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.
$3,182Sale Price|30% Off
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
$1,155
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
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
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
The red apple. Mother and daughter, family, rural landscape, village, ancestors
Located in Oslo, NO
“The Red Apple” shows an old and a young woman as one figure. They share the same body, the same presence — youth and age together. The apple recalls the story of Eve. It stands for ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,989
The Fairground - 1950's French Expressionist Mid Century Oil Canvas Painting
By André Beaucé
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A wonderful 1950's French expressionist oil on canvas depicting figures at a fairground, by Parisian artist André Beaucé. Excellent quality work painted...
Canvas, Oil
The Equestrian Circus Oil Painting on Canvas, Late 20th Century
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas signed - Dimension with frame : 109 x 109 x 6 cm This vibrant oil on canvas by Italian artist Carlo Roselli (born 1939) depicts a lively equestrian circus performance, one of the recurring and most recognizable subjects within the artist's oeuvre. At the center of the composition, a group of luminous white horses gallops around the circus ring while acrobats perform among them. In the background, a horse-drawn carriage, performers and a densely packed audience contribute to the theatrical energy of the scene. Roselli constructs the composition through a rich and expressive palette dominated by fiery reds, oranges, ochres and deep browns. Against these warm tones, the almost ivory-white horses create a dramatic visual contrast and introduce a sweeping circular rhythm that guides the eye around the arena. Rather than describing the spectacle with strict realism, the artist transforms the circus into a dreamlike world of movement, color and theatrical fantasy. Figures are deliberately stylized, while the spectators dissolve into rhythmic touches of color. The resulting atmosphere lies between reality and imagination, evoking both the excitement and nostalgia traditionally associated with the circus. Born in Milan in 1939, Carlo Roselli lived in Paris and London before settling in Rome in the 1960s. His experience of the theater played an important role in the development of his distinctive figurative language. Performers, crowds, horses, musicians and theatrical environments became recurring subjects throughout his career. The circus in particular occupies a significant place in Roselli's oeuvre, allowing him to combine his fascination with performance, human gesture and chromatic expression. An expressive and highly decorative example of late 20th-century Italian figurative painting, distinguished by its dynamic composition, theatrical subject and warm, luminous palette. Carlo Roselli, Carlo Roselli Painting, Italian Artist, Italian Painting, Equestrian Circus, Circus Painting, Circus Horses, White Horses Painting...
Oil, Canvas
Ballerina 4
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I immersed myself in the fusion of expressionism, impressionism, and pop art to capture the dynamic spirit of a ballet dancer. With acrylic and oil, I layered...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
Vaulted Bridge, French Landscape Oil on Masonite Painting by Vincent Mazzocchini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vincent Mazzocchini, French Landscape with Medieval Bridge – Oil on Wood This captivating original oil painting created by French artist Vincent Mazzocchini (20th Century) is a rare...
Oil, Paint
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tranquility: Expressionist Oil and Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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 Authent...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
CRISTAL PINTADO - REY - CORNUCOPIA MADERA
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Interesante cristal pintado, representando a un Rey. Va con una cornucopia de madera tallada dorada, del siglo XIX. El cristal esta en buen estado. La cornucopia tiene diversas falta...
Oil
$918Sale Price|63% Off
Mid-Century French Expressionist Oil, 'Anniversary Flowers and Champagne'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid Century Expressionist oil on canvas tablescape of flowers and Champagne. This wonderfully energetic painting straddles the line between impressionism and expressionism. The form...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Help Has Come -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Past and Present
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This piece reflects the power of divine timing and the sudden arrival of long-awaited answers. A grayscale man waits at a train station, burdened with hope, symbolizing longing and ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Love and Bond 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Whites, Black
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A better society is not built solely by wealth or power, but by shared values. By the courage to love without condition, the strength to treat all as equals, and the wisdom to honor ...
Canvas, Oil
Morning Bouquet by Hela - Contemporary flower oil pastel still life painting
By Hela
Located in DE
Hela is an emerging contemporary artist whose vibrant and playful paintings celebrate the quiet glamour of everyday life. With a focus on table settings, cocktails, glassware, and el...
Canvas, Acrylic
Guitar
Located in Zofingen, AG
Nude The beauty of a naked body is simply incredible! When I paint a picture with a naked woman, I have the feeling that I am painting space, the universe. I never cease to admire th...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Freedom Flight -21st Century, Expressionist Modern Painting of Child on 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
$2,680Sale Price|20% Off
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
Belgian Barn by the River - Expressionist Landscape Original Oil on Canvas
By Gloria Takla
Located in Soquel, CA
Belgian Barn by the River - Expressionist Landscape in Oil on Canvas Vibrant depiction of barn by a river by Gloria Takla (American/German, b. 1940). A b...
Canvas, Oil
Rooftops, Surrealist Oil Painting by Lucio Ranucci
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lucio Ranucci, Italian (1925 - ) Title: Rooftops Year: 1973 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.l. Size: 30 in. x 30 in. (76.2 cm x 76.2 cm) Frame Size: 37.5 x 37.5 inches
Oil
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
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
The feminine principle" figurative oil portrait of Volskya Lilya.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"The feminine principle" figurative oil portrait of Volskya Lilya. 2 gardens of Eden in one glass of an exquisite bowl of flowers. The images are very interesting.Everyone will find ...
Canvas, Varnish, Oil
$772Sale Price|20% Off
Village. Oil on cardboard, 79. 5 x 100. 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Village. Oil on cardboard, 79.5 x 100.5 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, S...
Oil, Cardboard
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
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
J. Meunie Tree Almond Blossom Vertical original acrylic painting
By Julen Meunie
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
" ALMOND BLOSSOM 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 ...
Wood, Oil
$12,500
General George Custer Battle of Little Big Horn in Expressionist Style, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
The history of American Illustration is filled with battle scenes. Rarely, if ever, have we seen an illustration of raw combat executed in an expressionist style like this. Robert W...
Masonite, 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
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Between Sky and Soul -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Nature Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting explores the harmony between nature’s vastness and the quiet strength of the human spirit. The subject’s calm presence stands against the backdrop of sky and water, sug...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$454
Contemporary abstract figurative painting two women on paper "A pause for two"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“A Pause for Two” is a contemporary figurative painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women. The work captures a suspended moment of shar...
Acrylic, Paper
$1,360Sale Price|27% Off
"Sunset in Camargue" by William GOLIASCH - Oil on canvas 27x35 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on canvas sold with frame Total size with frame 51x60 cm Signed and dated William GOLIASCH is a Swiss artist born in 1922 and died in 1986. His works have been sold at public au...
Oil
$341Sale Price|40% 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
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
Eternal Payment in Fertile Land 2 -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
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
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
Elena Lukina: Particle 432. Gold. The Light of Transfiguration 2026
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Particle 432" (2026) by Elena Lukina is an ontological manifesto of taming the primordial chaos of matter and transfiguring it into pure light vibration within the project The Light...
Linen, Oil
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Himeji Castle with Lush Greenery - Original Impasto Oil Painting, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Himeji Castle with Lush Greenery - Original Impasto Oil Painting, Signed Expressionistic painting of Himeji Castle in Japan, signed by N. Ranji. In this rendering, the castle rises ...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Casademont "le Vieux" Blue Landscape of Castile original acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Landscape of Castile original expressionist acrylic painting. His family was originally from Figueres. He studied industrial engineering and fine arts at the Llotja School and he re...
Acrylic
Harbor Side, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by André Derain's London series, this view of Scituate Harbor moves away from naturalistic color in favor of bold, intense tones. In the foreground, p...
Acrylic
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Ray of Hope III, Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Ray of Hope," a poignant creation by artist John Ali, encapsulates a moment of contemplation and the subtle interplay between vulnerability and resilience. The artwork features a yo...
