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.
Field herbs of Provence 30X40 oil.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
With each brushstroke, I sought to capture the essence of wild, untamed beauty. This piece, alive with color and emotion, embodies the vibrancy found in nature's own canvas. Each pop...
Canvas, Oil
Wild field herbs 40X40 oil painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've sought to capture the raw, untamed beauty of nature through a dance of color and texture. Inspired by expressionism and impressionism, my brushstrokes brea...
Canvas, Oil
Valentine 50X40 oil painting.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this fervent oil painting, I've channeled the vibrancy of passion and the tenderness of affection through a bouquet of luscious tulips cradled in a gleaming red vase. The expressi...
Canvas, Oil
Wildflowers 50X50 oil on canvas
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I aimed to capture the wild, untamed spirit of nature. Each stroke embodies the dance of the breeze through vibrant wildflowers, with expressive colors that e...
Canvas, Oil
Pond 60X40
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've captured the serenity of nature through vibrant hues and emotive brushstrokes. Each petal and leaf carries the essence of impressionist dreams, blending in...
Canvas, Oil
Sunflower 50X40
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've explored the juxtaposition of life's ephemerality and enduring warmth. The sunflower, despite its wilting state, is a vibrant focal point that offers a moment of ...
Canvas, Oil
Carnival Night 70X70
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
Carnival Night Venice, Carnival, masks, ladies in hats, Masquerade! What could be better to be in Venice on a festive Carnival night! Medieval costumes and dresses, beautiful ladies,...
Canvas, Oil
$5,447Sale Price|20% Off
Floating Dreams
Located in Coltishall, GB
’Floating Dreams' is an impressive painting inspired by the North Norfolk Broads and beautiful countryside near to where Rachael lives. Rachael Dalzell’s paintings are colourful and...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
$8,000
"Mossbrae Falls, Dunsmeir, CA" (2012) By Joellyn Duesberry, Oil on Linen
Located in Denver, CO
"Mossbrae Falls, Dunsmeir, CA" (2012) By Joellyn Duesberry is an original handmade oil painting on linen that depicts a waterfall in a lush green landscape. A self-taught landscape ...
Linen, Oil
$819Sale Price|20% Off
1950’s French Expressionist Oil Dusk Landscape House & Bare Trees
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The House amongst Trees French Expressionist painter, mid 20th century oil painting on canvas, unframed painting: 10 x 13 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: o...
Canvas, Oil
"Lovers Point Afternoon" - Impasto Expressionist Vibrant Seascape Oil Painting
Located in Carmel, CA
Natalia Aandewiel (Ukrainian, born 1996) "Lovers Point Afternoon" 2024 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the back of the painting. ...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Shark Attack
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original mixed media acrylic and ink painting by French American artist James Beaudin.
Acrylic, Archival Ink, Panel
Fantasy with Flowers 21
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 41x58cm 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 19
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 18
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 16
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 58x41cm 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
$874Sale Price|20% Off
1950's French Expressionist Oil Green Woodland Forest Landscape Oil on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Green Landscape French School, mid 20th century oil painting on canvas, unframed painting: 9.5 x 12.5 inches condition: overall very good
Canvas, Oil
$10,000
"Trunks" - Original Landscape Painting - Tree Trunks in Vivid Orange Oil Paint
Located in Carmel, CA
David Leviathan (Israeli, born 1964) "Trunks" 2006 Oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the back of the painting. David Leviathan's "Trunks" is a 39" x 45" contemporary landscape abstract that captures the essence of a forest's heart. The canvas is alive with a rich tapestry of autumnal hues, ranging from deep umbers to fiery oranges and subtle golds. Leviathan's technique gives rise to a textured surface that mimics the rugged bark of tree trunks, standing tall amidst a flurry of color. The style is both abstract and suggestive, inviting the viewer to feel the organic growth and the cyclical decay inherent in nature. The painting evokes a sense of resilience and majesty, paying homage to the timeless beauty of the natural world. About the Artist: David Leviathan, born on August 6, 1950, in Kibbutz Givat Brenner, Israel, is a multifaceted Israeli artist whose talents span painting, sculpture, and poetry. After serving in the military, he studied at the Avni Institute of Fine Arts and worked under the guidance of Yehezkel Streichman...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$10,000
"Azure Waltz" - Large Textured Impasto Expressionist Rocky Ocean Seascape
Located in Carmel, CA
Natalia Aandewiel (Ukrainian, born 1996) "Azure Waltz" 2024 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the back of the painting. 'Azure Wal...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
Landscape. Oil on canvas, 48x70 cm
By Arijs Skride
Located in Riga, LV
Arijs Skride (1906.24.IX Madonna parish – 1987.22.XI Riga), painter. Arijs Skride was born into a farmer's family. Wife Gundega Vaska – graphic artist. At the age of 15, he passed ...
