
Original oil on canvas painting. Hand signed on front; signed and titled on verso by the artist. Canvas is stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Stretched. Certificate of au...
Canvas, Oil
Luminous Coastline: 30x40cm Oil on Caravaggio Italy Canvas (2024)
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Luminous Coastline" is an exquisite 2024 original oil painting from the prestigious series Gravity of Light: Marine Chronicles. Created on world-renowned Italian Caravaggio canvas, ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,958
Among the Wildflowers. Original Large Landscape Oil Painting on Italian canvas.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Among the Wildflowers" captures a serene moment in a wild meadow, depicting a quiet connection between two figures. The artist skillfully blends expressionism, impressionism, and re...
Canvas, Oil
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sky - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism, Modern, Interior
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, Acrylic
$2,100
Raventos SHEET MUSIC Violin original expressionist acrylic paintig
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Partituras original expressionist acrylic paintig. RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Bar...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Still life with peonies
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I sought to capture the effervescence of nature's transient beauty. I used oil to express the delicate vibrancy of peonies, with my brushstrokes blending impr...
Canvas, Oil
Morning in a sunny vineyard
By Elena Lukina
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
Swan Original impasto Miniature oil painting for living room
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Swan" captures the delicate strength and fleeting beauty of a ballerina's dance. I poured my passion for movement and grace into every brushstroke, using oil on canvas to highlight ...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Landscape with meadow
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In creating this painting, I infused my passion for nature's raw beauty and the tranquility of open meadows. The expressive strokes of oil paint capture the warmth of sunlight cares...
Canvas, Oil
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
Romance of the sea 21X30
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I endeavored to embody the tranquil beauty of nature, blending the serenity of the sea with the vibrant liveliness of blossoming flowers. Utilizing the expres...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
My Brother - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Men, Colour Pattern
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, Acrylic
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
Roses in vase
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I sought to capture the ephemeral beauty of nature, using the giclée print medium to convey the delicate dance between light and shadow. My brushstrokes breathe life i...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Coral Tulips Triptych
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this triptych, I poured my soul into each brushstroke, capturing the delicate, vibrant energy of coral tulips amid a dark backdrop. The contrast breathes life and passion into eve...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
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
Strawberries
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I attempted to capture the vivid textures and luminous vibrancy of strawberries. Using a blend of expressionism and impressionism, I focused on the interplay of...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$7,300
Kinetic Azure: Deep Turquoise Abstract Expressionism – Large Palette Knife Oil
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this monumental 80x120 cm work from her 2024 pivotal collection, Elena Lukina redefines the boundaries of contemporary marine abstraction. 'Kynetic Azure' is not merely a depictio...
Canvas, Oil
Sea. Sailboat.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I sought to capture the serene dance between sky and sea, interspersed with the graceful ballet of a sailboat. Infused with the essence of expressionism and the delica...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Hydro-Genesis: Luminous Flux – Museum Scale Masterpiece (145x100)
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this monumental 145x100 cm canvas, the proprietary "Ordered Chaos" method is pushed to its technical and emotional limits. Part of a profound, decade-long study titled Hydro-Genes...
Canvas, Oil
In the Dales, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr captures a group of old barns in an expressive style. Executed quickly and energetically, the piece emphasizes instinct over overthinking....
Acrylic
French Expressionist Still Life Oil Bottle Rack Study Circle of Bernard Buffet
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French Expressionist Still Life Bottle Rack Study Circle of Bernard Buffet by French School (French, circa 1960s, circle of Bernard Buffet) oil on board, framed Framed: 37.5 x 31 in...
Oil
$2,083Sale Price|20% Off
Blooming tree
By Elena Lukina
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
Down East, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Coastal Maine structures take on an expressive quality through intense colors and simplified forms. Large blocks of yellow, green, blue, and purple create visua...
Acrylic
French Expressionist School of Paris Oil Painting Women with Umbrellas Rainy Day
Located in Surfside, FL
Michel De Gallard, France (1921-2007). Oil on canvas signed lower left, Silver gilt and dark wood frame. Provenance: Label on verso Galerie de la Presidence, Paris, Titled: 'Femme...
Canvas, Oil
Venetian Gondolas 2
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my love for Venice into every brushstroke, blending expressionism and realism. The oil medium brings the shimmering water to life, while the gondolas gently f...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Solicitude IV Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
By Akande John
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Solicitude" invites the audience into a world of contemplation and reflection, where the central theme revolves around the power of empathy and its a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Girl with apples
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've immersed myself in capturing the simple joy of an abundant harvest. The vibrant, impressionistic brushstrokes convey the lushness of nature and the warmth ...
Canvas, Oil
Coral tulips 1
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my soul into capturing the vibrant energy and delicate beauty of tulips. Through bold brushstrokes and rich oil hues, I aimed to evoke warmth and resilience. ...
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
$900
Raventos 6.4.2 Vertical Musics original expressionist acrylic little
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930).. original expressionist acrylic painting Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. ...
Acrylic, Cardboard
$1,171
Arms like a swan's wings Original impasto Miniature oil painting for living room
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Arms like a swan's wings" captures the ethereal beauty of the Swan Lake Ballet. I poured my passion into this original oil painting, expressing moti...
Canvas, Oil
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Nature Call 1 Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,638Sale Price|20% Off
Bouquet of fluttering butterfly
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
Bouquet of fluttering butterfly These Oxalis houseplants flutter their wings like butterflies. A flower has grown in my house. In this painting, I sought to capture the ephemeral be...
Canvas, Oil
Sunny Terrace 25X35
By Elena Lukina
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
Moonlight 60X50 oil
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I channeled the serene yet profound energy of the nocturnal seascape. The interplay of moonlight sheathing the waves carries a tranquil aura, while the ethere...
Canvas, Oil