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.
$403Sale Price|20% Off
In a small town. 1969, paper, watercolor, 36x48 cm
By Dzidra Bauma
Located in Riga, LV
In a small town. 1969, paper, watercolor, 36x48 cm Dzidra Bauma (1930) Dzidra Bauma works in watercolor technique. She paint figural compositions, portraits, landscapes, flowers an...
Paper, Watercolor
$2,567Sale 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
Venetian Gondolas 1
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I captured the serene beauty of gondolas resting on the shimmering Venetian waters. Through vibrant blues and gentle reflections, I expressed a peaceful yet lively ...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Heaven Touches Kawela, Oil Painting
By Lisa Crosby
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Mountains rise from shifting seas in this abstract landscape, where color and form balance chaos and serenity. Layers of oil and mediums build a rich surface th...
Oil
Heaven Touches Kawela: 2, Oil Painting
By Lisa Crosby
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this abstract landscape, mountains rise from the sea beneath a restless sky. Colors shift between calm and chaos, echoing both serenity and storm. Bold brush...
Oil
SAKURA - Cherry blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Hoang Phuong
Located in Yardley, PA
Cherry blossoms are very loved by the Japanese people, so in fact they exist as a symbol and the national flower of Japan. For the Japanese, Sakura zensen symbolizes beauty, fragilit...
Acrylic
$1,527
Colourful day at Trevaunance, Seascape and Coastal painting, Beach House Art
Located in Deddington, GB
A colourful oil painting depicting a view at trevaunance cove in North Cornwall on a bright summers day. The paint is applied thickly with a palette knife giving life to the sea and ...
Canvas, Oil
Venetian Gondolas 3
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I captured the serene embrace of Venetian gondolas floating gently at dawn. The interplay of light and water reflects a peaceful yet vibrant energy, inviting you to fe...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Blue Pond 30X30
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions into the delicate balance between tranquility and fleeting movement. The shimmering water lilies float gently, capturing the quiet moments of refl...
Canvas, Oil
Romantic blues 40X30 oil
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've immersed myself in the raw emotion of human connection against nature's canvas. I've melded expressionism with a touch of realism to capture an intimate mo...
Canvas, Oil
The world belongs to you 80X100 oil
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I poured my soul into capturing the essence of freedom and joy. The vibrant brushstrokes in oil reflect the intensity and depth of the liberating emotions cou...
Canvas, Oil
Snow White and Redhead 80X80 oil
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I strove to capture the essence of companionship and the gentle intimacy shared between two majestic beings. The warm, soft hues and delicate brushwork express ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,300Sale 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
Happy summer
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this expressive oil on canvas, vibrant hues dance with light and energy, capturing the essence of a sun-soaked meadow. The figure embraces the warmth, surrounded by the jubilance ...
Canvas, Oil
KOI 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant blend of expressionism and impressionism, I used acrylic and oil to capture the dynamic essence of life, loosely inspired by the fluid, ever-changing nature of existe...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
KOI 1
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this creation, I merged the fluidity of acrylics with the richness of oils, embracing both expressionism and impressionism to capture the spirited essence of a koi fish. Through s...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
BIRD 20
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant fusion of acrylic and oil, I harnessed the raw, emotive power of expressionism with the subtle delicacy of impressionism to capture the essence of resilience and vigi...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
$3,300Sale 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
$1,632Sale 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
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
$5,372Sale 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
Love in the Night City
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant painting, I've married the boldness of pop art with the heartfelt touch of naive style. The use of acrylic and oil gives depth and texture, evoking the raw emotions a...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
J. Santacana Modernist Building Barcelona original acrylic canvas
By Jordi Santacana
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Born in 1965 in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a coast town near Barcelona. I was student in the art school of Barcelona “La Massana”. I was awarded in 1982 and 1983 by the second and the fir...
Canvas, Oil
$1,613Sale 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
$2,659Sale 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
A Cold Stillness
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
$5,372Sale Price|20% Off
Gentle Breeze Through Olive Trees
Located in Coltishall, GB
Gentle breeze through olive trees was inspired by Rachaels 2022 trip to Turkey where she enjoyed beautful walks and wonderful food with her family and friends. Rachael Dalzell's pai...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
"Flooded Brandy Creek, Whiskeytown Park" (2014) Joellyn Duesberry, Oil on Linen
Located in Denver, CO
"Flooded Brandy Creek" (2014) By Joellyn Duesberry is an original handmade oil painting on linen that depicts a river rushing through a lush green landscape. A self-taught landscape...
Linen, Oil
"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
Red & Red 30X30 oil painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've poured my fascination with color and light into every stroke, crafting a vibrant dialogue between form and space. The rich, warm reds anchor the composition, exud...
