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.
In The Artist's Studio - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1984
By D.S. Silver
Located in Soquel, CA
Large scale abstract painting of another abstract painting on artist's easel by California artist D. Silver (American, 20th Century), 1984. Signed and dated lower right corner and on...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Bouquet of Roses
Located in New York, NY
A very rare composition by the artist Jean-Pierre Cassigneul, the woman holds a beautiful Bouquet of Roses by the artist, she is wearing a chapeau in front of a painting showing th...
Oil
$50,000
Cabeza de Nina Negra, Signed Exhibited at the Museo Guayasamín
Located in Miami, FL
Oswaldo Guayasamín creates a soulful and insightful portrait of a young black girl. The artist is known for his sensitive depictions of the raw human condition, systemic injustice, a...
Paper, Mixed Media, Oil
$1,594
Gossip
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Silver wooden frame 84 x 68.5 x 3.5 cm
Oil
Nice sunny day
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) I crafted this painting with a flourish of my brush, bringing to life these vibrant birds perched peacefully in their natural habitat. In each st...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
RAVENTOS. Piano original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"Barcelona" original expressionist acrylic painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in B...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Morning
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've melded acrylic and oil to evoke morning's transcendent vibrancy. With every expressive stroke and bold hue, I sought to capture the essence of a new dawn. It's...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
Expressionist Oil Painting Paris Scene View Architectural Visionism Olivier Foss
By Oliver Foss
Located in Surfside, FL
"Street Scene" by Olivier B. Foss is an iconic artwork representational of mid-century French Expressionist painting. The artist's personal visionary style is at once gestural, power...
Canvas, Oil
$1,640Sale Price|20% Off
Mother and Child Oil Painting, Modern Style, Framed, Circa 1940
Located in Genève, GE
Oil on canvas signed and dated Dimension with frame : 55 x 71.5 x 3.5 cm
Oil, Canvas
$4,464Sale Price|20% Off
Morning light on snowy peaks
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this painting, I've captured the serene beauty of dawn as it kisses the snowy peaks with warm hues of pink and purple, contrasting the cool blues and whites of the snow. It's a d...
Canvas, Oil
$437Sale Price|20% Off
Gregorio Muñoz Montoro (1906–1978) - Técnica mixta - Interior con figuras
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Firmado en la parte inferior por el artista Medidas obra: 32 cm. de altura x 23 cm. de ancho Medidas marco: 55 cm. de altura x 45 cm. de ancho Se presenta enmarcada la obra con un...
Oil
Shadow Dance, Original
Located in Deddington, GB
Shadow Dance is an Original Oil painting by Eleanor Woolley. The artists inspiration for this painting is the play of light on figures in urban settings. The contrast of backlit figu...
Canvas, Oil
$1,500
Teal Abstract Figurative Painting, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 21st Century
Located in Soquel, CA
Dynamic teal figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 1978-2016). From a collection of his works. Signed "Daniel Fuentes" on verso. Unf...
Canvas, Oil
Trust, Figurative Scene Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2026
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Trust (2026) A powerful exploration of vulnerability, emotional openness, and the courage to trust. Through expressive brushstrokes, bold colors, and an intense feminine gaze, the pa...
Acrylic
Poch 128 Elle Original Acrylic Painting, Expressionist Style, Framed, 2010+
By Ramon Poch
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company La Cosa de las Peliculas: He has ...
Acrylic
$28,500
A Look at the Menu
By Marcel Dyf
Located in Sheffield, MA
Marcel Dyf French, 1899-1985 A Look at the Menu Oil on Canvas 21 ¼ by 25 ½ in, w/ frame 27 ¾ by 32 ¼ in Signed lower right Marcel Dyf (Marcel Dreyfus) was born in Paris on October ...
