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.
Dust on the Beach, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A gray sky looms over the distant ocean, while wisps of grass emerge from the foreground. The rugged sand contrasts with the gentle waves. Earthy browns and g...
Oil
Star over the City, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A vast, colorful sky stretches over an abstracted city. Artist Diana Elena Chelaru has intentionally minimized the buildings, letting the sky feel limitless. ...
Acrylic
Drops of Morning Light, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
As the sun rises, golden yellows and oranges radiate against the blue sky. Colorful dots spread across the scene, conveying the movement and warmth of sunligh...
Acrylic
Beautiful wild flowers in the meadow
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've captured the serene beauty of nature's simplicity, with wildflowers dancing gracefully under the expansive sky. Brushstrokes carry the emotion of a gentle ...
Canvas, Oil
Chamomile meadow
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this oil painting, I've embraced a blend of expressionism and impressionism to evoke a sense of tranquility. Each brushstroke carries my passion for nature's serene momen...
Canvas, Oil
The scent of wild herbs
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've channeled the raw, untamed beauty of nature through vibrant strokes and a harmonious palette. Each brushstroke captures the wildness and tranquility of a meado...
Canvas, Oil
Dialog, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I am working at the moment on some flower paintings on a grey background in different sizes and colours. What remains the same is the background. They look elegant and are an eye-...
Acrylic
Winter Solstice, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Winter Solstice is a large painting - ready to hang with a hook attached to the back of the canvas - of my take of winter's beauty. Warm and cool colors playing off each other. 8...
Acrylic
Monica Angle Contemporary Painting Large Scale Tree Line Series Abstract
By Monica Angle
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original acrylic on paper by American contemporary artist Monica Angle from the artist's Tree Line series created in 2014. This work is being sold unframed. Wholesale framing is...
Paper, Acrylic
Nantes Seaport
By Robert L.P. Lavoine
Located in Pasadena, CA
Robert L. P. Lavoine is a French painter born in 1916 and dead in 1999. Known for his sea landscapes and urban landscapes, he is associated with the expressionist current of the twe...
Oil
Sunrise over the City, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Vibrant, swirling sun rays fill the sky, creating a celestial panorama above a city. The windows of the stylized buildings below reflect the galaxy of geometr...
Acrylic
Raventos Collage Little City original expressionist mixed media
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Paris original expressionist mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barce...
Mixed Media, Acrylic
View of Notre Dame. Oil on canvas, 100x132 cm
Located in Riga, LV
View of Notre Dame. Oil on canvas, 100x132 cm
Canvas, Oil
'Pompeii Entrance to Gardens' Signed original painting c 2019
Located in Frome, Somerset
Part of Gradwell's extensive painting journey. Pompeii and its environment Glazed bespoke frame 60 x 75 cm original mixed media on paper 37cm x52 An entrance to the finest public...
Mixed Media
Tree Row by Field, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A row of slender trees lines a road in Provence, France. As artist Janet Dyer drove by, she was captivated by the configuration of the trunks against the pale...
Acrylic
Blue Sky Road
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I delve into the exhilarating freedom of a motorcycle ride under an expansive blue sky. I've captured the raw energy and motion of the bike, contrasted against ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,052Sale Price|20% Off
More than a thousand words
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I delved deep into the soulful presence of the equine form, decorating it with elements of nature to symbolize purity and renewal. The oil mediums allowed me ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
"Mexican Countryside Landscape Scene with Trees on Hills" Expressionistic Style
Located in New York, NY
A strong modernist oil painting depicted in 1963 by Russian painter Michael Baxte. Mostly known for his abstracted figures on canvas or street scenes, this piece is a wonderful repre...
Oil, Masonite
Hello Loretta
By Rob Lynch
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original oil on MDF by contemporary conceptual painter Rob Lynch. This work was part of a recent pop up exhibition The Dreamer Who Dreams, which was curated to raise money for Th...
Oil, Fiberboard
Fishermen by the Boats - Maritime Seaside Coastal
By Mane Katz
Located in London, GB
MANE KATZ [Katz Emmanuel] 1894-1962 Kremenchug, Ukraine 1894-1962 Tel Aviv (Russian / Ukrainian / French / Israeli) Title: Fishermen by the Boats, circa 1941 Techinique: Original Signed Oil Painting on Canvas Size: 51 x 61 cm / 20.1 x 24 in Additional Information: The work is signed "Mane Katz" on the right hand side. This work was painted circa 1941. Provenance: Graham Gallery...
Oil
20th century Tuscan expressionist oil on canvas painting
By Mino Maccari
Located in Florence, IT
The painting (oil on canvas, 40 x 29.8 cm; with wooden frame 61 x 51 cm) depicts two figures, a woman with a smiling gaze and a man with a mustache, of which only the head is visible...
