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.
Crepe-Myrtle, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Vivid brushstrokes portray crepe myrtle trees swaying in the wind. As colorful as sugar candies, their flowers and leaves burst like Portuguese confetti under...
Oil
$10,791Sale Price|20% Off
Pastel Still Art
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In creating this piece, I poured my heart into capturing the sublime dance between light and shadow, using oil to meld expressionism with a touch of impressionistic flair. The soft ...
Canvas, Oil
Expressionist Oil Painting of a Swirling Bouquet of Flowers
By Paul Mathey
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Molded frame in gilded wood Dimensions with frame : 69.5 x 61.5 x 7 cm This artistic work stands out for its boldness and striking texture. The painting features a co...
Oil
Autumn Closing In, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles presents an expressionist landscape shifting as autumn approaches. The green leaves turn a fiery red as the season changes. George paint...
Oil
Evening colors by the river
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I sought to capture the tranquil yet vibrant essence of nature's beauty. Melding impressionism with touches of realism, I've layered texture and color to evoke...
Canvas, Oil
Bridge at Sundown, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A railroad bridge in New England glows beneath the late afternoon sun in this expressionist painting. Vibrant reds, oranges, violets, and blues create bold cont...
Acrylic
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
Mid Century Expressionist European Nighttime Steet Scene
Located in Surfside, FL
Moody, Expressive European oil painting. signed illegibly lower right. it looks to be German or Austrian.
Oil, Board
"Henri Matisse bus"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A series of abstract paintings. I like to paint instinctively, without thinking about what I'm doing. These paintings are filled only with feelings and emotions. The painting...
Oil
$231Sale Price|20% Off
Surreal Female Portrait With Pocket Knife Night Character Mixed Media Art
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Surreal woman portrait holding a pocket knife, combining folk character painting, humor and psychological storytelling. Navajita is a mixed media portrait by Inés Silvalde from her ...
Oil, Acrylic, Canvas
$2,080
Flowers in a Vase Still Life Floral Expressionist French School in Frame
By Eller (Lucien Roudier)
Located in Pistoia, IT
Bright and sophisticated, this "Flower Vase with Anemones" signed work by French painter expressionist Lucien Roudier known as Eller (1894-1940). Fine Arts export certificate avail...
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
Screen Time, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The artwork offers a glimpse of a peaceful summer day at the beach. The tranquil sea stretches into the distance, while the sandy, pink shore gradually transi...
Oil
Snow path 40X40
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my oil painting, I sought to capture the serene essence of a winter's journey. I employed a blend of expressionism and impressionism to convey the chill and introspection that sno...
Canvas, Oil
"Blue nude" 1953 Oil cm. 50 x 60
Located in Torino, IT
Blue Nude, 1953 Oil on canvas Signed and dated upper right Edgardo CORBELLI (Turin, 1918 - 1989) From the traditional composition of the 1930s, the painting of Corbelli leads to tec...
Canvas, Oil
Sue Carlson_Untitled_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
$4,395
Antique American Expressionist Oil & Gouache Painting of Ibiza Martin Baer 1935
By Martin Baer
Located in Portland, OR
Antique Expressionist Painting of Ibiza by the American Artist Martin Baer (1894-1961), 1935. Baer was born in Chicago and early in his career worked in Germany, North Africa, and Pa...
Oil, Watercolor, Gouache
$750
Lakeside Reflection, Original Painting on Board, Signed, 20 x 24 in. Framed
Located in Aventura, FL
Original oil painting on board. Hand signed lower front by Thomas Kerry. Artwork size: 16 x 20 inches. Frame size: 20 x 24 inches. Artwork is in excel...
Oil, Board
Woven Identities 9 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Woven Identities 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
'Fishermen's Shacks, Old Monterey', California Expressionist, Stanford, Carmel
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Canete' for Robert Canete (American, born 1948) and painted circa 2000. This noted Carmel artist studied with Vincent Rascon in the 1960's and later with Dwight...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Oil
$1,017Sale 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
$1,941
The one inside. Self awareness, yoga, mindfulness, warm colors, man and a bird
Located in Oslo, NO
The painting "The One Inside" from the Alter Ego series, shows a man with a bird beside him and a strange creature emerging from his chest. The scene is quiet but tense, with soft, ...
Canvas, Oil
Balaguer 288 Car Races Jacky Ickx Le Mans 1969 Ford GT40 original painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
BALAGUER , Alex ( Barcelona 1968 ) During early childhood, Àlex Balaguer began to sketch motorcars symbolic of Maranello’s trademark vehicle. Self-taught in the art world, Balaguer d...
Canvas, Oil
Spectacle, year 2002, 26"x32" oil on canvas, framed size 36x42 in.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
The painting sizes are 26x32 in. with framed sizes are 36x42 inches. The composition from Mysterious Theater series, Robert Elibekian specialized in ...
Oil
September, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
September flourishes at its peak, with trees painted in vibrant autumn hues. A field of grass wraps around the foreground, with a small patch illuminated by s...
