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.
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
Soul Sisters -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women Love, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The presence of sisters in their community adds a beautiful dimension to life itself. They are not just vibrant hues that enrich the tapestry of existence; they also embody grace, co...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
$568Sale Price|29% Off
"Mise en abîme", Painters on the beach - Oil on cardboard 50x70 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on cardboard with frame. Total size with frame 58x78 cm Signed and dated, illegible signature by the gallery
Oil
Tulips White 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork features a vibrant arrangement of five tulips, each uniquely colored, set against a textured, blue background. The flowers exhibit a smooth gradient of colors: from soft...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$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
Le Col Rouge - 21st Century Contemporary, Expressionist Portrait, African Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Africa This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gall...
Canvas, Acrylic
Masculine Elegance (Beauty Within Us)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The Beauty Within Us" is a compelling narrative series of paintings that celebrates the unique and diverse beauty of Black hair, serving as a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Red Kite
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. (...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Beauty in the Deep End -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion
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
Ignasi Mundo. Barcelona watercolor original paper expressionist painting
By Ignasi Mundó
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Barcelona watercolor original paper expressionist painting. framed MUNDO Ignasi Ignasi Mundó trained at the School of La Lonja, with Joaquín Mir, Mariano Pidelaserra and Manolo Hugu...
Watercolor
Self-Portrait 1986
Located in Zofingen, AG
With deep realism, I painted a quiet moment of tension and mystery, capturing the vulnerability and guarded strength of the figure. Using oil, I created rich shadows that pull you in...
Canvas, Oil
E. Gert Fruit Still Life Painting w/Pitcher & Candelabra
By Edith Gert
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful fruit still life painting w/pitcher & candelabra by Danish artist Edith Gert (1906-1983)
Canvas, Oil
Transparent Than My Reflection
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
There is this strong presence inside your intellect that seems to be greater in gloomy and unapologetic with words, they do counseling, set doctrines, and remind you of a lesser vers...
Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer
Victim (Meet James)
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, Oil
Blue Heaven, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An expansive blue sky meets the ocean in a quiet, seamless horizon, with a single cloud drifting gently above. Below, the shoreline is alive with wispy grasse...
Oil
Victim (When The Sky Seems So Blue)
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
$270Sale Price|20% Off
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design Options
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Collage" by Bernard Herzog (French, b.1935). Signed and stamped verso with catalogue number. Photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed. Overall paper: 25.5 x 20 inches. Highly uni...
Acrylic
$1,023Sale Price|20% Off
Fencers. Figurative Oil Painting, Olympic Games, Sport, Realistic, Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
The painting shows sword fighting, which is one of the official sports of the Olympic Games. The fencing fights have a spectacular character, perfectly captured in the painting by Do...
Canvas, Oil
Lost is a Lovely Place to Find Yourself
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
I realized nobody is coming to save you unless you save yourself! Light at the end of the tunnel awaits only those who dare to try again each time they fail 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 IDORENYIN UMANA...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 30
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
Untitled 4 - 21st Century Contemporary, Expressionist Portrait, African Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Africa This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gall...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sue Carlson_ Nordic New Moon_ oil_pencil on linen_Landscape_Minimalism
By Sue Carlson
Located in Darien, CT
Sue Carlson's first artistic training was as a classical musician. European musical language from Baroque to Contemporary is intricate, complex and express...
Canvas, Oil, Color Pencil
Meneses Majorca Coast Spain original watercolor painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
This Catalan painter, settled for years in Mallorca, offers a series of landscapes in which the natural is treated in the impressionist way, with a great force colorist and energetic...
Paper, Watercolor
"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
Original Painting on Panel Titled: "Cream Soda” 35.5 x 48
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Born in Tallahasee Fl, William started his artistic career as a color consultant for his family's Design and Painting company that took on constant projects of custom painted interio...
Acrylic
Coral poppies
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've depicted vibrant coral poppies blooming vigorously against a serene, softly blended background. The contrast between the vivid red hues of the flowers and the ...
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
$1,046Sale Price|37% Off
Houses in Twilight: Expressionist Landscape Oil Painting, c. 1950
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Author: Francisco Salès (Barcelona, 1904 – Paris, 1976) Title: Houses in the Twilight Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 50 x 73 cm (19.7 x 28.7 in) Dimensions with frame: 58 x 81 ...
Oil, Canvas
The Trip -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Oil, Women, Vehicle
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"The Trip" conveys not only the physical journey of the woman on the scooter but also a metaphorical journey of self-discovery and adventure. The painting evokes a sense of wanderlus...
Canvas, Oil
Raventos Citty original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Manhatan 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 Barc...
Acrylic
$2,650
In Between -21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait Painting, Oil, Women Art
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
Riddle 3.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Riddle 3. A modern abstract painting created with drops and splashes of paint that sparkle and shimmer! Colors overlap each other and also match with different spots. Many colored dr...
