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.
$3,295
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
Large French Expressionist Floral Still Life Oil Painting
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Expressionist floral on a grand scale! This large and colourful modern oil painting on canvas is by French artist Colette Chasseigneaux (1925-2017). A gorgeous array of colour, but ...
Oil
$553
"Red blooms" Contemporary expressionist still life floral acrylic painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Original Contemporary Floral Still Life Painting, 29.7 × 42 cm (11.7 × 16.5 inches), Acrylic Paint and Acrylic Pen on Heavyweight Professional Acid-Free Paper, Varnished, by French A...
Paper, Acrylic
$790
Nature-Inspired Painting, Tropical Flora in Brown and Green, Modern Nature Forms
Located in Barcelona, ES
This painting explores an intimate and imaginative relationship with nature, transforming tropical flora into expressive, living forms. Rather than depicting a specific landscape, th...
Paper, Wax Crayon, 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
$1,580
Poppies and Wildflowers, Figurative Triptych, Large Botanical Landscape on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This original painting by Romina Milano presents a lyrical field of poppies and wildflowers, where gestural brushwork and simplified forms create a vivid, contemporary botanical comp...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
"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
$4,800Sale Price|45% Off
French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)
By Gen Paul
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"A Vase of Flowers" Eugene Paul aka Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975) Oil crayon on paper 20 1/2 x 14 (28 x 21 1/2 frame) inches "Gen Paul is undoubtedly the greatest representative, and...
Paper, Oil Crayon
"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
Pocket Bright Red Strawberry fruit art old master style
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Bright Red Strawberry [2023] original Oil paint on canvas Image size: H:5 cm x W:5 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:5 cm x W:5 cm x D:2cm Frame Size: H:15 cm x W:15 cm...
Canvas, Oil
$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
'Summer Flowers', Paris, Salon d'Automne, Post-Impressionist California Artist
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
'Summer Flowers' by Irma Engel Grabhorn Paris, Salon d'Automne, Post-Impressionist California Artist ---- Signed lower right 'Engel' for Irma Engel Grabhorn (American, 1908-2003) an...
Canvas, Oil
"On the Vine" (2023) By John McCaw, Expressionist Mixed Media Painting
By John McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
John McCaw's (US based) "On the Vine" is a beautiful original expressionist mixed media on canvas painting that depicts a ripe pepper plant with flowers in tow. John McCaw (b. 1967...
Mixed Media, Board
$1,694
Magic Unicorn" animal painting portrait of an animal in oil of Volskya Lily
Located in Zofingen, AG
Magic Unicorn" animal painting portrait of an animal in oil of Volsky Lily. This magical painting will delight and make even the saddest person smile. It seems to me that if you ask,...
Oil, Acrylic, Paste, Canvas
The Resonance of Light: Bouquet of Roses" Large Square Oil Painting – 2015
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting, representing a central part of the series "The Silent Pulse of Decadence", focuses on the narrative dialogue between silent objects and nature. The compos...
Canvas, Oil
Flowers n°2 Still Life Painting, Oil on Wood, Expressionist, 1941
Located in Genève, GE
Signed and dated "Fleurs Genève 1941 n°2", inscription on the verso. Dimensions with frame: 59 x 46 x 5 cm This expressive still life depicts a bouquet of flowers arranged in an orn...
Oil, Wood Panel
$4,989Sale Price|20% Off
Interior with fruit . Colorful Expressionist Still-life Oil painting
Located in Segovia, ES
Interior with fruit (Interior con frutas). Expressionist Colorful Oil on wood panel Still life with view in the background, Author: Aracely Alarcón. Me...
Oil, Wood Panel
$3,705Sale Price|40% Off
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
$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
Mid-Century Modern Expressionist Still Life of Vibrant Flowers, Signed McKay
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a mid-century modern, Expressionist floral still life painted in oil on canvas board, signed MacKay and dated '64. The painting belongs to the Expressionist/Modernist sti...
