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.
Impasto Poppies, Elena Lukina, Original Large Impasto Oil Painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Impasto Poppies" captures the essence of a dream inspired by the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany. It's a vibrant ode to idyllic summer days, where soft horizons meet the bold energy of ...
Canvas, Oil
The Picasso from Tangier, "At the Café," a French painting from 1930, signed
Located in Pistoia, IT
Antonio Fuentes (Tangier 1905 - 1995) "At the Cafe. Oil on panel, signed in the lower left corner. A beautiful work in the Expressionist style by the great Moroccan painter known as ...
Oil, Cardboard
Cow Boy -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral, Mixed Media
By Gobe Joseph
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 Gob...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"The Fragile Trace of a Rose" Oil Painting – Contemporary Impressionism
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 human presence and the fleeting momen...
Canvas, Oil
$1,292
Spanish Bullfighting Scene oil on board painting Barcelona Spain
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: José María Tuser Vázquez (1919-1986) Title: Bullfighting Scene Technique: Oil on board Dimensions: 25.6 x 21.3 inches Period: 20th century Art Movement: Figurative Expression...
Oil, Board
European Architectural Colonnaded Arcade Watercolor Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
Boris Vassiloff, Russian/American (1906 - 2000) Artist Boris Vassiloff was born on March 24, 1906 to Julia Nikolaevna and Boris Ivanovich Vassiloff in Russia. He died peacefully on D...
Watercolor, Board
6 Vulnerable Beauty Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 2010+
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
Sylvan Setting, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bold contrasts between sunlit and shadowed snow drive the composition and create strong visual tension. Houses play a secondary role, serving as a counterpoint ...
Acrylic
Soirée Littéraire
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jean-Louis Mendrisse is a self-taught painter born in 1955 in Clermont-Ferrand. Art, family affairs Jean-Louis Mendrisse studied the deal with his famous sculptor father, Jean Mos...
Acrylic
Large Judaica Oil Painting Samuel Grodensky Hasidic Rabbi, Children in Jerusalem
Located in Surfside, FL
Samuel Grodensky (1894-1974) "Hassidim" Hand signed and dated "Grodensky '62" u.l., Titled verso in pencil on stretcher 31" x 27" canvas , 35 1/2" x 31 1/2" framed. Large Fauvist Ex...
Canvas, Oil
$2,250
Dénudée (Unclad) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Realism, Nude, Drawing
By Sayeed Momoh
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Dénudée, the French word for unclad is evidently a contemplative piece-- one of passion, intimacy, and elegance, describes the feminine appearance and nature in one single case, the ...
Paper, Charcoal
A Disappearance, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The title reflects how the sky, house, and snow share nearly identical tones, causing the house to appear to float in the middle ground. Without direct sunlight...
Acrylic
$4,350
Fela The Black President -21st Century, Contemporary, Africa, Activism Democracy
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Fela’s Demonstration Of Craze: Nothing has changed since Nigerian Afrobeat music pioneer, Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, known professionally as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, or simply Fela, gave his own epic and hilarious breakdown of Democracy [1980]. As Nigerians all over the world remember and celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, yearly. Fela described Democracy as simply Demonstration of Craze. Looking at it critically, it makes all the sense that there is to be derived from the word. Nigerians have not only been crying from time immemorial, it is not a different scenario today as the same hands are still running the cabal. Nothing has changed, despite the ‘change’ mantrum. Here’s what he said, “Now I mentioned Democracy. In English, an English man...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Guy's Talk - 21st Century, Contemporary, Impasto, Modern, Expressionist, Men
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 (Issued by the Gallery) About ...
Canvas, Acrylic
12 Point of Rest Venice Biennale 2026 Project
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
$3,850
Face and Phases - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, African Women
By Samson Toba
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Canvas, Acrylic
$7,052
Les Champs III, Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas. 130cm x 130cm.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A large contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed and dated to the back. Inspired by the wonderful countryside su...
Acrylic
"Flatirons" (2025), Impressionist Rocky Mountain Landscape, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Painted plein air in Boulder, Colorado. Kirsten Savage is one of Colorado’s top representational artists. As an avid world traveler and experienced mountaineer, Kirsten spends her t...
Oil, Panel
Les Champs V, Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas. 160cm x 130cm.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A large contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed to the back of the canvas. Inspired by the wonderful countrysid...
Canvas, Acrylic
Raventos Music original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Music 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 Barcelo...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Zebra portrait
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this zebra portrait, I delved deep into the expressive power of oil paints, utilizing a blend of expressionism and figurative styles to capture not just the zebra's strik...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Echoes of Love -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion, Women
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 Elie HATUNGIMAN...
Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary expressionist dog's portrait animal painting canvas "Charming Blue"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Charming Blue” is a playful yet soulful portrait from French artist Natalya Mougenot’s ongoing series dedicated to dogs, celebrating the profound bond we share with these true frien...
Acrylic, Canvas
$5,650
Count Your Rainbows, Not Your Thunderstorms -21st Century, Contemporary Portrait
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; it is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Arti...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Abike 2 -21st Century Contemporary Figurative Portrait of Modern Woman, Umbrella
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 Ogu...
Canvas, Acrylic
Vase of Flowers / Woman by the Mirror
Located in London, GB
JACQUES CHAPIRO 1887-1972 Dvinsk, Belarus 1887-1972 Paris (Russian / French) Title: Vase of Flowers / Woman by the Mirror, circa 1930's Technique: Original Signed Double Sided Oil Painting on...
Oil
Isa, Génie, Catou, Patoche and Didine - Julien Wolf, 21st Century, Painting
By Julien Wolf
Located in Paris, FR
Oil on canvas 2018 Signed on the back Unique work
Canvas, Oil
Les Deux Soeurs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Born in 1951, François Legrand was introduced to painting as a teenager by Philippe Lejeune in Etampes. In 1973, he moved to Loiret. From 1974 to 197...
Oil
Under the sun 50X70
By Elena Lukina
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
Musical Fantasy. Square, semi-abstract, music, notes, interior
Located in Oslo, NO
Abstract expressionism, music, notes, square, bright colors "Musical Fantasy" is a pictorial score in which color, texture, and fragments of musical notation are transformed into a ...
Acrylic
$2,400
Raventos Vertical Fiddle Music original expressionist mixed media
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"Music" 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 Ba...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Blooming Fantasy: Seasons, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Floral and plant-like forms gradually come into view without fully settling into shape. Vibrant, swirling patterns together with linear accents provide dynamic ...
Acrylic
Men's Talk - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Impasto, Pop Culture, Men
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 (Issued by the Gallery) About ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Water Wonder Land, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Gentle waves roll toward a distant shore, echoing the wispy clouds above. Blades of grass in the dark foreground create contrast against the bright sky and wate...
Oil
Expressionist Gouache and Watercolour Study for 'Alexander and His Army'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
French late 20th century watercolour and gouache study for the series 'Alexander and His Army' by Stephane Lovighi-Bourgogne. Presented in plain wood frame. A strong and forceful de...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
$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
Moment of Faith - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Children Art
By John Ali
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
$4,701
Les Champs VII, Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas. 132cm x 108cm.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed to the back of the canvas. Inspired by the wonderful countryside surr...
Canvas, Acrylic
$423Sale Price|28% Off
Hippie Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, Framed, 1970s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Frame size 50x58 cm. Joan Cruspinera Muñoz was born in 1945 in Tiana, Barcelona. This Catalan artist is a painter, draftsman and painter. His training...
Canvas, Oil
Abike 1 -21st Century Contemporary Figurative Portrait of Modern Woman, Umbrella
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 Ogu...
Canvas, Acrylic
Enchanted Garden, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Flowers fill a round vase, the leaves curling and extending outward. The organic forms flow with the geometric shapes on the table and in the background. Planes...
Acrylic
Sunlight on Trees, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bright morning sun falls on a rural home surrounded by trees in Massachusetts. Sunlight brings out the vibrant reds, golds, and greens, balancing the white snow...
Acrylic
Adriatica
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I was drawn to the interplay between nature and the human spirit. The rocky shore and majestic seascape reflect life's constant motions, while the solitary fi...
Canvas, 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
Crucifixion, 20th Century Figural Expressionist Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Robert Carroll (American, 1934-2016) Crucifixion Oil on paper Signed lower right 19.5 x 13.5 inches 25.25 x 19.5 inches, framed Robert Carroll was an American artist born in 1934. ...
Oil
8 Inner Garden Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 2010s, Unframed
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
Fantasy with Flowers 10
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
$5,000
Odd Tales From an Old Flame -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Surrealism
By Elisha Nyong
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A dream spills open like an old book without words— Its pages breathe smoke and feathered wings, keys that unlock nothing, clocks that refuse to tell time. In the half-light, a figur...
Linen, Oil
"Lighthouse of Peggy's Cove" - Impasto Expressionist Coastal Landscape Painting
By Sandra Pratt
Located in Denver, CO
"Lighthouse of Peggy's Cove" is a beautiful original impasto oil painting, created on linen panel by American artist Sandra Pratt, which depicts a lighthouse on a rocky peninsula, st...
Oil, Board
Sunflowers 40X30
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
Imbued with the warmth of a golden hour, my brushstrokes capture the essence of sun-kissed petals and the dance of light on leaves. This expression of nature's joy and resilience, wi...
Canvas, Oil
Ducks in Central Park, New York, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Ducks gracefully glide on a pond, echoing the harmonious rhythm of Central Park. The vibrant blue water reflects the bridge and surrounding fiery autumn foliage...
Oil
$1,175
Blue Tulips. Spring : paper, oil pastel, 70x100cm. Very Thick paper
Located in Zofingen, AG
A masterpiece exploring floral vitality, azure light, and the infinite. This large-scale 70x100cm paper composition captures a sublime transition from a vibrant botanical pattern int...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$2,900Sale Price|60% Off
Homage to Mirandi, Hamada Cups (~60% OFF LIST PRICE - LIMITED TIME ONLY)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Title: Homage to Mirandi, Hamada Cups Materials : Oil on Canvas Date : 1960's Dimensions : 32 x 47 in. In the late 1960's, Daniel Brennan had a day job...
Canvas, Paint, Oil
Her Own Light - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Women, Texture
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.
Acrylic, Cardboard
$3,350
You Become What You Think About - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Women
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 Eli...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Blacknificient -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion, Women
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 Elie HATUNGIMAN...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Yellow sunset" seascape in oil of Volskya Lilyа
Located in Zofingen, AG
Yellow sunset" seascape in oil of Volsky Lily. Inspiring unforgettable view of the sea. He has thousands of them.And everyone is special. Everyone is unique. The painting is painted ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,950
RAVENTOS Winds Windows Garden Green original abstract mixed media
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"JARDIN" original abstract mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelo...
Canvas
Ways of the Bay
By Kevin Kearns
Located in Boston, MA
Kevin Kearns' oil paintings on panel are highly sought after works. While seascape painting is traditional in a sense, Kearns' execution of these paintings is rooted in expressionism...
Oil
Rabbi Portrait, Acryclic on Canvas
By Moshe Katz
Located in Surfside, FL
Highly textured portrait of an elderly rabbinic sage. Moshe Katz was born March 2, 1937 in Bucharest, Romania. With his parents, he fled the Nazis and with much difficulty successf...
Acrylic