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.
Fantasy with Flowers 24
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
R. Poch 9 Big Industrial Labyrinth original acrylic painting
By Ramon Poch
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
9.-Industrial labyrinth 120 x 100 cm acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production compa...
Acrylic
Julien Meunie Almond original acrylic painting
By Julen Meunie
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
" ALMOND original acrylic painting. framed Julien was born in 1948 in Vichy, France. He studied art and theater in Clermont-Ferrand at the same time as finishing his degree in Fren...
Canvas, Oil
Codorniu Majorca Expressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas, 21st C.
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original expressionist acrylic painting. frame Painter and draftsman born in Ciutat de Mallorca in 1943. In 1959 moved his address to Barcelona. He was a student of the School of A...
Canvas, Oil
The Preparation - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Africa, Music
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A quiet moment before the music begins. Surrounded by scattered fragments, she gathers her thoughts onto paper while the cello waits beside her, holding the weight of the melodies ye...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,300
"Slanted Light, Rifle Falls, CO" - Expressionist Landscape, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Slanted Light, Rifle Falls, CO" is a beautiful original oil painting by American artist Joellyn Duesberry, depicting an expressionist abstraction of a rolling waterfall in Colorado....
Linen, Oil
$2,850
Melodies Between Fragments -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Africa, Music
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A violinist shaped from broken wooden pieces, holding herself together through music. The birds move with the rhythm, turning the silence around her into something living. Shipping ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ageless Bliss Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The ageless beauty of a black woman is a testament to the strength, resilience, and grace that radiates from within her. It transcends societal standards and embraces the unique features and rich heritage that make her truly captivating. Her skin, like the midnight sky, possesses an enchanting depth and a velvety smoothness that seems untouched by time. It carries the echoes of countless generations, telling stories of endurance and triumph. With every smile and laugh line that dances upon her face, she embodies the wisdom and joy accumulated through a life well-lived. Her eyes, like pools of wisdom, sparkle with an unwavering confidence and a profound understanding of self. They hold the secrets of her ancestors, revealing a strength that has weathered storms and preserved traditions. They reflect the beauty of her soul, which shines brightly through the hardships she has overcome. Her hair, a crown of...
Acrylic, Canvas
Aux Confins du Dire, Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
Evelyne Ballestra's work with signs, symbols and esoteric spirituality reflects her passion for the ancient past and represents a symbolic return to the ground from which we emerged....
Oil, Canvas
$2,350
Boy London 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Men
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, Acrylic, Oil
$1,171
The North. Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea and sky Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
The North presents a mesmerizing seascape under an expansive, tumultuous sky. Broad, dynamic brushstrokes in a palette dominated by purples and blues convey a sense of movement and d...
Oil, Board
$1,950
Quiet Vessel - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
So many memories, thoughts, and feelings we never want to forget—they refuse to fade away. In this place, the clock does not tick; everything is suspended in time. It is as if the w...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$6,300
"Cedars Survive the Desert" - Expressionist Landscape, Oil Painting on Linen
Located in Denver, CO
"Cedars Survive the Desert" is a striking original oil painting on linen, created by American painter Joellyn Duesberry (1944-2016) depicts a cedar plant in a vast expanse of desert ...
Linen, Oil
F. Bueno Puerto de Barcelona original realist painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
F. Bueno. Puerto de Barcelona original realist painting
Acrylic
Violin Tempo -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Floral
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 Oso...
Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer
Coll Bardolet Bolero Baile Mallorquin original expressionist watercolor
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Bolero Mallorquin original expressionist watercolor painting. Spanish painter maximum representative of the art of Mallorca at the end of the 20th century. Costumbrista work. With d...
Watercolor
Flower charm
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've explored the delicate interplay of color and light, capturing the ethereal beauty of blooms. My strokes convey passion and emotion, creating a dance betwee...