Canvas, Oil, Board
Vibrant Bowl of Cherries Oil Painting by Pierre Jerome
Located in Surfside, FL
approximate image size 13 3/4'' x 10 1/2'', frame size 22'' x 19''. Pierre Jerome French 1905-1982 During his 50+ year career as an artist, he won several major awards, including a...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Still Life with Apples" Fruit Modern Mid Century Oil Painting on Board Painting
Located in New York, NY
A strong modernist oil painting depicted in the mid Century 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 15 x 11 inches Frame measures 22 x 19 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...
Oil, Board
$17,800
Still of Flowers in a Blue Vase Pierre Ambrogiani (France, 1905-1985)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"Still Life of Flowers in a Blue Vase" Pierre Ambrogiani (France, 1905-1985) Oil on panel Circa 1960 15 3/4 x 20 (20 1/4 x 24 1/2 frame) inches If the artists Diego Velázquez (Spai...
Oil, Panel
Still life with flowers and apples. Oil on paper, 42 x 30. 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Still life with flowers and apples. Oil on paper, 42 x 30. 5 cm Victor Karnauh (1950, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR – 2012, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine) – a painter, a mon...
Oil, Paper
Still Life with Wildflowers, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Vases and pots support an array of textured wildflowers, standing out against a rich, dark background. A freeform stripe pattern on the tablecloth adds rhythm a...
Oil
$1,253
Natalie Bird, Summer Bloom, Original Still Life Floral Painting, Affordable Art
By Natalie Bird
Located in Deddington, GB
Summer Bloom [2021] Original Flowers Mixed media on board Image size: H:45 cm x W:3 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:45 cm x W:30 cm x D:30cm Framed Size: H:45 cm x W:45 cm x D:3cm Sold Framed Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look Summer Bloom is an original painting by Natalie Bird...
Mixed Media, Board
$790
Vivid Lush Leaves Sketch, Botanic Drawing, Expressionist Style, Watercolor Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This expressionist botanical drawing on paper captures the raw vitality of exotic flowers through fresh, vigorous gestures. Milano's drawings abandon precise realism in favor of emot...
Paper, Wax Crayon, Acrylic
$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
$9,750
"Wild and Beautiful II" - Colorful Impasto Abstract Floral Inspired Oil Painting
Located in Carmel, CA
Sveta Hessler (Russian, born 1973) "Wild and Beautiful II" 2025 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the back of the painting. Sveta Hessler explodes the traditional ...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Abstracted Alchemy Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas
By Jodi Ferrier
Located in Washington, DC
Abstract Alchemy is a captivating 24" x 48" contemporary painting that explores the transformative power of color, gesture, and form. Layered with expressive brushstrokes and an eart...
Acrylic
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
$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
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Peony Paradise" is an interior painting by Volskaya Lilia.
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll Peony Paradise" is an interior painting by Volskaya Lilia. The painting is executed in light, bright colors. The luxurious peonies are strategically placed at the e...
Oil, Canvas
Mushrooms in the Forest" is an oil painting by Volskaya Liliуa.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Mushrooms in the Forest" is an oil painting by Volskaya Liliуa. Have you been to a forest where there are so many trees that it becomes dark under their canopy? How does it feel? I ...
Canvas, Oil
Guitarist
Located in Barcelona, CT
the painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
$656Sale Price|20% Off
Tropical Garden, Autumn Tones, Lush Flowers, Illustration Style, Still Life
Located in Barcelona, ES
This painting explores an intimate and imaginative relationship with nature, transforming tropical flora into expressive, living forms. Rather than depicting a specific landscape, th...
Wax Crayon, Paper, Acrylic
Sunflowers – Oil Painting of Sunflowers (100x80 cm)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Oil Painting of Sunflowers (100x80 cm) Bring warmth and joy into your space with Sun-Kissed Harmony Sunflowers, a captivating oil painting that radiates sunshine and positive energ...
Oil
Purple evening and jasmine" floral still life in oil of Volskya Lily.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Purple evening and jasmine" floral still life in oil of Volsky Lily.When the energy starts flowing through me, I don't control the process - the brush moves by itself. The picture se...