Canvas, Oil
$1,600
TiTi Dolores and Coquito sitting female portrait with pet chihuahua dark colors
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This recent painting is part on an ongoing series of humans and their non human companions. It is painted on linen canvas mounted on a cradled wood panel. Signed and dated by the art...
Linen, Oil, Wood Panel
Lovers At Sunset 1, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
" Lovers At Sunset" is a series of 3 designs, romantic paintings of embraced lovers man and woman. The paintings are made on stretched canvas, painted edges and ready to hang. The co...
Acrylic
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
Fish and Bicycles # 12
By Bruce Adams
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original oil on paper by contemporary artist Bruce Adams from his Fish and Bicycles series. This work is currently part of an exhibition at Benjaman Gallery "Over the Fence". This piece comes framed in an archival natural wood frame presentation. The Fish and Bicycle series employs a similar strategy as my Men at Work series. This time the subject matter includes both men and women (exhibited in pairs) representing a range of gender identities. The title is derived from Irina Dunn’s witty statement (often erroneously attributed to Gloria Steinem...
Oil, Paper
Shark Attack
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original mixed media acrylic and ink painting by French American artist James Beaudin.
Acrylic, Archival Ink, Panel
"Paesaggio Toscano" - Original Italian Countryside Landscape - Earth Tones
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri Hayssam (Lebanese, Italian, born 1965) "Paesaggio Toscano" 2002 Oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the bottom left corner of the artwork. Painted in 2002, “...
Oil, Stretcher Bars, Canvas
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
Colorful woman portrait
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil piece, I have channeled sheer vibrancy, blending expressionism with elements of pop art. The woman's portrayal bursts with emotive color, suggesting a blend of thoughtfu...
Canvas, Oil
$1,617Sale Price|20% Off
My Galaxy
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I've poured my fascination with the cosmos onto canvas, creating a vibrant expression of energy and emotion. The abstract form intertwines with impressionist t...
Canvas, Oil
$18,000
Not Speaking, Expressionist Portrait of Mother and Son by Philadelphia Artist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Not Speaking" is a painting by Philadelphia born Expressionist painter Bernard Harmon. The 36" x 40" oil on board portrait of a mother and her son is painted in a vibrant color pale...
Oil, Board
Venice, I miss you, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Imbued with my longing for the serene canals, this oil on canvas embodies my passion for the city's dance of light and shadow. Textured brushstrokes capture the fluidity of water and...
Oil
$5,627Sale Price|20% Off
Arc de Triomphe. 1988, canvas, oil, 100x92 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Arc de Triomphe. 1988, canvas, oil, 100x92 cm Biruta Delle (born 1944.17.I) Biruta Delle studied in Latvia Art academy (1964 – 67) and one of her most i...
Canvas, Oil
$1,292Sale Price|20% Off
Seaside Play
Located in Zofingen, AG
"This piece captures a moment of serene companionship between a woman and her dog by the sea, enveloping the viewer in a sense of peacefulness. I used oil to bring out the vibrant co...
Canvas, Oil
'Cypress Point, ' by James Cobb, Oil on Gesso Board Painting
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This oil on gesso board painting by James Cobb features a lone cypress tree near the California coastline. The expansive angular tree has a coat of thick bright green leaves on the u...
Canvas, Oil
White boat
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I've captured a solitary boat mirroring life's simplicity. The palpable textures and the interplay of light and shadow reflect an in...
Canvas, Oil
$3,254Sale Price|20% Off
Lilac still-life
Located in Zofingen, AG
"I've woven tranquility and vibrancy into this oil painting, where delicate lilacs bloom with an impressionistic touch. It captures a moment of serene beauty, with soft textures and ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,627Sale Price|20% Off
Magic River
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Immersed in the dance of colors, I've crafted a serene escape with my oils—a tranquil river, guiding the gentle drift of thought and emotion. The soft hues and light, playing across the canvas, evoke a sense of peaceful introspection. Bring this energy into your home, let the quiet contemplation and soothing ripples of my art wash over you, enriching your space with a harmonious whisper of nature's solace. Italian canvas...
Canvas, Oil
$669Sale Price|20% Off
Meeting on the pond
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I sought to capture an intimate interplay between the inhabitants of a tranquil pond. My brushstrokes dance between expressionism and impressionism, melding rea...
Canvas, 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
Leading a horse, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting portrays a tranquil scene of a woman leading a horse through shallow water. it carries a sense of tranquility, capturing a clear, sunny day with the light blue color of ...