Canvas, Oil
$3,250
In Her Solace - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In such a world, so chaotic. Snares and spells revolving. Finding one’s peace can be very demanding. Living life, very. Man cannot live without a pacifier, one that helps him recove...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bories-en-Provence Village Near Gordes, Large Oil on Canvas
Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR
Oil on canvas by Paul Clement (1906-), France, 1967. Bories-en-Provence near Gordes. Measurements : with frame: 106x87 cm - 41.7x34.25 inches, without frame: 100x81 cm - 39.4x31.9 in...
Canvas, Oil
Venice 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've merged the vibrancy of acrylics with the depth of oils to capture the tranquil essence of Venice. The interplay of light and shadow, realism and impressionism,...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
Dreams of Yesterday, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman rests gently against a swirling current that resembles both wind and water, as if she is swinging between past and present. Soft touches of yellow and o...
Acrylic
Boy With Dream in His Eyes -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Modern People
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In a world that often silences hope, he dared to dream. With nothing but fire in his heart and vision in his eyes, the boy stood tall against the storms of doubt and fear. He had no ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist Acrylic Painting, 20x16 Inches, "Enough of That"
Located in Franklin, MA
Anne Johnstone’s “Enough of That” is 20 x 16 inch on cradled board. The expressionist painting feels like a close, almost confrontational portrait reduced to color, gesture, and shap...
Acrylic, Board
LLuis Ribas Facade Urban Landscape. original figurative
By Lluis Ribas
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Lluís Ribas (El Masnou, Barcelona, 1949) is a Spanish painter whose large and hyper-realistic paintings reflect, above all, the beauty of women framed in nature, preferably in the se...
Acrylic
Japanese Spring Paradise: Landscape Original impasto Miniature Oil Gift Art
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of "Japanese Spring Paradise," a painting where the fleeting charm of cherry blossoms meets the timeless grandeur of Mount Fuji. This original o...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$2,600
Love and Bond 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Whites, Black
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
There is a common thread that binds us all, and that is our shared humanity. Everyone has a general desire in their heart - to be seen, heard and understood. Each of us has dreams, f...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$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
Antoni COSTA Man original Figurative Academician drawing painting
By A. Costa
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
man. original figurative academician drawing painting. framed Barcelona, 1904 - Barcelona, 1965 It was formed in Buenos Aires, in the Circle of San Lucas of Barcelona and the FAD. H...
Carbon Pencil
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
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
$353
Contemporary abstract expressionist watercolor women paper "The blue dialogue"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist painting, depicting two women in dance, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. It forms part of her ongoing series dedicated to women...
Paper, Watercolor
$1,736Sale Price|40% Off
Still Life with Pineapple, Expressionist Oil on Panel, Circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
'Still Life with Pineapple', oil on panel, by Lucien Martial (circa 1960s). Like human life, fruit is perishable and ephemeral, and thus many believe th...
Oil, Board
$846
Raventos Vertical Small City original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
City original expressionist acrylic painting. virtual framed RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine A...
Acrylic
$2,550
Simple Times - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Plants, 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 Josue M Pierre ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Good morning, my dear" oil still life of Volskya Lilya.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Good morning, my dear" oil still life of Volsky Lily. A very morning, gentle, full of smells of coffee and love, a positive picture.The work is painted on canvas, the background is m...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Autumn Color’s in Misty Land, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A stand of trees stretches across a landscape in warm, autumnal shades. Vertical strokes suggest tall trunks rising through the orange, yellow, and green foliag...
Oil
Chromatic Nomad, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A solitary rider stands against a vibrant, textile-inspired backdrop of bold geometric forms and saturated color. Rendered with raw, gestural lines, the figure ...
Oil
Rainy Day Acryl Painting by Ukranian Artist Andrii Onyshchenko framed
Located in Zofingen, AG
This atmospheric work by Ukrainian artist Andrii Onyshchenko captures a quiet urban moment after rainfall, when the city dissolves into reflections, light, and movement. Elongated fi...