Canvas, Oil
French Fauvist Post Impressionist Oil Painting Frederick Serger Ecole de Paris
Located in Surfside, FL
Frederick Serger Genre: Post Impressionist Subject: Flowers, Poppies Medium: Oil Surface: Panel Hand signed lower left Frederick Serger (given name Frederick Bedrick Sinaberger) w...
Oil, Panel
Mint Freshness. Flower and Butterfly"
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Mint Freshness. Flower and Butterfly" by Volskaya Lilia. 350 g thick cardboard. Pastart design. The back of the painting is reinforced with 3-layer cardboard. The painting has a han...
Oil, Mixed Media, Cardboard
$1,059
Peonies in the evening garden" oil on canvas.Landscape of Liliуа Volskayaya
Located in Zofingen, AG
SHIPPED IN ROLL "Peonies in the evening garden" oil on canvas.Landscape of Lilia Volskaya. To paint this landscape, I used several techniques of oil painting on canvas. 1. The main p...
Canvas, Oil
Emotional Metamorphosis 2, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This vibrant medium-sized artwork explores the ever-changing emotional landscape. Its vivid colors and bold strokes suggest a blossoming, floral motif. The piec...
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 20
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 58x41cm 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
Wheat and Poppies, Botanic Drawing, Expressionist Gestures, Watercolor Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This expressionist botanical drawing on paper captures the raw vitality of country wildflowers through fresh, vigorous gestures. Milano's drawings abandon precise realism in favor of...
Paper, Wax Crayon, 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
Drifting Petals, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A single orchid blooms vibrantly and full of energy, as if reaching toward something unseen. The surrounding movement echoes its strength, turning growth into a...
Acrylic
Spring Tulips and daffodils" floral still life in oil of Volskay Lily.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Spring Tulips and daffodils" floral still life in oil of Volsky Lily.When the energy starts flowing through me, I don't control the process - the brush moves by itself. The picture s...
Canvas, Oil
"Patterned Soul, " Acrylic on Canvas, 2022
By Bruno Surdo
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based fine art painter Bruno A. Surdo is classically trained in drawing and oil painting in the tradition of Renaissance masters. With strong command of the human form, Surdo...
Acrylic
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
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
$211
"Burst of spring colors " (Contemporary semi-abstract expressive floral art)
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork belongs to my “Floral” series which is full of expressive brush strokes where I could experience a floral theme. It is a bold and eclectic mix of art which radiates str...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,485Sale Price|20% Off
Still life. 2007, oil on canvas, 60x73 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Still life. 2007, oil on canvas, 60x73 cm Sergey Inkatov Was born: 13.09.1971 in Baku. Painter Sergey Inkatov belongs to young generation of artists of Estonia. He was born in Ba...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 4
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 ...
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Archival Paper
'Still Life on a Table', Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, Pompidou Center, Nice
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower left "Vigny" for Sylvain Vigny (French, 1903-1970) and painted, circa 1935, on artists board prepared by Maison Franco, 19 Rue Pastorelli, Nice. Born in Vienna, Sylvain...
Oil, Cardboard
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
Still life with watering can and cacti
Located in Genève, GE
Work on wood Golden frame Dimensions with frame :64 x 79 x 2.5 cm A close look at this work reveals the artist's astonishing mastery in depicting an apparently simple yet profoundly...
Oil, Gouache
$19,600Sale Price|20% Off
"The Toreador" Pierre Ambrogiani (France, 1905-1985) Circa 1950s
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"The Toreador" Pierre Ambrogiani (France, 1905-1985) Oil on canvas Circa 1950's 28 1/4 x 20 3/4 (31 1/4 x 23 3/4 frame) inches Signed bottom right corner If the artists Diego Veláz...
Oil, Canvas
$950Sale 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
Still life with Dasies. Oil on canvas. 80x70.5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Professional painter from Latvia in Soviet period
Plywood, Oil