Oil
$1,387Sale Price|20% Off
Gentle roses
Located in Zofingen, AG
Crafted with emotive brushstrokes, this oil painting is a fusion of expressionism and impressionism, where realism meets fine art. I poured my soul into capturing not just the delica...
Canvas, Oil
$3,254Sale Price|20% Off
Hortensias
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this vivid oil painting, I captured the ethereal beauty of blossoming flowers, channeling a blend of impressionistic and expressionistic styles. The play of light and shadow brea...
Canvas, Oil
Japanese meadow daisies 40X30
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I've melded expressionism with touches of impressionism to capture the vibrant spirit of a meadow in full bloom. Each brushstroke is a testament to the serene ...
Canvas, Oil
Punk - German Expressionist Pastel Portrait Painting
By Dina Gardner
Located in Boston, MA
Punk 8.0 x 8.0 x 1.0, 3.0 lbs Pastel on wood Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "I'm having the best time in my studio doing a self-exploration of the German Expression m...
Pastel
$11,169Sale Price|20% Off
Pastel Still Art
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
$2,033
Coast
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In my work, I've captured a serene coastal moment, mixing impressionism with expressionism to evoke the tranquility of the sea. The brushstrokes are alive with emotion, inviting contemplation. You'll sense the calm and reflective atmosphere, an infusion of peace that I yearn to share. It evokes a timeless connection with nature, perfect for bringing a breath of coastal serenity into your living space...
Canvas, Oil
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Lovely garden daisies
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I unleashed my passion for nature's unassuming beauty onto the canvas. Each stroke of oil paint embodies the serene and gentle vitality of a blooming field. T...
Canvas, Oil
Рicturesque pomegranate
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this passionate dance of colors, I've captured the vibrant essence of life itself through the allegory of pomegranates. Oil paint weaves a textural symphony, blending realism with...
Canvas, Oil
$564Sale Price|20% Off
Waiting for spring
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I poured my soul into the vivid hues of the landscape, seeking to evoke the feeling of anticipation as nature teeters on the cusp of rebirth. With each stroke...
Canvas, Oil
$23,000
"Rolling Hills" by Rehfeld - Expressionist Muted Earth Tone Cloudy Landscape
Located in Carmel, CA
Steven H. Rehfeld (American, born 1954) "Rolling Hills" 2020 Oil paint, canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the back of the painting. In "Rolling Hills", Steven H. Rehfeld rend...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$2,746Sale Price|20% Off
Blooming garden
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this creation of mine, I sought to capture the fleeting beauty of nature's awakening. With each stroke, I merged the worlds of realism and impressionism, allowing the vibrant hue...
Canvas, Oil
Blooming balcony
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant oil painting, I've captured a lush, secluded nook that speaks to the soul's yearning for serenity. The interplay of light and shadow dances with the splendor of bloom...
Canvas, Oil
$21,534
"Nature Morte" Fruit Bowl, Tea Pot and Cup, Oil on Canvas by Spanish Celso Lagar
By Celso Lagar
Located in Madrid, ES
CELSO LAGAR Spanish, 1891 - 1966 NATURE MORTE signed "Lagar" lower left oil on canvas 18-1/4 X 21-3/4 inches (46 X 55 cm.) framed: 23-3/8 X 27-1/8 (59 X 68.5 cm.) PROVENANCE Privat...
Canvas, Oil
After the snow
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've embraced the tranquil solitude that comes after a snowfall. The soft purples and blues against the muted earth tones reflect the serene atmosphere and flee...
Canvas, Oil
Road to the sea
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've channeled the boundless journey of the soul towards the horizon, where land meets sea. The blend of expressionism and impressionism captures the dance of light...
Canvas, Oil
Spring
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this piece, I've captured the essence of rejuvenation. The vibrant strokes and vivid colors symbolize nature's awakening, weaving a tapestry of growth and vitality. With each bru...
Canvas, Oil
$1,387Sale Price|20% Off
Blooming arch by the sea
Located in Zofingen, AG
As I wielded my brush, oils blending on canvas, I sought to capture the vibrant dance between nature and light. My strokes, infused with the fervor of expressionism and the delicacy ...
Canvas, Oil
Surfs Up, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
With low tide, the sand stretches out towards the receding waterline, revealing a shallow pool of water reflecting the sky. A solitary cloud watches over the ...
Oil
'Falmouth , Night and Day' original painting signed work circa 2015.
Located in Frome, Somerset
Original painting by Andy Gradwell b. 1968 'Falmouth , Cornwall, Night and Day' signed 2015 mixed media painting 34cmx 42cm Glazed frame and mounted 55cm x67cm A contemplative piece ...
Mixed Media