Mixed Media, Acrylic
'Boats on the Shore of Ostend, 1911' by Constant Permeke (1886 – 1952)
Located in Knokke, BE
Constant Permeke Antwerp 1886 – 1952 Ostend Belgian Painter 'Boats on the Shore of Ostend, 1911' Signature: signed lower right 'C Permeke 1911' Medium: oil on canvas Dimension...
Canvas, Oil
$2,645Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Expressionist Portrait Man in Crown Framed Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title Mid Century French Expressionist Portrait Man in Crown Framed Oil Painting Key Details Artist: French School, mid 20th century Title: Expressionist Portrait of a Man Medium: Oi...
Oil
Barcelona Port Olimpic Acrylic Painting, Expressionist, Framed, 2010+
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Anna Tamayo. 1971.An expressionist painter seeks to capture her mood in each of her works. She does this through themes ranging from the most realistic urban landscapes to the most d...
Wood, Acrylic
Backyard, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cluster of trees rises at the center of a field, their foliage showing the colors of autumn. Vertical strokes in the foreground suggest grass, while a thin wh...
Oil
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Fragment of a sea wave
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this painting, I sought to capture the essence and vitality of the sea. With each brushstroke, I instilled the raw power and restless spirit of ocean waves. This piece, c...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$2,850
Confidant 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Modern Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A confidant is someone you trust deeply and confide in. They typically share personal thoughts, feelings, and secrets that you might not feel comfortable sharing with others. Dependi...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,118Sale Price|30% Off
Row of Plane Trees In Winter - Maussane-les-Alpilles
By Yves Brayer
Located in London, GB
'Row of Plane Trees In Winter - Maussane-les-Alpilles', Provence, watercolour and pencil on art paper, by Yves Brayer (1946). A line of Plane trees greets visitors to almost every vi...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
$941Sale Price|42% Off
Landscape Oil Painting on Panel, Framed, Circa 1980
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Francisco Benavente Solís (Merida,1940). "Paisaje". Firmado a mano, en ángulo inferior derecho. Óleo sobre tabla. Medidas: 30 x 30 cm; 52.5 x 52.5 cm (marco). Pintor afincado en Esp...
Panel, Oil
Tequila Gist 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health
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 ...
Paper, Charcoal, Acrylic
In My Dream - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health
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 ...
Paper, Charcoal, Acrylic
I Am Becoming - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health
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 ...
Paper, Charcoal, Acrylic
$3,000
The Collector - 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, Acrylic, Oil
$2,500
Believe Mind - 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, Acrylic
"Little Shop on The Corner " (2023) by Leigh Ann Van Fossan, Original Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Little Shop on the Corner" (2023) is an original, handmade oil and acrylic abstract painting with bright colors. Van Fossan was born in Vail, Colorado, and...
Canvas, Acrylic
Harbor view
Located in Genève, GE
Work on cardboard Wooden frame 31 x 41 x 3 cm
Oil
We've Got The Phunk 3 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
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 Oso...
Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer
Fantasy with Flowers 50
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
"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
Red Kite Expressionist Painting in Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
I want to tell you what it means when a man feels at home. It is not when he sits in his house alone; it is when he can step out of his home without thinking it is risky to do so. (...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
Copons PARIS.RIVER. BRIDGE.SENA . Landscape original acrylic canvas painting
By Joan Copons
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work by the Spanish artist Joan COPONS. Oil on canvas . Perfect state
Canvas, Oil
Funny pink ballerinas. Miniature original impasto oil painting.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
I poured my passion into this miniature oil painting, using impasto techniques to bring these funny pink ballerinas to life on canvas. The vibrant colors and textured surface capture...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
After the storm
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant blend of realism and abstraction, I've captured the raw energy of a seascape rejuvenating after turmoil. The textured strokes in acrylic and oil wield a dance of ligh...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard