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.
$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
Elderly Rabbi 20th Century Judaica Portrait
Located in Surfside, FL
The artist depicts the portrait of an older Rabbi from a profile view in the manner of Samuel Rothbort. The artist's brush work is expressive, while the subject matter has a high deg...
Canvas, Oil
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century Modern Abstract Urban Painting by Henriette Stolz, Cityscape
Located in Denver, CO
This dramatic mid-century abstract cityscape by American modernist Henriette “Yetti” Stolz (20th century) showcases her bold interpretation of urban energy and architectural form. Pa...
Oil, Putty
$357
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
Far in Mind, female nude colorful reclining direct gaze
By Tom Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An expressionist, colorful and direct oil painting of a nude female figure, strecthing back against an an abstract background. Aesthetically sensuous with active brushstrokes applie...
Oil, Board
Nascent Stream Wappinger Creek
Located in Buffalo, NY
A contemporary abstract expressionist acrylic painting by American female artist Rebecca Allan.
Canvas, Acrylic
trees landscape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
, old foliage of the trees, on the hillside, brilliant rays of five colors In this piece, I embraced nature's renewal, channeling the vibrant vitality of spring through my bru...
Acrylic
Mid Century Italian Abstract Figural Oil Painting by Lazzaro Donati
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty vintage Italian oil painting on canvas of a mysterious abstract portrait executed in an expressionist impasto technique. Signed Donati in the lower right and presented in a woo...
Canvas, Oil
Michaelmas daisy
Located in Coltishall, GB
Michaelmas daisy is an explosion of color and energy, showcasing a mesmerizing floral composition. Dominating the foreground are bold, purple flowers that draw the eye with their int...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
Spindle and clover
Located in Coltishall, GB
Spindle and clover bursts with energy, showcasing a lush, abstract floral scene. Rachael skillfully blends soft, swirling strokes with more defined, bold accents, creating a sense of...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
Rose hip and cosmos
Located in Coltishall, GB
Rose hip and clover bursts with an explosion of floral energy. A rich tapestry of blooming flowers dominates the scene, painted with a vivid palette ranging from deep magenta and ele...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
Echinacea and clover
Located in Coltishall, GB
Echinacea and clover explodes with a kaleidoscope of colours, capturing the essence of a lush, imaginative garden. Delicate bubbles interspersed throughout bring a sense of whimsy an...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
Mirage Potentiality
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oil
Oil
Chassidic Rabbi, Judaica Expressionist Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
In this painting, Nussbaum depicts a Rabbi as his subject; a recurrent figure in his body of work. The artist uses gestural marks and vibrant blue colors in this composition. Nussba...
Gouache
$476Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Oil, Cardboard
"Leaning Flowers, " Double-sided Acrylic & Watercolor by Reginald K. Gee
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Leaning Flowers" is an original watercolor and acrylic painting by Reginald K. Gee. It depicts a bouquet of yellow, purple, red, and teal flowers. This pi...
Acrylic, Watercolor
Berkeley School -- Male Dancer Figurative
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderful figurative of male ballet dancers by Patricia Gren Hayes (American, 20th Century), 1980. Signed, titled and dated on verso. Presented in rustic w...
Canvas, 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
$1,334Sale Price|20% Off
Berries. 2016, oil on canvas, 46.5x55 cm
By Igor Maikov
Located in Riga, LV
Igor Maikov (1966) Education: 1981 - 1984 The Art Academy of Latvia 1973 - 1983 Salaspils Primary and Secondary School Exhibitions: 1994 - Group Exhibition «Rol-Art», Latvia ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,344Sale Price|20% Off
Old town. 2009, oil on canvas, 80x60 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Old town. 2009, oil on canvas, 80x60 cm Sergey Inkatov Was born: 13.09.1971 in Baku. Painter Sergey Inkatov belongs to young generation of artists of Estonia. He was born in Baku...
Canvas, Oil
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
My Reflection - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Floral, Women, 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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic, Ballpoint Pen
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
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
Self Portrait, Expressionist Figurative Portrait by Philadelphia Artist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Self Portrait" is a painting by Philadelphia born Expressionist painter Bernard Harmon. The 47" x 28.5" oil on canvas portrait features Harmon at a young age of about 25 years old. ...
Canvas, Oil
Trumpet-Original Oil on Unstretched Canvas, Signed by Artist
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Original Oil on Unstretched Canvas. Image-25 x 20.25 in; with unstretched canvas border-27.25 x 23 in. Signed by Artist. Excellent/Good Condition.