Canvas, Oil
Gentle roses 50X40 oil painting.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I sought to capture the elegance and tranquility of nature's beauty with a touch of vintage allure. The brushstrokes convey both the softness and the vibrancy o...
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
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
$48,000
Child with Doll and Buggy, Impressionist Oil Painting by Carlos Irizarry
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Carlos Irizarry Title: Child with Doll and Buggy Year: circa 1965 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.r. Size: 30 in. x 24 in. (76.2 cm x 60.96 cm)...
Canvas, Oil
The artist and his muse
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original mid century portrait of an artist and his muse or model inside his studio. This work is signed "Simon" although a definitive artist has not been determined.
Oil, Board
Willows, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A small square landscape, inspired by cascading willows in spring. It is a captivating piece designed to bring the serenity of nature into any space. The warm, earthy color palette e...
Acrylic
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
$5,372Sale Price|20% Off
In the gathering dusk by Rachael Dalzell. Acrylic on canvas.
Located in Coltishall, GB
Rachael Dalzell's paintings are colourful and expressive. Her free and lively use of paint through various techniques, mean that Rachael's work is as...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
$8,000
"Old Man" - Original Raw Expressionist Thick Textured Portrait - Earth Tones
Located in Carmel, CA
David Leviathan (Israeli, born 1964) "Old Man" 2006 Oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the bottom right corner of the painting. “Old Man” is a powerful figurative...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$6,000
Woman with Flowers III, Expressionist Oil Painting by Juan Garcia Ripolles
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Juan Garcia Ripolles, Spanish (1932 - ) Title: Woman with Flowers III Year: 1970 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.r. Size: 18 in. x 10.5 in. (45.72 cm x 26.67 cm)
Oil
"New" - Expressionist Still-Life of Candle, Oil and Wax Painting on Panel
By Mia Bergeron
Located in Denver, CO
Mia Bergeron's (US based) "New" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts the glow of a lit candle with the morning light of sunrise Mia Bergeron's interest in art was cul...
Wax, Oil, Panel
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
Mother and Daughter, Modern Art Oil Painting by Sandu Liberman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Sandu Liberman, Romanian/Israeli (1923 - 1977) Title: Mother and Daughter Year: Circa 1970 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.r. Size: 36 x 24 in. (91.44 x 60.96 cm) Frame Size:...
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
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
You Are Not Alone, Pixie Willoughby, Original Painting, Affordable Art
Located in Deddington, GB
You are Not Alone [2021] original Acrylic on canvas Image size: H:50 cm x W:50 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:50 cm x W:50 cm x D:4cm Sold Unframed Please note that insitu ima...
Canvas, Acrylic
$60,900
"The Saint of the Flaming City, " Oil on Canvas signed by Raymond Breinin
By Raymond Breinin
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"The Saint of the Flaming City" is an original oil painting on canvas by Raymond Breinin. It depicts a group of figures looking over an abstracted and green city as the colors of fire rage through the sky. The artist signed and dated the piece in the lower right. This painting was lent by the David Barnett Gallery to the Art Institute of Chicago for their 52nd Annual Exhibition. 30" x 40" art 39 3/4" x 49 3/4" frame Raymond Breinin, Russian/American painter & designer (1910-2000), was born in Vitebsk, Russia, where he commenced his art studies with Uri Pen (who was also the first teacher of Marc Chagall) and later attended the Vitebsk Academy of Art where Malevitch was the director. He came to the United States with his family in 1922. When he came to America he attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. A painter of murals for the WPA, he was invited to join the Downtown Gallery in New York City, one of the foremost galleries at the time, where he exhibited in one man shows and group shows over a period of 18 years. The winner of numerous major prizes at the Chicago Art Institute and other museums, he also won the $1000 purchase prize at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Artists for Victory" exhibition. He designed the sets and costumes for Anthony Tudor's ballet, "Undertow" produced by the American Ballet Theater. He executed commissions for "Life", "Fortune" and "Redbook" magazines, for the Capehart Corporation, Eli Lilly...
Canvas, 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
Colorado Summer
Located in Wiscasett, ME
Oil pastel and watercolor on paper. Signed and dated to lower right edge 'Vaclav Vytlacil 1953'. Signed and dated to lower left edge 'Vytlacil 1953'. It is also titled on reverse. Pa...
Oil Pastel, Watercolor
$1,558Sale Price|20% Off
Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, Sa...
Oil, Cardboard, Canvas
$24,000
"Obsession" - Black, Red, and Fiery Orange Expressive Abstract Self Portrait
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri Hayssam (Lebanese-Italian, born 1965) "Obsession" 2022 Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom left and the back of the paint...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Man with Beard (After Van Gogh), Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A bearded sailor in a blue uniform and cap stands against a yellow background. Artist Robert Hofherr reimagined one of Vincent van Gogh's portraits through the ...
Acrylic
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