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.
$1,900
Morning (series lotus) - ( 3panel - 65cm x 135cm), Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By LE ANH TUAN
Located in Yardley, PA
I paint the lotus flower early in the morning when the sun has not yet risen and is still covered with mist. Lotus is a pure flower with a very gentle, ethereal fragrance, it is a sy...
Acrylic
Expressionist Fish Still Life Oil on Canvas with Catfish. Russian school
Located in GB
Bold and expressive oil-on-canvas still life depicting a dramatic arrangement of freshly caught fish, including a prominent catfish in the foreground. Executed with energetic impasto...
Canvas, Oil
Raventos Abstract Piano and Sheet Music - original expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Music Piano - original expressionist acrylic canvas painting. framed Original work by RAVENTOS. Musical abstract composition. Perfect state .RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’A...
Canvas, Acrylic
$453Sale Price|20% Off
Gregorio Muñoz Montoro (1906–1978) - Técnica mixta - Interior con figuras
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Firmado en la parte inferior por el artista Medidas obra: 32 cm. de altura x 23 cm. de ancho Medidas marco: 55 cm. de altura x 45 cm. de ancho Se presenta enmarcada la obra con un...
Oil
Climatic Landscape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This painting is part of the artists continual attempt to address the issue of climate change. Lorena Villalobos is among only twenty-six Costa Rican artists listed under the headin...
Acrylic
Falmouth Sunset and St Ives Harbour, Set of 2, Original, Landscape
Located in Deddington, GB
Falmouth Sunset is an Original Oil Painting by Eleanor Woolley. It was Inspired by trips to Falmouth last summer, looking across the estuary at the boats and the dramatic sunset. The...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary abstract interior expressive acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary expressive interior abstract artwork "The rhythm of life" by French artist Natalya Mougenot commands attention with its bold use of color and dynamic brushstrokes. ...
Paper, Acrylic
Gazing Boldly 1 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Men Hat, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Gazing boldly is an act of defiance against the uncertainties of life. It embodies the spirit of facing challenges head-on, with unwavering confidence and clarity. This phrase evokes...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,250
African Beauty -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The beauty of Africa lies in the faces of its people, a beauty that reveals itself to those who take the time to truly see. Through this artwork, I aim to showcase the rich and diver...
Canvas, Acrylic
Oil Painting Titled: Bacall 36 x 36
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Custom framed Christina Major was born in Concord, New Hampshire in 1982. She has lived all over the world including Hawaii, France, New York and more currently Florida. Christina...
Oil
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
"Torch Lily" (2025), Original Impressionist Floral Still-Life Oil Painting
By Jill Soukup
Located in Denver, CO
Jill Soukup's "Torch Lily" (2025) is an original, handmade oil painting on canvas that depicts a colorful expressionist close up of a Torch Lily flower, painted at the '25 Gallery 12...
Oil, Canvas
Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By LE ANH TUAN
Located in Yardley, PA
About the Artwork Peach blossom is the most beautiful and popular flower in the North of Vietnam, loved by many people and displayed during Tet. Peach tree is considered the quin...
Acrylic
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
'Light Keeper' by Masri - Stunning Expressionist Abstract Portrait - Mixed Media
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri (Lebanese-Italian, 1965) 'Light Keeper' 2022 Oil paint, magazine paper, mixed media, canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the painting on the back and bottom left. 'Light ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Magazine Paper, Stretcher Bars
Fast or slow? - Expressive Nature Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Fast or slow? 36.0 x no height information x 1.5, 7.0 lbs Acrylic and oil paint Hand signed by the artist Artist's Commentary: "From the series Time for Questions." About the Art...
Oil, Acrylic
Still Life Tabletop with Fruit
Located in Surfside, FL
This is a bright, colorful oil painting of a table top with fruit. Banana, Pomegranate and glass of water. George Chemeche was born in Israel in 1934 and studied at the Avni Art Sc...
Oil
'Breaking Waves Off Monterey', California Expressionist Oil Seascape, Carmel
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower left "Canete" for Robert Canete (American, born 1948), and painted circa 1990. This Carmel artist first studied with Vincent Rascon in the 1960s and, later, with Dwigh...
Masonite, Oil
"Kiss of Judas"
By Valery Tatar
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The famous Judas kiss scene with a modern twist...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$11,250
"Orange" - Contemporary Figurative Landscape Acrylic Painting in Orange and Blue
Located in Carmel, CA
Maura Petersen (American, born 1956) "Orange" 2021 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom left of the painting. In "Orange," Maura Petersen captures a solita...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
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
$14,000
Girls at the Gate, Oil Painting by Wellington Virgolino de Sousa
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Wellington Virgolino de Sousa, Brazilian (1929 - 1988) Title: Meninas No Portao (Girls at the Gate) Year: 1974 Medium: Oil on board, signed lower Size...
