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.
$8,450
Elegance and Refinement: Portrait of Princess Dorothy -21st Century Contemporary
By Gobe Joseph
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This exquisite portrait painting of Princess Dorothy is a testament to the artist's skill and attention to detail. The painting captures ...
Canvas, Oil
People Watching, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Taking a moment to notice the people around you can make a difference in your day. It takes your eyes off your circumstances to look and wonder about the stories and lives of those a...
Oil
Blooming Love Story, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Elisa Costa
Located in Yardley, PA
My work talks about memories and dialogues with various fabrics, laces, colours and textures. The process of transforming different materials into unique pieces inspires me. They ca...
Acrylic
$18,000
Upright Bass, Expressionist Portrait of Musician by Philadelphia Artist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Upright Bass" is a painting by Philadelphia born Expressionist painter Bernard Harmon. The 40" x 34" oil on board group portrait of a musician is painted...
Oil, Board
Mid-Century Modern Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Modern Expressionist oil painting on canvas with several texturing techniques and a fiery hot use of color. Signed in the lower right F. Howard and titled on the back Royal Hunt of t...
Oil
Raventos BLUE Big original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
La Santa Espina. original expressionist acrylic painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts i...
Acrylic
$2,200
Raventos MOULIN ROUGE. PARIS original expressionist acrylic canvas
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"MOULIN ROUGE. PARIS"- original expressionist acrylic canvas painting - 1997 RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi...
Canvas, Oil
Raventos Collage Little City original expressionist mixed media
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Paris original expressionist mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barce...
Mixed Media, Acrylic
Blue Coral, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman floats in her serene world of color and light. Artist Richard Johnson shares that he has become more observant of life over time. He sees the connection...
Acrylic
Vintage Impressionist Magenta and Orange Gradient Farm Landscape Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Impressionist magenta and orange gradient farm landscape painting. Acrylic on board. Signed. Measuring: 13 by 25 inches overall, and 12 by 24 artwork alone.
Oil
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 ...
Acrylic
$490Sale Price|87% Off
The Theory on Jazz History
By Jose Borrell
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. The painting measures 78" x 35" and 81"x 38" with frame. Known for his hyperrealist nudes and portraits, Jose Borrell captures both the human form and emotions. Transcending beyond mere documentation, Borrell transmits the personality and essence of his subjects. His latest series focuses on twentieth-century American jazz saxophonist Ben Webster, and true to Borrell's signature trait, the paintings transmit the vibrant energy of the acclaimed musician. Born in 1909 in Kansas City, Missouri, Ben Webster studied violin in elementary school and taught himself piano. In 1927-1928 he played for silent movies in Kansas City and in Amarillo, Texas. After a friend introduced him to basic chords on the saxophone, he devoted himself to the instrument and played with many emerging orchestras in the bustling 1930s Kansas City jazz...
Canvas, Oil
$2,900
Raventos 5.7.2. Big Blue Orange original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"Cap vespre" 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 Ba...
Canvas, Acrylic
Into the Desert, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Suspended between dream and reality, the impala becomes a symbol of resilience and quiet strength. Its presence suggests that survival involves not only enduran...
Oil
Anticipation of Love - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The lady rings on her fingers, except for one, symbolizing her commitment and love for her partner. The empty finger represents the promise of a marriage. The bike serves as a symbol...
Canvas, Acrylic
Obstacles Ahead, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
She takes a deep breath and gets ready for her day. The path is clear at the moment but she knows she will run into obstacles. Here is that woman. Always observing and preparing for ...
Oil
Water Lilies( 80x120cm morning in the lake), Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By LE ANH TUAN
Located in Yardley, PA
Along with the lotus, the water lily is considered the most beautiful flower in the aquatic world. Water lilies have many shapes, many colors, and a pure fragrance that flies far awa...
