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.
Sunny Nectar for Hummingbirds
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I aimed to capture the fleeting beauty of nature's interactions. Using vibrant colors and dynamic brush strokes typical of expressionism and impressionism, I hi...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$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
Still life with tulips. Cardboard, oil, 85x74 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Still life with tulips. Cardboard, oil, 85x74 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
Kitties
Located in Zofingen, AG
Nude The beauty of a naked body is simply incredible! When I paint a picture with a naked woman, I have the feeling that I am painting space, the universe. I never cease to admire th...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
$1,521Sale 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
Guitar
Located in Zofingen, AG
Nude The beauty of a naked body is simply incredible! When I paint a picture with a naked woman, I have the feeling that I am painting space, the universe. I never cease to admire th...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
Young Girl in Pink
By Béla Czóbel
Located in Chicago, IL
Béla Czóbel, Paintings, Watercolors, Drawings, R. S. Johnson Fine Art, Chicago, 1996: no. 60 and reproduced on page 95 of catalogue.
Canvas, Oil
$3,423Sale 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
Two in a Boat
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've woven vivid expressionism with a hint of pop art's boldness, contrasting with the subtlety of impressionism. With acrylic and oil, I depict an enchanting voyage o...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Cardboard
I have no time, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil on canvas on wooden stretchers, signed on the front. Certificate of authenticity included. :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate ...
Oil
Strawberries 30X21
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've endeavored to capture the lush vibrancy of strawberries using bold, expressive strokes that echo the chiaroscuro techniques of realism yet blend the vivid, atm...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$1,664Sale 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
$278Sale Price|20% Off
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Collage" by Bernard Herzog (French, b.1935) signed and stamped verso with catalogue number photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed overall paper: 25.5 x 20 inches Highly unique ...
Photographic Film, Magazine Paper
$278Sale Price|20% Off
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Collage" by Bernard Herzog (French, b.1935) signed lower corner signed and stamped verso with catalogue number photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed overall paper: 25.5 x 20 in...
Photographic Film, Magazine Paper
Flowers of Happiness
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant fusion of expressionism, impressionism, and pop art, I've layered oil pastels and colored pencils to capture the essence of joy. My strokes are deliberate, alive with...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Satin Paper
$1,711Sale 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
$2,665Sale Price|20% Off
About the bread. 1987, oil on cardboard, 81x99 cm
Located in Riga, LV
About the bread 1987, oil on cardboard, 81x99 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
"Red Door, Gray House" - Textured Impasto Oil Landscape with Gray and Red
By Duan Zhaonan
Located in Carmel, CA
Duan Zhaonan (Chinese, born 1955) "Red Door, Gray House" 2017 Oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the back of the painting. Duan orchestrates a visual symphony wit...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Raventos Blue Boat original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Escritura y Barcos original expressionist acrylic painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts...
Acrylic
$3,423Sale 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
Red on Red
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I drew inspiration from a surge of emotions and aimed to channel the vividness of life's passions. Utilizing acrylics, oil pastels, and colored pencils, I ble...
Acrylic, Satin Paper, Oil Pastel
Heavenly Irises
Located in Zofingen, AG
FLOWERS (Large Format Thick Paper) Art - Work on Paper In this artwork, I've infused vibrant expressions, using acrylic and oil pastel, capturing the ethereal beauty of irises as the...
Oil, Acrylic, Satin Paper
Lilaine Danino, Rose de sable, painting
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Liliane Danino, Rose des sables, Queen of the desert, natural pigment, fabric and mixed media on canvas, hand-signed and dated lower right, woman of vi...
Mixed Media, Pigment
The Little Things (Original)
By Todd White
Located in Toronto, ON
10” x 6” Unframed Original Acrylic on Canvas Board Hand Signed by Todd White Todd white captures restaurant, night and Hollywood scenes with contrasting colors serving the viewer’...
Canvas, Acrylic
$38,043Sale Price|20% Off
Mother's portrait. 1917, oil on canvas, 60x50 cm
By Romans Suta
Located in Riga, LV
Mother's portrait. 1917, oil on canvas, 60x50 cm With certificate of authenticity Romans Suta Born on April 28, 1896 in the vicinity of Cesis (Latvia), died on July 14, 1944 in T...
Canvas, Oil
$3,997Sale 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
$2,663Sale Price|20% Off
Piebalga. Oil on canvas, 67x47 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
$3,614Sale Price|20% Off
Fields. 1970's, oil on canvas, 47x69 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
$3,423Sale Price|20% Off
Flowers in vase. 1931. Oil on cardboard 45x50 cm
By Janis Pupols
Located in Riga, LV
Janis Pupols (1886 – 1956) Graduated Landscape studio of V. Purvitis in Latvia Art academy (1927). He took part in exhibitions since 1925. Artist painted landscapes in different t...
Oil, Cardboard
$1,675Sale 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
$38,043Sale Price|20% Off
Ball. 1920's, oil on canvas, 65x92 cm
By Romans Suta
Located in Riga, LV
Ball. 1920's, oil on canvas, 65x92 cm Provenance: Romans Suta daughter Tatjana Suta (1923-2004) Artwork not signed Romans Suta Born on April 28, 1896 in the vicinity of Cesis (Lat...