Canvas, Oil
Reeds and a transparent pond
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I explored the serene interplay of nature's elements with a tranquil pond as the focal point, where the fluid brush strokes and minimalist approach produce an ether...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Spring morning
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I set out to capture the fleeting beauty of a spring morning. Using expressive brushstrokes and a blend of impressionistic light play, the painting evokes the serene y...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Seeing off the sun
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I endeavored to capture the fleeting beauty of a sunset. The vibrant colors swirling in the sky reflect the depth of emotion felt when day meets night in a glorious...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Marilyn smiles
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This exuberant composition captures a blend of vivid emotions and iconic imagery. Using a vibrant palette of oils, I aimed to evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia, merging abstract and...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Fantasy with Flowers 7
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 54x40cm 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
Woody Blues, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This dramatic coastal scene depicts the mood of summer rains. Wispy grasses stretch across the foreground, while warm tones soften patches of the shore. Above, ...
Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 6
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 5
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 54x40cm 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
Apricity
Located in Deddington, GB
Apricity [2022] original Oil on Canvas Image size: H:76 cm x W:122 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:76 cm x W:122 cm x D:3.5cm Sold Unframed Please note that insitu images are p...
Canvas, Oil
Water lily
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I sought to capture the ethereal blend of nature and the human spirit. Using oil paints, I layered textures and colors to create a surreal, vintage atmosphere where th...
Canvas, Oil
$1,675Sale Price|20% Off
Sunny atumn day. 1978. Oil on cardboard, 68x93 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Edgars Vinters (1919-2014) Edgars Vinters is working in oil, watercolor and monotype techniques. He paints landscapes in different seasons and flowers. In 1970 the significant place...
Oil, Cardboard
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
Spring bouquet. Oil on cardboard, 85 x 74, 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Spring bouquet. Oil on cardboard, 85x74,5 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art,...
Oil, Cardboard
After the rain. Paris. Oil on canvas, 54, 5x80 cm
Located in Riga, LV
After the rain. Paris. Oil on canvas, 54,5x80 cm Street in Paris with people Gennady Bernadsky (1956) - Soviet and Russian artist. Gennady Bernads...
Canvas, Oil
$1,647Sale Price|20% Off
City landscape. Talsi. Cardboard, oil, 52.5x74 cm
Located in Riga, LV
City landscape. Talsi. Cardboard, oil, 52.5x74 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of...
Oil, Cardboard
Green Garden, Janet Keith, Original Abstract Forest Artwork, Affordable Art
By Janet Keith
Located in Deddington, GB
Green Garden by Janet Keith [2020] original acrylic paint on heavy watercolour paper Image size: H:100 cm x W:70 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:100 cm x W:70 cm x D:0.10cm Sol...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
$585
Luisa Holden, Peaceful Day, Original Coastal Paintin, Affordable Art, Art Online
Located in Deddington, GB
Peaceful Day by Luisa Holden [2021] Original Mixed Media on Acrylic Paper Image size: H:27 cm x W:27 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:40.5 cm x W:40.5...
Paper, Mixed Media
$1,694Sale Price|20% Off
Snowy roofs. Oil on canvas, 54 x 73, 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Snowy roofs. Oil on canvas, 54x73,5 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, Sarat...
Oil, Canvas
Welcombe Beach
By Rupert Aker
Located in Deddington, GB
Welcombe Beach by Rupert Aker [2021] original Acrylic on canvas Image size: H:30 cm x W:40 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:30 cm x W:40 cm x D:2cm Frame Size: H:33 cm x W:43 cm...
Canvas, Acrylic
To Be Discovers, from the Wild Woman Series, colorful discoverer exploring
By Janet Morgan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colorful image of the discoverer expanding the universe. This painting is in a series called the Wild Woman which is also printed in a pocket sized book. Watercolor, mixed media, u...
Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper
$3,389Sale Price|20% Off
Haymaking. Oil on canvas, 50x73 cm. Signed
By Arijs Skride
Located in Riga, LV
Arijs Skride (1906.24.IX Madonna parish – 1987.22.XI Riga), painter. Arijs Skride was born into a farmer's family. Wife Gundega Vaska – graphic artist. At the age of 15, he passed ...
Canvas, Oil
$585
Luisa Holden, Autumn Moor Study, Art of Yorkshire Moors, Original Landscape Art
Located in Deddington, GB
Autumn Moor Study by Luisa Holden [2021] Original Mixed Media on Acrylic Paper Image size: H:27 cm x W:27 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:40.5 cm x W...
