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.
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
$10,500
Original Serg Graff "Card Sharping" Fantasy Outsider Art, Surreal Poker Scene
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This extraordinary large-scale original painting by Serg Graff titled “Card Sharpening” is a wildly imaginative and deeply narrative work blending outsider art, naïve primitivism, fantasy symbolism, and surreal storytelling into one unforgettable composition. Executed in acrylic and oil on canvas, the painting depicts an eccentric underground poker tournament taking place inside the abandoned tavern “Poker Face.” Around the vivid green gaming table...
Acrylic
$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
$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
$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
'Port de Vendres', Côte Vermeille, France, California Post Impressionist, Esalen
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed verso, 'Ant McNaught' (American, 1952-2026), dated 2020 and inscribed '(After Derain)'. This California Post-Impressionist and Abstract Expressionist artist studied at the Es...
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
Emancipation Oil and Acrylic Painting, Expressionist, 21st Century
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting conveys the enthusiasm for freedom of self-expression regardless of the restriction to decide what you are and what you want to express by the way you dress and the way...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
$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
Ties That Binds Us 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait Painting, Oil, 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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Oil
$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
$1,045Sale Price|20% Off
Pont Neuf Paris Misty River Seine Scene, French Expressionist Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed and dated 1970's Title: Pont Neuf, Paris Medium: signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 9.5 x 13 inches Provenance: private collec...
Oil
$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
City Rain : Very Thick paper, oil pastel, 70x100cm.
Located in Zofingen, AG
A masterpiece exploring urban vibration, atmospheric moisture, and the infinite. This large-scale 70x100cm paper composition captures a sublime transition from a bustling street leve...
Oil Pastel, Archival Paper
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
$5,000
Up Up and Away With Fido -21st Century, Expressionist Modern, Child, Balloon
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
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
$1,297
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
$2,900
Wish You Merry and Happy 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Holiday, Dog
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Season is the day that holds all time together with endless peace, joy, and love. Do not set aside your happiness season, do not wait to be happy in the future because the best time...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Sullivan's Barn, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The expressionist landscape painting depicts a weathered barn in southern Massachusetts. Artist Robert Hofherr simplifies the scene into bold blocks of color an...
Acrylic
Creation Code: Code 5, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Expressive splashes and deliberate lines explore the tension between disorder and intention in this abstract expressionist painting. Vibrant colors and dynamic ...
Acrylic
$1,297
Locarno
Located in Genève, GE
Dimensions with frame: 50 x 61 x 3,5 cm. Monogrammed and dated "YLG 40" in the lower left corner. A serene and atmospheric village scene depicting rustic European houses nestled alo...
Oil, Wood Panel
Between Absence and Memory -21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Africa, People
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Between Absence and Memory explores the fragile space where presence lingers even after it is gone. Through the dialogue of figures and silhouettes, the work reveals how absence is n...
Canvas, Coffee, Mixed Media
"Streets of Hope 3" - Original Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
The way that light weaves between buildings and casts long shadows fascinates me. It's a subject I've returned to again and again over the years. Couple that with motion and people.....
Oil, Panel
Gathering -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, People, Expressionism, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In every culture, there is a circle where wisdom gathers — a space where stories are not simply told, but lived. The Gathering captures this timeless communion of hearts and minds, w...
Canvas, Coffee, Mixed Media
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
Mind Emancipation 1 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The concept of colour, race, and inequality is the concept of the mind caused by the general norms of a society, nation, or world at large . The general norms of the world that place...
Canvas, Oil, 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
$1,420Sale Price|20% Off
1930's French Expressionist Horse Racing Scene Jockeys at Full Pace Signed Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Horse Racing Scene by Alain Chazalviel (first half 20th Century) signed lower right oil on canvas, framed framed: 19.5 x 27 inches canvas: 18 x 28 inches Provenance: private collecti...
Oil
"Portrait of Truman Capote" by John MacWhinnie
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: John MacWhinnie, American (1946 - ) Title: Portrait of Truman Capote Year: 1968 Medium: Mixed Media on Board (Oil and Pencil), signed and dated l.r. Size: 23.5 x 18 inches Fr...
Mixed Media, Oil, Board, Pencil
$2,122
Flowers in a Vase Still Life Floral Expressionist French School in Frame
Located in Pistoia, IT
Bright and sophisticated, this "Flower Vase with Anemones" signed work by French painter expressionist Lucien Roudier known as Eller (1894-1940). Fine Arts export certificate avail...
Canvas, Oil
Mountain View, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Rolling fields extend beneath a wide, blue sky. A distant mountain rises along the horizon, while scattered trees punctuate the open land. Loose marks in the fo...
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
Introspection - 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
Purification in the Time of Jezebel -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, 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. About Artist Penuel Heber Ma...
Paper, Charcoal, Pencil
Eternal Payment in Fertile Land 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Apple
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 Penuel Heber Ma...
Paper, Charcoal, Pencil
$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
Nigerian Prince 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Men, 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
$1,650
Gossip
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Silver wooden frame 84 x 68.5 x 3.5 cm
Oil
Lady in a Purple Hair - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, 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 Dan...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil
Soul Sisters - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Love
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
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
Hydro-Genesis: Midsummer Ritual – Large Figurative Fine Art Oil Painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
A pivotal 80x80 cm canvas from the 2016 archives, The Primal Ritual stands as a foundational masterpiece within the decade-long Hydro-Genesis study. This work captures a sacred, ritu...
Canvas, Oil
$1,981Sale Price|20% Off
Dynamic Dusk, NY-original abstract cityscape painting-contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Acrylic
"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
$424Sale 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
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
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
Liberation -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern Women, Plant
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, Oil, Acrylic
Mind Emancipation 2 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The concept of colour, race, and inequality is the concept of the mind caused by the general norms of a society, nation, or world at large . The general norms of the world that place...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Lady In White 2 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
She holds on to her integrity and purity. Lady in white captures a desire to be hidden, but her presence is revealed through her unquenched innermost beauty. Lady in white captures h...
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
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
Benavente Solis Beach Sea Mallorca original expressionist
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Beach. sea Mallorca- original expressionist watercolor painting Work of the Spanish artist BENAVENTE SOLIS. Watercolor on paper. Perfect state During its first exhibition in Par...
Ink, Watercolor
Reparando Las Redes: Expressionist Acrylic Painting, Framed, 1990s
By Giner Bueno
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Giner Bueno (1935-2000) Reparando Las Redes 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
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
L'église Saint Séverin, Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
Student at the Jules Marinist Christmas, Edme Emile Laborne was a refined painter of cityscapes and landscapes. Paris, the Loire Valley, southern Spain...
Oil
Paysage en campagne
Located in Atlanta, GA
Born August 4, 1945 in Chambéry. Apprenticeship in 1984 at the Etampes school founded and run by the painter Philipe Lejeune. -Price "Finez Planard" awarded by the Taylor Foundation...
Oil
$2,900
Hydro-Genesis: Scarlet Current (2015) – Large Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"The Scarlet Current" (2015) is a seminal work from Elena Lukina’s acclaimed Hydro-Genesis: The Fluid Body series, a decade-long artistic inquiry into water as a primal, transformati...
Canvas, Oil