Canvas, Oil
"Naturamorta con fiori " cm. 70 x 52 Olio su tavola di legno 1970 ca
By Enzo FARAONI
Located in Torino, IT
natura morta con bellissima cornice in legno Enzo FARAONI (S. Stefano Magra, La Spezia, 1920/2017) Signed top right Enzo Faraoni is a great painter and engraver from Florence; he e...
Wood, Oil
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
I. Mundo Vertical BARCELONA STREET. original watercolor painting
By Ignasi Mundó
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
MUNDO Ignasi Ignasi Mundó trained at the School of La Lonja, with Joaquín Mir, Mariano Pidelaserra and Manolo Hugué. In 1945 he received a scholarship travels to Paris, and later ma...
Watercolor
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
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
Portrait of a Man by Swedish Artist Martin Eder, 1954, Gouache on Masonite
By Martin Eder
Located in Stockholm, SE
Martin Eder was a Swedish drawing teacher, artist and ceramicist. Martin was born on the island of Gotland and spent a lot of time there, he also lived in Sala. Martin was a curious ...
Masonite, Gouache
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
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
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
Expressionist Seascape, Bord de la Mer, Cassis, South of France
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid Century Expressionist oil on canvas seascape of the Mediterranean coastline at Cassis in the South of France. The painting is signed bottom left but as yet undeciphered. Title to the rear stretcher. Presented in a fine gilt and patinated custom wood frame. This stunning seascape captures the raw, untamed beauty of a rocky coastline with impeccable detail. The painting uses a rich palette of blues and earthy browns to depict the tumultuous waves crashing against rugged cliffs. The artist's skilful use of texture and brushwork brings the scene to life, with the churning sea appearing almost animated in its movement. The contrast between the cool, turbulent water and the warm, solid rocks creates a dynamic tension, drawing the viewer's eye along the coast. Unique to this piece is the artist’s ability to convey the mood of nature’s relentless power while also highlighting the serene beauty of the ocean. The careful layering of colours and precise composition make this artwork a captivating interpretation of nature’s untamed forces. Some of the composition and use of colours is reminiscent of the works of Achille-Émile Othon Friesz...
Canvas, 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
Dancing Sunflowers, Still Life Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2026
By Oksana 5
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This vibrant oil painting captures the raw energy and untamed beauty of sunflowers in full bloom. Painted with dynamic, heavy impasto brushstrokes and a palette knife, the artwork bo...
Oil
La dama insólita (A la manera de José Gutierrez Solana) - Óleo sobre tela
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Esta pintura tiene claras influencias del expresionismo español y la técnica del empaste, con pinceladas sueltas y uso de colores oscuros para transmitir intensidad y atmósfera emoci...
Oil
2 Limit of Visibility 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, Linen, Oil
$443Sale Price|40% Off
Portrait of a Girl Naif Balinese Art Colorist Signed
Located in Pistoia, IT
This splendid expressionist portrait, signed Ngurah, is the work of renowned Balinese artist I Gusti Agung Ngurah Kresna Kepakisan, commonly known as Ngurah KK (b. 1947). Ngurah KK ...
Canvas, Oil
$193
Impressionist abstract oil floral bouquet painting on cardboard "Lovely day"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork makes part of my series dedicated to the scenes of a summer period. This floral painting called "Lovely day" is done in an expressive impressionist style. Floral art...
Oil, Cardboard
Goddess of the Desert: paper, pastel, 2022
Located in Zofingen, AG
With vibrant oil pastels, I captured her piercing gaze beneath the veil, blending expressionism’s emotion and realism’s detail. The blue hues flow like desert skies, conveying streng...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Timeless -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern Women, Floral
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 Awofadeju Solom...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Luminous Coastline: 30x40cm Oil on Caravaggio Italy Canvas (2024)
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Luminous Coastline" is an exquisite 2024 original oil painting from the prestigious series Gravity of Light: Marine Chronicles. Created on world-renowned Italian Caravaggio canvas, ...
Canvas, Oil
5 Waiting for the Tide 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
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