Oil
Giulia (The Good Mother)
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oil on Canvas
Oil
$450
Blue Testament 5 -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, Oil, Acrylic
$450
Blue Testament 4 -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, Oil, Acrylic
$450
Blue Testament 1 -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, Oil, Acrylic
Carefree Day, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cluster of trees stands in the middle of a vast field, their canopies merging to create a unified presence. Against the coolness of the blue sky, the orange...
Oil
Family Tree, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A colorful tree stands alone in an open field under a clear blue sky. The orange, yellow, and red leaves create a focal point against the soft, expansive back...
Oil
Summer, Impressionist Portrait Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2019
Located in Edinburgh, GB
“Summer” The painting “Summer” opens before the viewer a scene from life, full of light, harmony, and warmth. The artist Oleksandr Khrapachov has masterfully depicted a traditional U...
Canvas, Oil
St Pauls & Spanish Steps, Diptych, Original, Cityscape, contemporary
Located in Deddington, GB
St Pauls is an Original Oil Painting by Eleanor Woolley. Inspired by a particularly wonderful trip down the Thames, this painting shows the view of Saint Pauls from Bankside. The tim...
Canvas, Oil
Autumn Breeze, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A group of trees stands close together, their autumn-tinted canopies blending into one. Their hazy surroundings mirror the softness of the cloud above. In the...
Oil
Total Beach, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Whispy grasses sway in the foreground, leading the viewer's eye to a calm ocean horizon. Soft pastel hues with earthy tones paint...
Oil
Ecstatic Fatigue, abstracted female figure, nude
By Tom Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil on board. Abstracted, expressionist, figurative. Cool and warm greys with heightened color.
Oil, Board
$416Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary expressionist dog's portrait animal painting canvas "Charming Blue"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Charming Blue” is a playful yet soulful portrait from French artist Natalya Mougenot’s ongoing series dedicated to dogs, celebrating the profound bond we share with these true frien...
Acrylic, Canvas
Benaavente Solis. home. field. poppies. Mallorca- original expressionist
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
home. field. poppies. Mallorca- original expressionist watercolor painting virtual frame Work of the Spanish artist BENAVENTE SOLIS. Watercolor on paper. Perfect state During its...
Watercolor
Meneses coast. Marine. original watercolor paper expressionist
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Majorca II original watercolor paper expressionist painting. This Catalan painter, settled for years in Mallorca, offers a series of landscapes in which the natural is treated in th...
Watercolor
Alfonsas Dargis "The Old Country"
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alfonsas Dargis:1909-1996. Listed artist who was born in Lithuania and emigrated to the Rochchester N.Y. area in 1951. He has auction results up to ? $1700 but has sold for much high...
Oil
Angel Watches Over Them Expressionist Oil On Wood Panel, signed 1977
By Purvis Young
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Angel Watches Over Them 1977 Oil on wood panel artist signed. This is a wonderful, example of early Purvis work, signed user right. Purvis Young (1943-2010) was an American artist fr...
Wood Panel, Oil
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
Iroko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism, Modern, Interior
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
$650
Red Blossom - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism, Modern
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
Siblings 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Modern, Interior
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
The Pond, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Four key elements define the composition. The expansive sky, the horizon with hazy tree silhouettes, the colorful orchard, and the chilly pond form a captivat...
Oil
Ocean Meets the Shore
Located in Boston, MA
"Ocean Meets the Shore" is a stunning example of the complexities of Michael Azgour's paintings. The artist carefully builds his pigments, allowing for glimpses into the numerous lay...
Acrylic
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
"Barbara" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
"Barbara" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Bold abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). Titled "Barbara" per...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
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
View from Edge of the Severn Vale
Located in Deddington, GB
View from Edge of the Severn Vale is an Original Painting by Eleanor Woolley. The huge Valley sweeps down towards the River Severn, its flash of white reflection in the distance. The...
Oil, Board
$924Sale 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...
Oil, Panel
$3,800Sale Price|41% Off
Invocation
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original oil on canvas (shaped diptych) measuring 60 3/4″ X 156″ by American contemporary artist Mark Lavatelli. Mark Lavatelli is a Western New York painter, educator, and fre...
Canvas, Oil
$231Sale Price|20% Off
Expressionist Female Portrait Applying Lipstick Figurative Oil on Canvas
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Expressionist female portrait depicting a woman applying lipstick, combining bold color, figurative distortion and themes of self-image, spectatorship and identity. You Can Look is ...
Oil, Canvas
Original Painting on Panel Assemblage Titled: "Beer 30” 9.75 x 38
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
$7,500
Original Painting on Panel Titled: "More Distractions” 49.25 x 64.75
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
Bradley Chance Hays "Sprint to Victory" Colorful Abstract Equine Horse Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
"Sprint to Victory" is a 48x24 original oil painting by Bradley Chance Hays. This is a modern expressive bright and colorful painting of a front on view of a racehorse and jockey in...
Canvas, Oil
'Three Flower Pots', California Expressionist Oil, Stanford, Carmel
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Canete' for Robert Canete (American, born 1948) and painted circa 2000. This Carmel artist studied with Vincent Rascon in the 1960's and later with Dwight Mille...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Oil
Sue Carlson_ Indigo Pre-Dawn_ 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
$6,935
Les Champs III, Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas. 130cm x 130cm.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A large contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed and dated to the back. Inspired by the wonderful countryside su...
Acrylic