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Expressionist Paintings

EXPRESSIONIST STYLE

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.

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Style: Expressionist
Window to the Light
Window to the Light

Window to the Light

By Evelyne Ballestra

Located in Miami, FL

Evelyne Ballestra's 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, Ballestra began her flower...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Gunnar Ditlefsen Expressionist Oil on Panel, 1965
Gunnar Ditlefsen Expressionist Oil on Panel, 1965

Gunnar Ditlefsen Expressionist Oil on Panel, 1965

Located in Astoria, NY

Gunner Ditlefsen (Danish, 1901-1978), Expressionist Figural Group Composition, Oil on Panel, 1965, signed "G. Ditlefsen" and dated lower right, giltwood frame. Image: 12.5" H x 16" ...

Category

1960s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

A Magisterial Acrylic Landscape Painting, "Golden Prairie 2"
A Magisterial Acrylic Landscape Painting, "Golden Prairie 2"

A Magisterial Acrylic Landscape Painting, "Golden Prairie 2"

Located in San Diego, CA

A one of a kind 12x12 Magisterial Acrylic Landscape Painting executed by artist Joe A. Oakes. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. Born in ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

New York City, view from Brooklyn
New York City, view from Brooklyn

New York City, view from Brooklyn

By Tom Irizarry Studio

Located in Booklyn, NY

Looking northeast from downtown Brooklyn, Manhattan can be seen at sunset, glowing in saturated red and yellow, here depicted with vermillion and lead-tin orange. Lapis lazuli blue l...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Pigment

Haystacks on the riverbank. Cardboard, oil, 50x59.5 cm
Haystacks on the riverbank. Cardboard, oil, 50x59.5 cm

Haystacks on the riverbank. Cardboard, oil, 50x59.5 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Haystacks on the riverbank. Cardboard, oil, 50x59.5 cm Jurgis Skulme (1928-2015) – painter, art scientist. 1954 – The graduating State Art Academy of Latvia, the monumental departm...

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Engures seaside. 1983, oil on canvas, 53x71 cm

Engures seaside. 1983, oil on canvas, 53x71 cm

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 ...

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Potato joint work in Piebalga. 1986, oil on canvas, 48.5x68 cm

Potato joint work in Piebalga. 1986, oil on canvas, 48.5x68 cm

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 ...

Category

1980s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Home in Vecpiebalga. 1976, oil on canvas, 50x70 cm

Home in Vecpiebalga. 1976, oil on canvas, 50x70 cm

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 ...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Lake coast. Oil on board, 35.5x47.5 cm
Lake coast. Oil on board, 35.5x47.5 cm

Lake coast. Oil on board, 35.5x47.5 cm

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...

Category

1930s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Autumn. 2011, oil on cardboard, 48x35 cm
Autumn. 2011, oil on cardboard, 48x35 cm

Autumn. 2011, oil on cardboard, 48x35 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Ludmilla Perec was born in 1959 in Uzbekistan. Graduated from the State University of Latvia with a degree in theoretical astrophysics. She learned the professional drawing in the st...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

"Glossolalia #11" Oil and Acrylic on Canvas by John Millei
"Glossolalia #11" Oil and Acrylic on Canvas by John Millei

"Glossolalia #11" Oil and Acrylic on Canvas by John Millei

By John Millei

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This large scale painting is striking. When lit there is a depth to the painting that draws you in. A combination of both oil, and acrylic the layers of mixed media are responsible f...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Small town. Oil on canvas, 73x56 cm
Small town. Oil on canvas, 73x56 cm

Small town. Oil on canvas, 73x56 cm

Located in Riga, LV

(1907.22.V Revele - 1994.4.X Riga) - painter and teacher. He graduated Riga's 1. gymnasium, studied at Latvia's University in the Faculty of phililogy and theology. Also studied in L...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Traditional Jazz, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Traditional Jazz, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Leon Zernitsky

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...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Lilly Pond( 55x55cm ), Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Lilly Pond( 55x55cm ), Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Lilly Pond( 55x55cm ), Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

water lily pond Water lily - a colorful and charming flower on the lake. Flowers are the smile of the sun that gives joy. When you think of flowers, in your imagination, as in a ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Water lily pond, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Water lily pond, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Water lily pond, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

water lily pond Water lily - a colorful and charming flower on the lake. Flowers are the smile of the sun that gives joy. When you think of flowers, in your imagination, as in a fu...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Flowers in the morning dew - SOLD, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Flowers in the morning dew - SOLD, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Flowers in the morning dew - SOLD, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Flowers in the morning dew The most beautiful flowers are in the early morning. When the dawn just dawned, the petals began to gradually bloom, with the water lily, the lotus in th...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

bright new day I paint the flowers that are plugged in my house, which makes me feel pure and gentle every day when I wake up. A great feeling! :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Bright new day still life, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Bright new day still life, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Bright new day still life, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