Mixed Media, Acrylic
White sails
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've captured the serene yet vibrant essence of sailing. The expressive strokes and the blend of Impressionism with a dab of Realism invite you to feel the cool bre...
Canvas, Oil
$3,389Sale Price|20% Off
To nets. 1970's, oil on canvas, 50x73 cm
By Arijs Skride
Located in Riga, LV
Arijs Skride (1906.24.IX Madonna parish – 1987.22.XI Riga), painter. Arijs Skride was born into a farmer's family. Wife Gundega Vaska – graphic artist. At the age of 15, he passed ...
Canvas, Oil
Rosie Copeland, Child's Pose (After the Wave) , Original Nude Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Rosie Copeland Child’s Pose (after The Wave) Original Nude Painting Medium – Oil on board Board Size: H 38cm x W 76cm x D 0.5cm Sold Unframed Please note that in situ images are pure...
Oil, Board
Blonde in Red Swim Suit, Expressionist Watercolor by Charles Levier
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Charles Levier, French (1920 - 2003) Title: Blonde I Year: circa 1960 Medium: Watercolor on paper, signed l.l. Size: 16 x 11 inches Paper Size: 25 x 19.5 in. (63.5 x 49.53 cm)
Watercolor
Zebra in red
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've unleashed a vibrant fusion of reds to capture the raw and wild essence of a zebra. The intense hues symbolize vitality and passion, while the expressive stroke...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Zebra in profile
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this expressionistic oil painting, I captured the intricate lines and soulful demeanor of a zebra, employing a palette that evokes a sense of both vintage and timelessness. With e...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Cap Roux Théoule Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
Located in Miami, FL
Her work with signs, symbols and esoteric spirituality reflects her passion for the ancient past and represents a symbolic return to the ground from which we emerged. Her work creates a commentary about “beginnings” and the transmission of signs and emotions through visual elements evoking a spiritual essence to our scientific notion of etymology. After studying under Rolf Dürig...
Canvas, Oil
$3,954Sale Price|20% Off
Engures seaside. 1983, oil on canvas, 53x71 cm
By Arijs Skride
Located in Riga, LV
Arijs Skride (1906.24.IX Madonna parish – 1987.22.XI Riga), painter. Arijs Skride was born into a farmer's family. Wife Gundega Vaska – graphic artist. At the age of 15, he passed ...
Canvas, Oil
"Midnight Walk", Mixed Media Collage, Expressionist, Unframed, 2010+
By Susan Osborn
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind mixed media collage by southern California artist, Susan Osborn. Its dimensions are 32"x41". It is unframed. A certificate of authenticity will follow deliver...
Mixed Media
Raventos BLUE Big original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
La Santa Espina. original expressionist acrylic painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts i...
Acrylic
Canal in Paris. 1994, canvas, oil, 70x70 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Canal in Paris. 1994, canvas, oil, 70x70 cm Margarita Levin (1945) - artist, teacher of painting. She was born in Russia, lived in Moscow. Graduated from the graphic arts department of the Moscow Polygraphist Institute. In 1964-1967 She studied painting at the studio of the artist Vladimir Weisberg...
Canvas, Oil
$1,656Sale Price|20% Off
Woman with horses. 1974. Cardboard, tempera. 37.8x42cm
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
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
French Mid Century Interior Wood Burner Stove Still Life Oil Painting Framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title French Mid Century Interior Wood Burner Stove Still Life Oil Painting Framed Key Details Artist: French School, mid 20th century, signed Title: Inter...
Oil
$5,447Sale Price|20% Off
Where I dream to be
Located in Coltishall, GB
An impressive and vibrant painting inspired by Rachaels mediterranean travels. It captures the feeling of hot sunny island walks where there is always a beautiful view around every c...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
Mud Pack Mary, humorous character, yellow and greens, social satire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil paint on linen canvas mounted on wood signed and dated on reverse
Linen, Wood, Oil
Raventos Blue Navy Sunrise original abstract mixed media
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original abstract painting. virtual framed RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. ...
Acrylic, Cardboard
Traditional Jazz, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I have always been very impressed by jazz music, it makes me feel good. Jazz is a kind of music in which improvisation is typically an important part. In most jazz performances, pl...
Acrylic
$5,158Sale Price|24% Off
First Blossom
Located in Coltishall, GB
Inspired by Rachaels winter dog walks along the Norfolk Broads with her lovely dog Sandy. Rachael Dalzell's paintings are colourful and expressive. Her free and lively use of paint...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
$2,696Sale Price|20% Off
Pomegranates and Sunshine
Located in Coltishall, GB
Pomegranates and Sunshine was inspired by the warm Mediterannean landscape of Turkey's coast. A floral painting to make you happy. Rachael Dalzell's paintings are colourful and exp...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic