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Expressionist Paintings

EXPRESSIONIST STYLE

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.

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Style: Expressionist
Benavente Solís  Landscape - original expressionist
Benavente Solís  Landscape - original expressionist

Benavente Solís Landscape - original expressionist

By Benavente Solis

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

Landscape original expressionist painting. frame Work of the Spanish artist BENAVENTE SOLIS. Perfect state . During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it lik...

Category

1990s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

¨Topiaria¨. Expressionist colorful garden. Big format Oil on canvas
¨Topiaria¨. Expressionist colorful garden. Big format Oil on canvas

¨Topiaria¨. Expressionist colorful garden. Big format Oil on canvas

By Chico Montilla

Located in Segovia, ES

Topiaria. Big format Oil on canvas Beautiful garden by Chico Montilla. Measurements: (H) 130 x (W) 195 x 3 cm. Framed 142 x 207 x 5 cm. Colorful expressionist view of a garden with plants that have been given artistic form through the topiary art...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Quiet Strength 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Oil, Modern, Fashion

Quiet Strength 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Oil, Modern, Fashion

By Afolayan Emmanuel

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large Vintage Expressionist Landscape Original Oil Painting
Large Vintage Expressionist Landscape Original Oil Painting

Large Vintage Expressionist Landscape Original Oil Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

A gorgeous bright green expressionist landscape by Carl Ashby. From the collection of renowned painter Steve Wheeler. Nicely framed in a gold and black wooden floater frame. Measurin...

Category

20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Fantasy with Flowers 25
Fantasy with Flowers 25

Fantasy with Flowers 25

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 ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

Lily pond
Lily pond

Lily pond

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In crafting this tranquil scene, I've poured my soul into the serene play of light and reflections, seeking to capture the pond’s subtle dance of water and lily pads. My use of oils ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Afternoon Colors, Oil Painting
Afternoon Colors, Oil Painting

Afternoon Colors, Oil Painting

By James Hartman

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A path leads to Mt. Diablo in this Fauvist landscape. Artist James Hartman used thick layers of oil paint to create an expressive and textured outdoor scene. In...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Patrick Boudon. Inner Family.  Post-war Expressionism. 1970s.
Patrick Boudon. Inner Family.  Post-war Expressionism. 1970s.

Patrick Boudon. Inner Family. Post-war Expressionism. 1970s.

By Patrick Boudon

Located in Firenze, IT

Patrick Boudon. Inner Family. Post-war Expressionism. 1970s. Patrick Boudon. Art Informel. Ecole de Paris. Technique: oil on cardboard. This painting by Patrick Boudon from the 197...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women
One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women

One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women

By Elijah Olanase

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Sometimes, our thoughts can be the enemy. We need to be careful about our thoughts because we can lose ourselves. Life can be tough, filled with challenges and difficulties, but it's...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Woven Identities 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa

Woven Identities 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa

By Faith Gbadero

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Woven Identities is a body of work that explores the intersection of indigenous African heritage and modern global culture. In these paintings, I focus on hairstyle, tribal marks, dr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

The Secret in Her Eyes, Romantic Realism Oil on Canvas Painting, 1980s
The Secret in Her Eyes, Romantic Realism Oil on Canvas Painting, 1980s

The Secret in Her Eyes, Romantic Realism Oil on Canvas Painting, 1980s

By Rosendo Gonzalez Carbonell

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Technical Sheet - Title: *The Secret in Her Eyes* - Artist: Rosendo González Carbonell - Technique: Oil on canvas - Dimensions: 24 x 20 inches - Framing: Unframed - Style: Romantic realism...

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Siblings 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Modern, Interior

Siblings 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Modern, Interior

By Achike Miracle Anayo

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

By Bernard Herzog

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 unique ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Photographic Film, Magazine Paper

Abstract III, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Abstract III, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Abstract III, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Ludmila Budanov

Located in Yardley, PA

New work by Ludmila in abstract style. The artist works in two styles - the first is more feminine, with smooth lines reminiscent of underwater plants, and the second is completely o...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Displaced Beauty - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman
Displaced Beauty - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman

Displaced Beauty - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Displaced Beauty challenges the shifting standards of beauty shaped by social media and societal expectations. The figure stands as a quiet resistance, embracing natural African feat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Don't Rush Life 3 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Men
Don't Rush Life 3 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Men

Don't Rush Life 3 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Men

By Elijah Olanase

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Where am from Bandana was once a common style, we called it Big Boy Style, then it's seem to me like a style or fashion only, because our elder brothers only allowed to used it but n...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

The Park, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1920s, 66 cm
The Park, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1920s, 66 cm

The Park, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1920s, 66 cm

Located in London, GB

'The Park', oil on canvas, by M. Phidias (circa 1920s). Painted using this artist's trademark impasto, the effect is to add depth and texture to the exuberant display of hues and ref...

Category

1920s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

St Tropez on the French Riviera, Oil on Board Painting by Ramon Dilley
St Tropez on the French Riviera, Oil on Board Painting by Ramon Dilley

St Tropez on the French Riviera, Oil on Board Painting by Ramon Dilley

Located in Atlanta, GA

Ramon Dilley — Coastal View of Saint‑Tropez, Oil on Board Painting, 1985 A vibrant and atmospheric oil on board painting by Ramon Dilley (French, 1932–2020), capturing the luminous charm of Saint‑Tropez with the artist's signature blend of color, rhythm, and Mediterranean warmth. The composition unfolds across a hillside of red‑roofed houses descending toward the harbor, where sailboats rest against a backdrop of rolling hills and expressive skies. Dilley's confident brushwork and saturated palette infuse the scene with movement and sunlit vitality. The painting is presented in its original Montparnasse‑style gilded wood frame, richly carved and perfectly suited to the work's spirited Provençal character. The reverse bears the handwritten inscription "St‑Tropez, rue de la Citadelle, 6/1/85", anchoring the piece to a precise moment and place in the artist's career. A compelling addition for collectors of French modern painting and Mediterranean landscapes, this piece offers both decorative appeal and strong provenance. A highly decorative and collectible artwork for interiors seeking French Riviera charm, vintage coastal art...

Category

20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Board, Oil

Fractured Innocence - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa

Fractured Innocence - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa

By Olajide Kuti

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 Ola...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Farmers and Horses with Carts, Oil on Cardboard, Framed, 20th Century
Farmers and Horses with Carts, Oil on Cardboard, Framed, 20th Century

Farmers and Horses with Carts, Oil on Cardboard, Framed, 20th Century

Located in Genève, GE

Work on cardboard signed Golden wooden frame Dimension with frame : 66.5 x 76.5 x 4.5 cm This captivating work depicts a lively rural scene with three figures mounted on horses, in f...

Category

20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Perfect Duet -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral Mixed Media
Perfect Duet -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral Mixed Media

Perfect Duet -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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Resilience - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Africa
Resilience - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Africa

Resilience - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Africa

By Esther Obiwuru

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Vibrant Bowl of Cherries Oil Painting by Pierre Jerome
Vibrant Bowl of Cherries Oil Painting by Pierre Jerome

Vibrant Bowl of Cherries Oil Painting by Pierre Jerome

By Pierre Jerome

Located in Surfside, FL

approximate image size 13 3/4'' x 10 1/2'', frame size 22'' x 19''. Pierre Jerome French 1905-1982 During his 50+ year career as an artist, he won several major awards, including a...

Category

20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Amedee de La PATELLIERE, Eclipse with 4 Characters, 1928
Amedee de La PATELLIERE, Eclipse with 4 Characters, 1928

Amedee de La PATELLIERE, Eclipse with 4 Characters, 1928

Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR

Oil on canvas by Amedee de La PATELLIERE, France, 1928. Eclipse with four characters. With frame: 63x54 cm - 24.8x21.25 inches ; without frame: 41x33 cm - 16.15x13 inches. Format 6F....

Category

1920s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Haystacks  in Nordmany

Haystacks in Nordmany

By Bernard Buffet

Located in New York, NY

This is a period when the artist saw the light differently and the journey all started in 1971. Bernard Buffet, the artist, was searching for subjects, looking to paint what he saw j...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fantasy with Flowers 54
Fantasy with Flowers 54

Fantasy with Flowers 54

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 ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

Collioure, a Mediterranean Street Scene and the Church of Notre Dame des Anges
Collioure, a Mediterranean Street Scene and the Church of Notre Dame des Anges

Collioure, a Mediterranean Street Scene and the Church of Notre Dame des Anges

Located in Cotignac, FR

Early 20th Century oil on canvas view of Collioure in the south of France, home to the Fauvists. The painting is initial signed E.L.Y bottom right (as yet undeciphered). The location...

Category

Early 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Gouache Watercolor Painting, Nantucket Harbor Boats American Deaf Modernist Art
Gouache Watercolor Painting, Nantucket Harbor Boats American Deaf Modernist Art

Gouache Watercolor Painting, Nantucket Harbor Boats American Deaf Modernist Art

By Robert Freiman

Located in Surfside, FL

Abstract harbor scene with boats, in bold, vivid colors on heavy mould made paper. Hand signed and dated, 1980 22 X 30 not frame Robert Freiman, deaf from birth, was born in March 1917 in New York City. He attended an oral program near his home and later transferred to the Lexington School for the Deaf when he was six. Early in his childhood, his love for drawing, painting and studying became apparent, and as an adult, he continued his studies in New York at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League and the Parsons School of Design. In Paris, France he studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Bob Freiman was especially focused on painting portraits and figures in motion in various mediums, especially the mixed-media combination of watercolor, acrylic and pen. Among his subjects were acrobats, ballet dancers, cyclists and other athletes. He as well focused on abstracts for a time, discovering new media in his works with quick brushwork and expressive movements. In the latter part of his career, his style became abstract and surreal with images of metaphysical landscapes with architectural elements such as arches, towers, pyramids and castles floating in the air. The famed art critic Pierre Rouve wrote: “It is therefore refreshing to see them revitalized by the colourist wealth and virile handwriting of Robert Freiman, probably the best American water-colorist since John Marin. He worked in Provincetown and Nantucket and regularly exhibited there. He showed at Doll & Richards gallery of Boston alongside John Chetcuti, Lloyd Goodrich, Tod Lindenmuth, William Meyerowitz, Dwight Shepler...

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper

North West. Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea and sky Turner influence.
North West. Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea and sky Turner influence.

North West. Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea and sky Turner influence.

By Richard K Blades

Located in Coltishall, GB

North West - a tumultuous seascape beneath a dramatic sky. Blades' textured brushstrokes that merge shades of deep indigo and soft pink, suggest an impending storm. The transition fr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Expressionist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Iryna Kastsova, Maria Asuncion Raventos, Masri Hayssam, and Evelyne Ballestra. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Expressionist paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.