Acrylic
"Yonder" (2024) by Leigh Ann Van Fossan, Original Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Yonder" is an original acrylic depicting an impressionistic landscape with a stormy blue sky. Van Fossan was born in Vail, Colorado, and began oil painting ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
$1,151
Yesterday, Today II - Expressive Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting, Realism
By Robert Bubel
Located in Salzburg, AT
The painting is signed on the back. The whole artistic output of Robert Bubel centres around subjective emotions and arousing emotion in the beholder. The source of inspiration- tha...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 55
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
$8,450
Sisters' Reunion -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion, Women
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
Daybreak, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Strong morning light intensifies the vivid colors and dramatic contrasts across the trees and foliage, creating a striking visual impact. The tall trunk at the ...
Acrylic
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Still Life with Chess (30% OFF LIST PRICE - LIMITED TIME ONLY)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Title: Still Life with Chess Materials : Oil on Canvas Date : 1960's Dimensions : 42 1/2 x 31 in. In the late 1960's, Daniel Brennan had a day job loading boxcars for Railway Express. During nights, he would go to a coffee house (Lawrence Gallery and Coffee House, at 43rd and Main St., KCMO), to sit and draw before heading home to paint. The gallery owners, Anne and Sidney Lawrence...
Canvas, Paint, 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
$1,250
Afro Crown 2 - 21st Century, Expressionist, Figurative Portrait, Human Hair
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, Acrylic
$4,800
Large Expressionist Acrylic Canvas Painting "Laurelhurst Park" Portland Oregon
Located in Portland, OR
A large Expressionist acrylic on canvas painting by William James ( Jack ) McLarty 1919-2011, the painting signed & titled "Laurelhurst park", 2003. Jack McLarty was very much a key ...
Oil
All Time Adored
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In a realm of canvas and color, Where dreams and emotions unfurl, Lies a masterpiece, captivating and tender, Artistry called "All Time Adored." "All Time Adored," a tribute to prof...
Canvas, Acrylic
Benavente Solis bullfight original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
bullfight original expressionist acrylic painting. Framed During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it like "The Catalan Sorolla". Honorary Member of the MECOA...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,600
Love and Bond 1 - 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
Coral tulips 4
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my passion into capturing the tender beauty and delicate strength of coral tulips. Using rich oil textures, I blended expressionism and realism to evoke warmt...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Agustin Rio, Donas 1.Original crayons paper painting.
By Agustin Rio
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
A. Rio Barcelona .Original gouache paper painting . AGUSTIN RIO ( Barceona 1923 – Barcelona 1997) Formed in Llotja i al Cercle Artístic de Sant Lluc He appeared individually in 195...
Crayon, Cardboard
In Solitude by the Sea, Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas, 2010-
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In solitude by the sea" is an original oil painting on canvas that captures a quiet moment on the beach. Soft brushstrokes and a delicate expression evoke solitude and introspection...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$1,387Sale Price|20% Off
1950's French Expressionist Signed Painting Lady Seated in Chair Harvest Fields
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Harvest View French artist, 'Chevalier' signed and dated 1958 oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 29 x 23.5 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good condit...
Oil
Walk under the street lights
Located in Genève, GE
Work on wood Gray frame Dimensions with frame 40 x 40 x 5.5 cm This painting masterfully captures a nighttime street scene, where passers-by cross a space bathed in the soft glow o...
Oil
Portrait of Young Girl Gouache Painting by Max Moreau, circa 1950
By Max Moreau
Located in Atlanta, GA
1950s Portrait in Gouache by Belgian Artist Max Moreau (1902–1992) A beautifully executed mid-century portrait depicting a young girl with gentle features and a serene expression, ev...
Paper, Gouache
Fantasy with Flowers 59
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
Elevated
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Elevated" by Obiora Anamaleze is a striking and enigmatic artwork that invites viewers into a world of profound symbolism and contemplation. The cent...
Canvas, Oil
$4,350
We Outside 2 (Lagos Baddie Girl) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Sunday in Lagos is a vibrant tapestry of culture, fashion, and social activity, and for a "baddie girl," it’s the perfect day to showcase her unique style and charisma. The city come...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Benavente Solis. Beach. Mallorca- original expressionist watercolor
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Beach. Mallorca- original expressionist watercolor painting. virtual framed Work of the Spanish artist BENAVENTE SOLIS. Watercolor on paper. Perfect state During its first exhib...
Ink, Watercolor
Pond in spring 60X50 oil. Canvas Italy by Caravaggio.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I captured the essence of serenity and growth. Embracing the harmonious dance of light and shadow, I portrayed the irises with an impressionistic touch, evoking...
Canvas, Oil
Expressionist painting by California artist Byron Randall
Located in Colfax, CA
Expressionist painting on paper by California artist Byron Randall. Byron Randall, (1918-1999), was raised in Salem, Oregon, where he worked as a waiter, a harvest hand, a boxer, and...
Paper, Mixed Media
$1,151
Arms like a swan's wings Original impasto Miniature oil painting for living room
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Arms like a swan's wings" captures the ethereal beauty of the Swan Lake Ballet. I poured my passion into this original oil painting, expressing moti...
Canvas, Oil
$1,700Sale 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