Acrylic
Ian Hornak, Flowers in the Manner of Redon #8: Delphiniums and Poppies, 1998
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Flowers in the Manner of Redon #8: Delphiniums and Poppies (Les fleurs à la Manière de Redon #8: delphiniums and poppies) Year: 1998 Medium: Oil...
Oil, Panel
Ian Hornak, Flowers in the Manner of Redon #7: Anemones, 1998
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Flowers in the Manner of Redon #7: Anemones (Les fleurs a la Maniere de Redon #7: Anemones) Year: 1998 Medium: Oil on panel Size: 16.3 x 13 inc...
Oil, Panel
Ian Hornak, Primeval Landscape, 1985
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944–2002) Title: Primeval Landscape Year: 1985 Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 48 x 24 inches (121.92 x 60.96 cm) Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,655Sale Price|62% Off
Landscape Painting of Dijon France, Burgundy Canal by Jean Boulay (1937-1994) B
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Pair of Landscapes: Dijon France, Burgundy Canal B Jean Boulay (French, 1937-1994) Oil on canvas Signed and dated 21 1/2 x 15 inches (each) The pair landscape...
Canvas, Oil
Lonely pines 2, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Lonely pines 2 - Impressionism OIL, ACR, CANVAS,, large size, 76cmx 61cm, 30" X 24" in. 2023 Vibrant colors, rich textures and color tones accurate original brushstroke are the ha...
Acrylic
Mood, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Bold red and blue abstract painting, energetic brushstrokes and vibrant color for a happy mood. Created with professional acrylic paint on canvas, it will bring the outdoors inside. ...
Acrylic
Expressionistic landscape oil painting 'Colors in the Breeze III'
By Ken Elliott
Located in White Plains, NY
'Colors in the Breeze III' 2021 by American artist, Ken Elliott. Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 in. / Frame: 31.5 x 31.5 in. This painting of a forest and a field comprises of colors in green, purple, yellow, pink, and blue. Framed in a gold painted frame. Colorado based artist Ken Elliott, focuses on the western landscape and its rich store of ideas and inspiration. Painting rural scenery, the artist does not try to recreate nature or attempt storytelling but instead, wields color boldly, creating vibrant, contemporary landscapes that are both animated and peaceful. Early in his career, he was a student of Wolf Kahn, who inspired his work. Since 1988, Elliott’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries nationwide. His work is collected in corporate art...
Canvas, Oil
Benavente Solis 8.6.2. Campo de Mallorca original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original expressionist acrylic painting. Framed During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it like "The Catalan Sorolla". Honorary Member of the MECOART (Medit...
Wood, Acrylic
Giner Bueno Jugando en la Playa Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed
By Giner Bueno
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Giner Bueno (1935-2000) Jugando en la playa Painter from Alicante, son of the painter Luis Giner Valls. He studied at the School of Arts and Crafts of Valencia and finished his stu...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,191Sale Price|20% Off
Before The Horse Race. Jori Duran expressionist high society sport scene
By Jori Duran
Located in Segovia, ES
The oil on canvas titled 'Avant la Course' (65 x 81 x 3 cm.) reflects the world of high society in the context of horse racing, a setting where eleganc...
Canvas, Oil
Expressionist Portrait of a Woman, Oil on Canvas, Framed, 1991
Located in NANTES, FR
This work by Menachem Gueffen is an elegant and modern portrait of a seated woman, characteristic of his approach between figuration and expressionism. The frontal composition, simpl...
Oil
$6,500
"Silent Cycle" Modern Navy, Black, and White Expressionist Abstract Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Modern abstract expressionist painting by American artist Jacob Manguno. The work features a dark, geometric black and navy toned background accented with dynamic white swaths of col...
Canvas, Mixed Media
French Contemporary Art by Sandra Detourbet - Libertad
Located in Paris, IDF
Gouache on 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, Art-Space s...
Canvas, Handmade Paper, Gouache
French Contemporary Art by Sandra Detourbet - Le Sacrifice
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink 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 ...
Canvas, Ink, Handmade Paper
Twilight Tapestry
Located in West Hollywood, CA
ABOUT THE PAINTING The artist skillfully portrays a scene of enchanting darkness and ethereal beauty. The canvas depicts a serene forest, where tall and majestic trees with thick, da...
Oil
Central Park
Located in Sheffield, MA
Denes Holesch Hungarian, 1910-1983 City Skyline Oil on board 21 ¾ by 26 in, w/ frame 30 by 34 in Signed lower left Denes Holesch (Denes de Holesch) was born in 1910 in Beszterceban...
Oil
Follow the Wind
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A striking original portrait of a horse, painted in bold strokes of fiery orange, coral, and turquoise with expressive palette knife texture. The contrast between the horse's soft wh...
Acrylic
El vendedor de antiguedades - Óleo sobre cartón entelado - Firmado y enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra va firmada en la parte inferior y fechada del año 1982 Se presenta enmarcada la pintura El estado de conservación de la obra es bueno Medidas de la obra: 46 x 38 cm. Medi...
Oil
$11,250
"Orange" - Contemporary Figurative Landscape Acrylic Painting in Orange and Blue
Located in Carmel, CA
Maura Petersen (American, born 1956) "Orange" 2021 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom left of the painting. In "Orange," Maura Petersen captures a solita...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
The sun is bright. Colorful, framed, warm, landscape, summer, small, hot, sunny
Located in Oslo, NO
The sun fills this landscape until everything seems touched by its heat. The village appears almost unreal, houses with unusual shapes, walls glowing in warm colors, and a space wher...
Canvas, Oil
Strollers in Montmartre
By Roland Dubuc
Located in London, GB
'Strollers in Montmartre', oil on canvas, by Roland Dubuc (circa 1960s). A lively, impastoed street scene set on a sloping Montmartre lane — likely the famed Rue Lepic — populated wi...
Canvas, Oil
'Pompeii' original signed painting circa 2005.
Located in Frome, Somerset
'Pompeii', a study plein air. signed original work 2005. watercolor on paper 45cm x 55cm. Painted wood glazed frame 72cmx87cm Gradwell focuses on been in the space and time and ma...
Watercolor
Tennis Match on Clay
By Pierre Gaillardot
Located in London, GB
'Tennis Match on Clay', watercolour on paper by Pierre Gaillardot (circa 1970s-80s). A lively and atmospheric watercolour by French artist Pierre Gaillardot, depicting a tennis match...
Paper, Watercolor
Joan Cruspinera Large Bullfighting Scene Oil Painting, 1990s
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Joan Cruspinera Large Bullfighting Scene Oil Painting, 1990s Oil on canvas. Signed by the artist. Artwork: 100 × 133 cm (39.4 × 52.4 in.). Original oil on canvas by Catalan artist J...
Canvas, Oil
Seascape with Pier and Lighthouse of Monaco Harbour, Antoine Daens, 1871 - 1946
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...
Canvas, Oil
"Cossack Massacre" Vintage Original Expressionist Painting
By Simon Gaon
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage historical painting of a Cossack raid by Simon Goan. Oil on board. Measuring: 13 by 11 inches overall, and 10 by 8 artwork alone.
Oil
Zen
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This oil painting presents a dreamlike aquatic world where stylized fish move among abstracted leaves and flowing organic forms. The composition combines figurative elements with exp...
Oil
Jordi Sarrà – “Solitude”, 1983 – Oil on Canvas – 28.5 × 23.5 cm
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Jordi Sarrà – “Solitude”, 1983 – Oil on Canvas – 28.5 × 23.5 cm Oil on canvas. Signed and dated 1983 lower left. Artwork: 27.5 × 21.5 cm (10.8 × 8.5 in.). Framed: 28.5 × 23.5 cm (11...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Woman
By Erich Waske
Located in Wien, 9
Deling with the work of Erich Waske today, one encounters first of all a number of reasons why this outstanding artist has fallen into such undeserved oblivion. In addition to the de...
Oil, Panel
The Encounter, CoBrA-Inspired Expressionist Figurative Composition
Located in Genève, GE
Oil on canvas, unsigned. This striking figurative painting presents a group of semi-human, grotesque creatures emerging against an intense red ground. With their mask-like faces, di...
Canvas, Oil
Gaspar Riera. Marina Majorca original expressionist
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Marina Majorca original expressionist painting framed Painter born in the town of Estellencs on the island of Mallorca, from his youth he dedicates himself to drawing and watercolo...
Wood, Acrylic
"Heavenly Guitar", 35x29", Acrylic on canvas
By Kim Simmonds
Located in Southampton, NY
Sad news of the recent passing of this great artist, guitarist, Rock and Blues Legend and founding member of Savoy Brown. Kim was a long-time friend who will be missed by fans and a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Nikolai Sinezouboff (1891- 1956) - "Night Street Scene"
Located in Wien, AT
A captivating and atmospheric nocturnal masterpiece by the renowned Russian avant-garde and École de Paris painter, Nikolai Sinezouboff (Nicolas Sinezouboff). The composition center...
Oil
Cros Dei Pin Beach, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, Oil on Canvas, 1990s
Located in London, GB
'The Cros Dei Pin Beach at St. Jean Cap Ferrat', oil on canvas, by Yvon Grac (circa 1990s). Sun, crowds and the glittering Riviera — Grac at his most joyful. This animated beach scen...
Canvas, Oil
Luis Giner Valls – Danubio Rojo – Expressionist Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Luis Giner Valls – Danubio Rojo – Oil on Panel – 41 × 38 cm Oil on panel. Signed lower area and titled Danubio Rojo on the reverse. Artwork: 41 × 38 cm (16.1 × 15 in.). Framed: 68 × ...
Oil
$2,600
Weight of We - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Whites, Black
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Ojú lárí, ọ̀rẹ́ ǹ dénú, this Yoruba proverb, which translates to "We only see faces, but true friendship is from within," emphasizes that real connection lies beneath the surface; it...
Canvas, Oil
Benavente Solis Vertical. . green. Bull- original expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Bull- original expressionist acrylic painting During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it like "The Catalan Sorolla". Honorary Member of the MECOART (Mediter...
Wood, Acrylic
$18,000
Girl with Ribbon in Hair, Expressionist Portrait by Philadelphia Artist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Girl with Ribbon in Hair" is a painting by Philadelphia born Expressionist painter Bernard Harmon. The 40" x 35.75" oil on board portrait is painted in a vibrant color palette and l...
Oil, Board
"The Tempest" Large Crashing Surf and Rocks Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage original seascape oil painting by Abraham Rappaport. Oil on canvas. Measuring: 39 by 30 inches overall, and 29 by 23 1/2 artwork alone.
Oil
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
Armonía floral - Óleo sobre panel - Firmado y enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Firmado por el artista en la parte inferior y fechado del año 1971 Se presenta enmarcada la obra Medidas obra: 48 cm. de altura x 69 cm. de ancho Medidas marco: 73 cm. de altura x...
Oil
$2,420
Saudade I. Richard K Blades. Painting of sea at sunset. Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
Saudade - a deep, melancholic, and often sweet longing or nostalgic yearning for someone or something absent, typically someone loved. Combining feelings of sadness for the absence w...
Oil, Board
$74,167
Nature morte au réchaud by Bernard Buffet - Still life, painting, Oil on panel
Located in London, GB
*PLEASE NOTE UK BUYERS WILL ONLY PAY 5% VAT ON THIS PURCHASE. Once an order is placed we will arrange the VAT of 20% to be reduced to 5% Nature morte au réchaud by Bernard Buffet (1...
Oil, Panel