Oil
One warm day
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I let emotions guide each stroke, capturing the quiet energy of a secluded path, the dance of warm light through leaves. The blend of styles speaks to fleetin...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Blue and Orange, Expressionist Portrait Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2026
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This expressive portrait of a young woman features a bold and highly contrasting color palette. The vibrant orange background and warm facial tones create a dramatic contrast with th...
Oil
Easter mood
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I poured my soul into capturing the tenderness of spring. The delicate blossoms, bathed in soft light, symbolize renewal and hope. I chose a harmonious symphony...
Canvas, Oil
Christmas Bullfinch Breakfast
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I captured a vibrant bullfinch amidst a tranquil winter scene, its rich red breast contrasting beautifully against the soft blue backdrop. Employing oils, I strived...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Venice. Evening 4
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've captured the enchanting essence of Venice at dusk. Using a blend of acrylics and oils, I employed expressionistic strokes to evoke the fluidity of the water an...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Michael Patrix Oil Painting "Head of Woman"
Located in Detroit, MI
"Head of Woman" is a wonderfully exciting example of Mid-20th century Expressionist art. This vibrant portrait is reminiscent of Matisse's Fauvist female...
Canvas, Oil
1940s Signed German Impressionist Oil of Rio de Janeiro in Style of Max Slevogt
Located in Soquel, CA
German Impressionist Painting of Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain in style of Max Slevogt This vivid landscape painting offers a panoramic view of Rio de Janeir...
Oil, Board
$1,519Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Landscape Painting entitled Broken Ground by Fauvist British Artist
By Steve Capper
Located in Preston, GB
Abstract Landscape Painting entitled Broken Ground by Fauvist British Artist, Steve Capper Art measures 16 x 12 inches Frame measures 24 x 20 inches (approx.) Presented in a whit...
Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Board
Cherries
By Elena Lukina
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
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
Abstract Expressionist Embrace Earth Figurative
Located in Soquel, CA
Compelling abstract expressionist painting "Embrace" figurative by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 20th Century). From a collection of his works. Un...
Canvas, Oil
$1,800
"Mexican Landscape Scene with Female Figures and Child" Expressionistic Style
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 wond...
Oil, Masonite
$5,500
Quai De La Tournelle, Paris Street Scene Oil Painting, American Deaf Modernist
Located in Surfside, FL
Oil Painting on Canvas Quai De La Tournelle. Hand signed lower right Dated 1953 Inscribed on reverse with title Paris street scene oil painting in original vintage hand carved frame, showing some wear. 28.50 in. by 33.50 in. include frame. Unframed 19.75 in. by 24 in. Robert Freiman, deaf from birth, was born in March 1917 in New York City. He attended an oral program near his home and later transferred to the Lexington School for the Deaf when he was six. Early in his childhood, his love for drawing, painting and studying became apparent, and as an adult, he continued his studies in New York at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League and the Parsons School of Design. In Paris, France he studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Bob Freiman was especially focused on painting portraits and figures in motion in various mediums, especially the mixed-media combination of watercolor, acrylic and pen. Among his subjects were acrobats, ballet dancers, cyclists and other athletes. He as well focused on abstracts for a time, discovering new media in his works with quick brushwork and expressive movements. In the latter part of his career, his style became abstract and surreal with images of metaphysical landscapes with architectural elements such as arches, towers, pyramids and castles floating in the air. The famed art critic Pierre Rouve wrote: “It is therefore refreshing to see them revitalized by the colourist wealth and virile handwriting of Robert Freiman, probably the best American water-colorist since John Marin. He worked in Provincetown and Nantucket and regularly exhibited there. He showed at Doll & Richards gallery of Boston alongside John Chetcuti, Lloyd Goodrich, Tod Lindenmuth, William Meyerowitz, Dwight Shepler...
Oil
Moonlight Night
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I poured my emotions into every stroke, capturing the haunting beauty of a moonlit night. Blending acrylics, watercolors, and ink, I embraced expressionism and impr...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Mexican Interior Scene Scene with Figures and Fish" Expressionistic Style
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 wond...
Oil, Masonite
$2,400
'Pair of Perroquets', Large, Expressionist Oil, Parrots, Detroit Woman artist
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'R. Hornak' for Rosemary Hornak (American, born 1951); additionally signed verso, titled 'Perroquets Impasto, Variation 2' and dated 1992. Rosemary Hornak receiv...
Masonite, Oil
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Learning How to Breathe Again - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, People
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 About Artist Emma...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Testament 10 -21st Century, Contemporary Figurative Portrait, Modern Africa
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. About Artist Dan...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Рicturesque pomegranate
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this passionate dance of colors, I've captured the vibrant essence of life itself through the allegory of pomegranates. Oil paint weaves a textural symphony, blending realism with...
Canvas, Oil
$1,366
"Evening city over the sea bay. The triptych. An atmospheric seascape in blue."
Located in Zofingen, AG
Evening city over the sea bay. The triptych. An atmospheric seascape in blue. The central painting has a size of 40x40cm. The left part of the triptych has a size of 30x40cm. The r...
Canvas, Lacquer, Oil, Acrylic
Cows in the Cotswolds, Autumn, Original painting, Landscape, Nature, Tree
Located in Deddington, GB
Oil painting painted en plein air on an Autumn day in the Cotswolds. The painting shows a view of cows grazing in a field in front of bright autumn trees. The painting is displayed i...
Canvas, Oil
"Odalisque yellow" Oil , cm. 40 x 50 1937 free shipping
Located in Torino, IT
Odalisque ,yellow,orange, orient Giulio DA MILANO (Nizza, 1895 - Torino, 1990) Giulio Da Milano was a Giacomo Grosso's disciple and he was very close to the artists that used to patronize La Coupole de Montparnasse (from Kisling to Pascin, from Derain to Vlaminck). He is considered one of most representative exponents of the Turin’s artistic scene in the ‘30s-‘40s, close to the Gruppo dei Sei. His works can be found in the following museums: Turin, Modern Art Gallery...
Canvas, Oil
Snow alley 60X60
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I poured my heart into capturing the serene embrace of winter. The play of light against the snow-clad trees creates a captivating dance of colors and shadows, invi...
Canvas, Oil
$2,400
'Massacre of Tlatelolco', Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Mexican Olympics, Rio MAM
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower center with artist monogram, 'B.S.' for Benjamin Silva (Brazilian, born 1927) and dated with roman numerals, 1968; additionally signed, verso, dated and titled. A dram...
Canvas, Oil
Dance Moves, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The painting captures a lively scene where a group of people dances joyfully, lost in the music with closed eyes. Their vibrant clothing and fluid movements i...
Acrylic
Elderly Rabbi 20th Century Judaica Portrait
Located in Surfside, FL
The artist depicts the portrait of an older Rabbi from a profile view in the manner of Samuel Rothbort. The artist's brush work is expressive, while the subject matter has a high deg...
Canvas, Oil
Later, Expressionist Seascape Painting, Oil on Board, Framed 85 x 85cm
Located in Coltishall, GB
Richard K Blades is an expressive English landscape painter in the English Romantic tradition. He follows in a long line of artists such as Turner, Constable, Seago, Daubigney and C...
Oil, Board
Ocean Lights - Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Ocean Lights - Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Bold abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). The background of this pie...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Afternoon, Modern Portrait Oil Painting by Jan de Ruth
By Jan De Ruth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Jan De Ruth, Czech (1922 - 1991) Title: Afternoon Year: circa 1965 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.64 cm) Frame Size: 26 x 22 inches
Oil
$1,900
"Mexican Countryside Landscape Scene with Trees on Hills" Expressionistic Style
Located in New York, NY
A strong modernist oil painting depicted in 1963 by Russian painter Michael Baxte. Mostly known for his abstracted figures on canvas or street scenes, this piece is a wonderful repre...