Canvas, Oil
Baltic seacoast
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my creation, I've imbued the serene yet powerful essence of the seaside. The brushstrokes embody the dynamic nature of the waves, contrasting with the steadfastness of the shore. ...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Italian village
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this artwork, I've poured my soul into capturing the essence of a rustic Italian landscape, where the vibrant poppy fields dance under the sun's warm embrace. The path meanders, i...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
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
Swiss Landscape with Bridge, Impressionist Watercolor Landscape by Willy Rieser
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Willy Rieser, Swiss (1927 - ) Title: Swiss Landscape with Bridge Year: circa 1950 Medium: Watercolor on Paper, signed l.r. Size: 18 in. x...
Watercolor
Scarlet Sails
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
As an artist, I poured my spirit into this artwork, invoking the raw feelings of freedom and adventure with each stroke. The vivid hues emanate a sense of hope and endless possibilit...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Sunflower
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've captured the vibrant essence of nature's optimism. The sunflower exudes warmth and energy, its golden petals reaching towards the light. The expressive brush stro...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
$399Sale Price|20% Off
Venice's Grand Canal. 2015, paper, etching, soft lacquer, 26x14 cm 7/20
Located in Riga, LV
JEKATERINA GRYAZEVA Born in Latvia, Riga 1968 Education 1979 - 1986 J.Rozentals Secondary Art School (Riga). 1987 - 1993 Academy of Art (Riga, Latvia), department of Graphics, ...
Lacquer, Paper, Etching
$368Sale Price|26% Off
Dandelions Giclee Print on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Framed, 2010+
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this artwork, I've aimed to capture the transient beauty of nature, an expression of life's fleeting moments. Employing gentle strokes and a harmonious palette, I convey the delic...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Sweet was the Walk, Rachael Dalzell, Acrylic on canvas with tray frame
Located in Coltishall, GB
Sweet was the walk depicts the low sunlight, long shadows and warm colours of a winter morning walk along the hedgerows of Norfolk. Rachael’s paintings are large, colourful and expr...
Canvas, Acrylic
$884Sale Price|20% Off
Boats at Low Tide in Blakeney, Rachael Dalzell Acrylic Paint on Paper, Unframed
Located in Coltishall, GB
Blakeney staithe with boats at low tide Rachael’s works on paper are particularly organic. Diluted paint is allowed to migrate on a damp surface, sticks are used to daub and scratch...
Paper, Acrylic
The Fiery Leaves of the Forest. By Rachael Dalzell acrylic on canvas, tray frame
Located in Coltishall, GB
A large scale artwork filled with the colours of autumn and painted with a free and expressive use of acrylic paint. Rachael’s paintings are large, colourful and expressive. Her fr...
Canvas, Acrylic
$659Sale Price|20% Off
After the Rain in Happisburgh. Rachael Dalzell Acrylic paint on paper, Unframed
Located in Coltishall, GB
The sun emerges after a rain storm over the lighthouse at Happisburgh – Rachael’s works on paper are particularly organic. Diluted paint is allowed...
Paper, Acrylic
Portrait of a Girl, Oil Painting by Sandu Liberman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Sandu Liberman, Romanian/Israeli (1923 - 1977) Title: Portrait of a Girl Year: Circa 1970 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.r. Size: 13 x 10 in. (33.02 x 25.4 cm) Frame Size:...
Oil
$590
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
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
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
An Angel's Gift
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this artwork, I've poured my heart into capturing the essence of serenity and divine grace. Through soft brushstrokes and a tranquil palette, the angel embodies a celestial presence, her gaze offering comfort and the apple in her hands symbolizing the gift of life and knowledge. The flowing robes and gentle clouds convey a sense of peace, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect. It's a piece that carries a comforting energy, ready to instill a sense of calm and contemplation in any home. Author's giclee of the original oil painting by Elena Lukina "An Angel...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Gentle roses
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've captured the tender essence of blooms, imbuing the canvas with a sense of serenity and timeless beauty. Each stroke embodies the dance between light and shadow, c...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Overgrown pond
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my creation, I've endeavored to capture the serene beauty of nature's embrace, where a hidden pond, overgrown with life, reflects a sky softly blurred by the morning mist. I've in...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
$590
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
Romance of the sea 21X30
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I endeavored to embody the tranquil beauty of nature, blending the serenity of the sea with the vibrant liveliness of blossoming flowers. Utilizing the expres...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Romance of the sea 30X30
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work reflects the romantic mood that we get while on vacation. Beautiful roses in the garden on the shore of the southern sea. White sails and blue sky, all this resembles a par...
Canvas, Oil
$800Sale Price|20% Off
A Rose for My Faithful Fiend, Collage on Medal , 11 x 11, Blotter, Custom Frame
By Inez Storer
Located in Houston, TX
A Rose for A Friend by Inez Storer is oil on medal with mixed media. It is 11 x 11 and mounted on a wooden display box so there i s no need for a fr...
Metal
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
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
Morning garden with rhododendrons
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've merged the vivid, emotive strokes of expressionism with the subtle, light play of impressionism, all grounded in realism's tangible forms. Using oil paints, I ...
Canvas, Oil
Venice in night lights
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've poured my soul into capturing the ephemeral beauty of twilight dance on water, embracing the blend of expressionism and impressionism. The vibrant colors intertwi...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
$1,664Sale Price|20% Off
Tulips with a rainbow. Oil on canvas, 70x80 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Zita Sudnika, Tulips with a rainbow. 2007. Oil on canvas, 70x80 Vibrant and visually striking painting captures the beauty of red and yellow tulips arranged in a vase, positioned pr...
Canvas, Oil
Rending Figure, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Title: "Rending Figure" Artist: Derek Overfield Above is a semi-abstract figurative work done from life. The work is completed using a subtractive/additive method utilizing latex...
Acrylic