Oil
Couple Dancing at Sunset - Bay Area Figurative School
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderfully expressive Bay Area Figurative School piece featuring a silhouette of a couple in a dynamic and colorful sunset landscape scene ...
Oil, Linen
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Somebody Call Me - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Expressionism, 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 Oso...
Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer
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
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Women in Purple and Shadow - Figurative Composition in Acrylic on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Nun in the Shadows - Figurative Composition in Acrylic on Paper A dark abstracted portrait by California-based artist, Ricardo de Silva (American/Brazil, 20th C). This piece is abst...
Paper, Mixed Media, 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
Bradley Chance Hays, "Noble Gaze" Modern Ink Watercolor Horse Equine Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
"Noble" is a 29.5x21.5 (framed dimensions) 21 x 15 (unframed dimensions) original a watercolor mixed media ink painting by Bradley Chance Hays. A watercolor portrait of a horse, pai...
Ink, Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Watercolor
$2,000
Fermata Bus - Bus Stop, Urban Art, Narrative Painting, Red Bus, Collage
Located in New York, NY
Giuseppe Ragazzini’s Fermata Bus captures the fleeting and often surreal nature of urban life through a masterful blend of hand-drawn elements and collage. The central figure, semi-t...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,715Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled. 1990. Cardboard, tempera. 50.5x39.8cm
Located in Riga, LV
Vladimir Glushenkov (1948-2009) (May 21, 1948, Riga - December 26, 2009, Riga) - painter, graphic artist, poet, translator. Vladimir Glushkenkov was born in family with Russian-Poli...
Tempera, Cardboard
Untitled
Located in San Francisco, CA
This expressive, figurative portrait is by Cliffton Peacock (1953- 2024). The painting measures 40 x 34 inches (42 x 36 inches framed.) It is composed of oil on canvas. The painting ...
Canvas, Oil
$6,500
Kathleen Vance, Newtown Creek Triptych, 2017, Gesso, Ink, Acrylic Paint, Wood
Located in Darien, CT
Kathleen Vance explores environmental issues such as water conservation and protection through positive stewardship of the land. She looks to convey an appreciation of nature and tra...
Gesso, Ink, Acrylic, Wood Panel
$11,250
"Westside Cafe" - Colorful Expressionist Sunlit Cafe Scene Acrylic Painting
Located in Carmel, CA
Maura Petersen (American, born 1956) "Westside Cafe" 2025 Acrylic Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom right of the painting. In "Westside Cafe", Maura Peterse...
Acrylic, Canvas, Stretcher Bars
Research & Development Figural 1 & 2
By Bruce Adams
Located in Buffalo, NY
A pair of paintings by American contemporary artist Bruce Adams. Art is the R&D for culture. Artists Conduct the R&D for society. In the late twentieth century painting was rejec...
Acrylic, Canvas
Small Expressionist Clown Portrait #2, 1960s
Located in Soquel, CA
Small and colorful expressionist portrait of a clown by Marjorie Blake (American, 1920-1994). Signed "M. Blake" in the lower right corner. Dated "1969" ...
Masonite, Oil
Diminutive Mid Century Expressionist Clown Portrait #1
Located in Soquel, CA
Small portrait of a clown with colorful, expressionist brushstrokes by Marjorie Blake (American, 1920-1994). Signed "M. Blake" in the lower right corner...
Masonite, Oil
I. Mundo Sitges. Barcelona. vertical. original watercolor painting
By Ignasi Mundó
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
SITGES. Barcelona original watercolor painting. MUNDO Ignasi Ignasi Mundó trained at the School of La Lonja, with Joaquín Mir, Mariano Pidelaserra and Manolo Hugué. In 1945 he rece...
Paper, Watercolor
Original Painting on Panel Titled: "Parts of Three Flowers" 41 1/4 x 29 x 2
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
$2,700
Agres
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Enigmatic outsider surrealist work by Australian artist Airom
Oil
"Untitled Female" Clothed Female Figure, Bright Colors, Detroit Symbols
Located in Detroit, MI
“Untitled Female" is a colorful piece by Richard Wilson that has meaning for native Detroiters through use of the blues and oranges - their "Tiger" baseball team's colors and the "D"...
Canvas, Acrylic
$675Sale Price|77% Off
Man Portrait
By Ann Singer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
ANN SINGER "MAN PORTRAIT" ACRYLIS ON CANVAS, SIGNED CZECH, DATED 1983 35 X 29 INCHES Plus frame
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
"Takla Bey's Garden in Alese" - Expressionist Landscape
By Gloria Takla
Located in Soquel, CA
Vibrant depiction of an interior garden by Gloria Takla (American/German, b. 1940). Composed of saturated colors, this piece shows a simple snapshot of a palm tree framed by a bright pink wall. The palm is planted in an enclosed area of blue, set in the yellow ground. The tree is framed by an opening in the wall, with decorative elements on either side. Signed in the lower middle. Signed and titled on verso. No frame. Canvas size 36"H x 36"W Gloria Lerch-Takla (German, b. 1940) was born in Berlin and began her art education at night school there. Later she studied art at Western Wyoming College, the University of Alberta in Canada, and Roane State University in Tennessee. She also was a master class student of Hassel Smith at the College of Notre Dame (now Notre Dame de Namur University) in Belmont. A San Mateo resident, Takla often paints outdoors around the Bay Area, both along the coast and in city locations. Selected Exhibitions: 1983 - P.ART.A Galleries, San Mateo, CA 1985 - Oak Ridge Community Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN 1990 - Center for Integrated Systems, Stanford, CA 1998 - “Chroma” Two-Woman Exhibit - Gallery House, Palo Alto, CA 2005 - “Lieder in Color” - Gallery House, Palo Alto, CA Artist’s Statement: “As I have been traveling extensively, my subject matters are all unfolding like a picture book; special moments, views bypassing, caught by my eye from a car window, discarded or stored for later evaluation. I paint the past - events that I have lived through and places I have seen. I experience them first, then at a later time reflect on them, feel them through, then my interpretations of events and impressions are put on canvas.” "I paint in the German Expressionism style...
Canvas, Oil
"Sycamores at Sunset" - Post-Impressionist Yellow Trees Woodland Landscape
Located in Carmel, CA
Penny Whent (American, born 1949) "Sycamores at Sunset" 2024 Acrylic Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom left of the painting. “Sycamores at Sunset” by Penny ...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$422Sale Price|20% Off
Colourful Abstract, French Expressionist Original Painting
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolour/ crayon, signed size: 5.75 x 8.75 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ Fre...
Acrylic
$543Sale Price|20% Off
Figure on Sandy Beach Boat & Dog, French Expressionist Original Painting
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolour/ gouache painting size: 7.5 x 11 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ Frenc...
Acrylic
$313Sale Price|20% Off
Colourful Abstract Portrait, French Expressionist Original Painting
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolour / gouache size: 11 x 7.5 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ French painte...
Acrylic
$356Sale Price|20% Off
Colourful Abstract, French Expressionist Original Painting Farm Buildings
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolour/gouache painting size: 7.5 x 11 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ French...
Acrylic
$274Sale 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 lower corner signed and stamped verso with catalogue number photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed overall paper: 25.5 x 20 in...
Acrylic
Mid Century Yosemite Park in Winter Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Unique Yosemite Park Valley in winter mountain and lake scene by listed California artist Vladimir Shkurkin (American, 1900-1990). Circa 1950's. Signed "...
Canvas, Oil
Modern Liberty, Large-Scale Rainbow Abstract Expressionism
By D.S. Silver
Located in Soquel, CA
Bold, bright, and colorful, this large-scale abstract expressionist piece by D.S. Silver, a San Francisco, California bay area abstract expressionist, explores abstracted modern liberty. A high voltage color palette combined with bold and energetic abstract brushstrokes splashed across the huge canvas...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Figurative Acrylic Canvas Painting American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind acrylic expressionist canvas painting by Linda Coppola.
Canvas, Acrylic
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Jungle Panorama, Contemporary Expressionist Horizontal Landscape with Trees
Located in Soquel, CA
A lush, jungle setting bursting with plant life is depicted in panoramic view, in this horizontal botanical landscape by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957), c.1990s....
Canvas, Oil
Falling Together, Large-Scale Contemporary Multi-Color Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Falling Together, Large-Scale Contemporary Multi-Color Abstract Beautiful and compelling large-scale contemporary abstract by an unknown San Francisco bay area artist (American, 20t...
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) Enzo Faraoni is a great painter and engraver from Florence; he expresses the poe...
Wood, Oil
$476
Abstract Expressionist spiritual acrylic painting on paper " When Angels Near"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This semi-abstract expressive spiritual piece "When Angels Near' was created by the French artist Natalya Mougenot, who delves into the theme of spirituality with a profound sense of...
Paper, Acrylic