Oil, Masonite
$54,666
Still life with plate, poster and bottle of liqueur. 1929. Oil/canvas, 69x50 cm
By Romans Suta
Located in Riga, LV
Still life with plate, poster and bottle of liqueur 1929. Oil on canvas, 69x50 cm with certificate of authenticity Romans Suta Born on April 28, 1896 in the vicinity of Cesis (La...
Canvas, Oil
C'est le Passe que Nous Attendons
Located in Long Island City, NY
An oil painting by Theo Tobiasse from 1967. An expressionist-style textural painting of intensely dark and vivid color palette. Inspired from the artist's personal experiences of the...
Canvas, Oil
Walking Buddhist Monks, Impressionist Oil Painting by Bui Van Hoan
Located in Long Island City, NY
An original painting of Buddhist Monks heading in a line through the forest by well-regarded contemporary artist Bui Van Hoan (1971 - ). The painting measures 38 x 27.5 inches and ...
Oil
$1,184Sale Price|20% Off
Tennis. Figurative Oil Painting, Olympic Games, Sport, Realistic, Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
The painting shows two tennis players which is one of the official sports of the Olympic Games. The tennis match has a spectacular character and dynamics well captured in the paintin...
Canvas, Oil
$911
Teresa Llàcer – Sanvisens in His Studio – 1954 – Large Spanish Figurative Oil Pa
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Teresa Llàcer - Sanvisens in His Studio, 1954 - Oil on Canvas - 60 x 73 cm Oil on canvas. Signed and dated 1954 in the lower left. Artwork: 60 × 73 cm (23.6 × 28.7 in.). Unframed. ...
Canvas, Oil
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
Russian Girl with an Itch (SMALENSK)
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oil on canvas.
Canvas, Oil
Child with a Toy Shark, Expressionist Acrylic Portrait on Canvas
Located in FISTERRA, ES
A child holds a toy shark with an open red mouth in this expressionist acrylic portrait on canvas by Inés Silvalde. The figure tilts its head towards the viewer, while the shark's te...
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century Modern Abstract Urban Painting by Henriette Stolz, Cityscape
Located in Denver, CO
This dramatic mid-century abstract cityscape by American modernist Henriette “Yetti” Stolz (20th century) showcases her bold interpretation of urban energy and architectural form. Pa...
Oil, Putty, Panel
Sillons, Blue Countryside, expressionism abstract, oil, Landscape, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont is a french artist . She has been painting the landscapes of Normandy for 40 years. His painting is today recognized throughout the world. This painting is a countrysid...
Oil
Sailing at Sunset By Kate Heiss
By Kate Heiss
Located in Deddington, GB
limited_edition Oil based inks on 300gsm Somerset Velvet Paper Edition number 50 Image size: H:30 cm x W:30 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:40 cm x W:40 cm x D:1cm Sold Unf...
Bromoil
Far in Mind, female nude colorful reclining direct gaze
By Tom Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An expressionist, colorful and direct oil painting of a nude female figure, strecthing back against an an abstract background. Aesthetically sensuous with active brushstrokes applie...
Oil, Board
$1,495
19th Century Impressionist Manner Oil Seascape Winter Sunset Harbor Scene Signed
Located in Stockholm, SE
This marine oil on canvas resonates with French Impressionism of the late 19th century (reminiscent of the circle or followers of Eugène Boudin) and captures the fleeting poetry of w...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
"Her Eyes" by Innocent Chikezie - Blue, Green and Red Modern Nigerian Portrait
Located in Carmel, CA
Innocent Chikezie (Nigerian, born 1982) "Her Eyes" 2022 Acrylic Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom right of the painting. In "Her Eyes", Innocent Chikezie’s ...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Water Lilies in the Rain, Impressionist Landscape Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Oksana 5
Located in Edinburgh, GB
"Water Lilies in the Rain" is a vibrant, deeply expressive contemporary take on a classic impressionist subject. Masterfully executed with bold brushstrokes and heavy textures, the p...
Oil