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
$1,170
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
"Under the Water" - Expressionist Figurative Painting of a Woman in Cool Palette
Located in Carmel, CA
Via Li (Chinese, born 1997) "Under the Water" 2022 Acrylic Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the back of the painting. 'Under the Water' by Via Li is a compelling 48" ...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Mini Monstera 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In the realm of vibrant expressions, Italian artist Giuseppe Beddru masterfully brings to life abstracted flora in a spectacular fusion of color and form. The canvas dances with an o...
Mixed Media, Canvas
A warm summer rain Original impasto Miniature oil painting for living room
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"A Warm Summer Rain" captures the essence of a fleeting summer shower, a moment of both melancholy and invigoration. The focal point, a vibrant red umbrella, stands out against a gen...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Fantasy with Flowers 75
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
Fantasy with Flowers 74
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
Fantasy with Flowers 73
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
Fantasy with Flowers 70
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
Fantasy with Flowers 72
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
Fantasy with Flowers 67
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
Fantasy with Flowers 64
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
Fantasy with Flowers 61
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
Iris Field, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic work on archival quality paper. The work would be varnished before being sent. When spring arrives I always end up makig a series of works depicting the blossoming of trees...
Acrylic
Fantasy with Flowers 51
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
Fantasy with Flowers 49
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
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
Fantasy with Flowers 46
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
Fantasy with Flowers 45
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
Fantasy with Flowers 44
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
Fantasy with Flowers 43
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
Balcony, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Acrylic work on archival quality paper. Belongs to an ongoing series on windows. This one representing a summer afternoon in a city. It is hot there is a soft breeze and the light i...
Acrylic
$5,250Sale Price|19% Off
Horse Farmhouse Pink Purple White Mixed Media Painting on Canvas 48 x 36"
By Irena Orlov
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Farmhouse Horse Painting 48 x 36” inches, Mixed Media: Digital, Watercolor, Acrylic, Stucco, Crackle Paste, Gel Medium One-of-a-kind 2019 in Los Angeles SPECIFICATIONS: - Fine art c...
Canvas, Acrylic, Digital, Mixed Media
Fehintola (Water in the Hole) -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Landscape
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 (Issue by ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ogo Enyi (Water in the Hole) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Landscape
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 (Issue by ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Lonely With Thoughts 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women
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 (Issue by ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Lonely With Thoughts 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women
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 (Issue by ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women with Large Afro Hair
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 Emma...
Canvas, Coffee, Mixed Media
Meneses coast original watercolor paper expressionist painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
coast 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 the imp...
Watercolor, Handmade Paper
Falmouth Sunset, Original, Landscape
Located in Deddington, GB
Falmouth Sunset is an Original Oil Painting by Eleanor Woolley. It was Inspired by trips to Falmouth last summer, looking across the estuary at the boats and the dramatic sunset. The...
Canvas, Oil
$5,500
"Burning", Realism Portrait of a Woman with a Soft Gaze, Oil Painting, Signed
Located in Carmel, CA
Rizaldy Celi Jr. (American, Filipino-Vietnamese, born 1983) "Burning" 2025 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the back of the painting. In "Burning", Rizaldy captur...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
"The Glance" - Contemporary Colorful Expressionist Abstract Portrait
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri Hayssam (Lebanese, Italian, born 1965) "The Glance" 2022 Acrylic paint and oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the bottom left of the painting. In "The Glanc...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
'Field of Flowers', Monterey Coast, California Expressionist, Carmel, Stanford
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
'Field of Flowers' by Robert Canete. Monterey Coast, California Expressionist, Carmel, Stanford ----- Signed upper left, 'Canete' for Robert Canete (American, born 1948) and painte...
Oil, Board
Large Figurative Expressionist Oil Painting Rediscovered New York City Artist
Located in Surfside, FL
King and queen with clowns and jesters. Bold, colorful, expressionist masterful painting. Jonah Kinigstein (b. 1923) is an American Postwar & Contemporary painter. He works in a fig...
Oil, Board
$2,850
Kyalli (Glitter) - 21st Century, Expressionist, Figurative Portrait, Oil, Women
By Sayeed Momoh
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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 Sayeed...
Canvas, Oil
$1,800
Gouache Watercolor Painting, Nantucket Harbor Boats American Deaf Modernist Art
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...
Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper
Large Figurative Expressionist Oil Painting Rediscovered New York City Artist
Located in Surfside, FL
Jonah Kinigstein (b. 1923) is an American Postwar & Contemporary painter. He works in a figurative expressionist style. His works are featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum,...
Oil, Board
Her Quest - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Impasto, Woman, Pink, Birds
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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...
Canvas, Acrylic
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...
Oil, Wood Panel