bright new day I paint the flowers that are plugged in my house, which makes me feel pure and gentle every day when I wake up. A great feeling! :: Painting :: Expressionis...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Bright new day still life, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Bright new day still life, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Bright new day still life, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Bright new day I paint the flowers that are plugged in my house, which makes me feel pure and gentle every day when I wake up. A great feeling! spring yellow flowers s...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In this vibrant expression of nature's beauty, I've melded expressionism and impressionism with semi-abstract forms, using acrylics to celebrate life's invigorating essence. My brush...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In this vibrant expression of nature's beauty, I've melded expressionism and impressionism with semi-abstract forms, using acrylics to celebrate life's invigorating essence. My brush...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Bright new day, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

rose spring yellow In this vibrant expression of nature's beauty, I've melded expressionism and impressionism with semi-abstract forms, using acrylics to celebrate life's...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In crafting this vibrant tapestry of color, I tapped into a deep wellspring of emotion, allowing each stroke to be a reflection of life's fervent dance. The lush oil paints sing wi...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In crafting this vibrant tapestry of color, I tapped into a deep wellspring of emotion, allowing each stroke to be a reflection of life's fervent dance. The lush oil paints sing with...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Spring flower peaceful symbol of innovation Peach blossom is the most beautiful and popular flower in the North of Vietnam, loved by many people and displayed during ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Peach blossom 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 quinte...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

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 quintessence of the Fiv...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

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 quintessence of the Five ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Peach blossom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

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 quintessence of the Fiv...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

On the Dock
On the Dock

On the Dock

By Yarnall Abbott

Located in Sheffield, MA

Yarnall Abbott American, 1870-1938 On the Dock Oil on canvas 28 ¼ by 36 ¼ in, w/ frame 37 ¾ by 46 in Signed lower right Yarnall Abbott achieved prominence as a painter, photographe...

Category

Early 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Loving Vincent Van Gogh, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In crafting this vibrant tapestry of color, I tapped into a deep wellspring of emotion, allowing each stroke to be a reflection of life's fervent dance. The lush oil paints sing with...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

SAKURA-  cherry blossoms, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
SAKURA-  cherry blossoms, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

SAKURA- cherry blossoms, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

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 quinte...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Peach blossom diary, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Peach blossom diary, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Peach blossom diary, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

In this passionate dance of colors and textures, I've captured the fleeting beauty of nature's bloom. Channeling the spirit of expressionism and impressionism, my brush strokes are l...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Wine Over Love

Wine Over Love

By Todd White

Located in Toronto, ON

18" x 10" Unframed Limited Edition Giclée with Hand Embellishment of 135 Hand Signed by Todd White “An experienced woman’s piece. She’s dealt with life. Handled it just fine. Now de...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Giclée

Wandering Soul. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 28 x 18 cm
Wandering Soul. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 28 x 18 cm

Wandering Soul. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 28 x 18 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Wandering Soul. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 28 x 18 cm Victor Karnauh (1950, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR – 2012, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine) – a painter, a monument de...

Category

1990s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

Shepherd. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 24 x 26 cm
Shepherd. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 24 x 26 cm

Shepherd. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 24 x 26 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Shepherd. Oil on canvas and cardboard, 24 x 26 cm Victor Karnauh (1950, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR – 2012, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine) – a painter, a monument designer...

Category

1990s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas, Cardboard

Birth of the Lamb. Cardboard, oil, 65x60 cm
Birth of the Lamb. Cardboard, oil, 65x60 cm

Birth of the Lamb. Cardboard, oil, 65x60 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Birth of the Lamb. Cardboard, oil, 65x60 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, ...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

ZINNIAS, IN GREEN GLASS JAR, 10.3.16
ZINNIAS, IN GREEN GLASS JAR, 10.3.16

ZINNIAS, IN GREEN GLASS JAR, 10.3.16

Located in New York, NY

Colored Pencil on Museum Board Signed and Dated; Impressed with artist's stamp lower right Archivally framed with black float mount and bleached maple surround.

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Board, Color Pencil

LITTLE WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUMS, IN GLASS JAR, 3.14.17
LITTLE WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUMS, IN GLASS JAR, 3.14.17

LITTLE WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUMS, IN GLASS JAR, 3.14.17

Located in New York, NY

Colored Pencil on Museum Board Signed and Dated; Impressed with artist's stamp lower right Archivally framed with black float mount and bleached maple surround.

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Board, Color Pencil

Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm
Flowers. Canvas, cardboard, oil, 69x50 cm

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...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard, Canvas

Apricity
Apricity

Apricity

By Helen Howells

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...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Pink Seascape
Pink Seascape

Pink Seascape

By Rupert Aker

Located in Deddington, GB

Pink Seascape by Rupert Aker [2021] original Acrylic on canvas Image size: H:20 cm x W:20 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:20 cm x W:20 cm x D:2cm Frame Size: H:23 cm x W:23 cm ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Expressionist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Iryna Kastsova, Maria Asuncion Raventos, Masri Hayssam, and Evelyne Ballestra. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Expressionist paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.