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.
$17,800
Still of Flowers in a Blue Vase Pierre Ambrogiani (France, 1905-1985)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"Still Life of Flowers in a Blue Vase" Pierre Ambrogiani (France, 1905-1985) Oil on panel Circa 1960 15 3/4 x 20 (20 1/4 x 24 1/2 frame) inches If the artists Diego Velázquez (Spai...
Oil, Panel
RAVENTOS Piano original abstract mixed media
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"JARDIN" original abstract mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelo...
Canvas
Staircase in Taormina Sicily Expressionist Oil Painting, Signed, 1967
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Staircase in Taormina Sicily 1967 Artist signed lower right corner, canvas size (36x 40). Original vintage frame. Nicola Simbari was born in Italy and grow up in Rome. He studied a...
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Culture 3 Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Acrylic, Canvas
$5,350
Attitude - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women Fashion
By Gobe Joseph
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The painting titled “Attitude” captures the very ‘essence’ of his subjects who they are and what they represent outside of their roles experiences obligations and accomplishments. Ma...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Joseph Solman, "Girl Reading" Expressionist Interior Figure Painting
Located in Rockport, MA
Painting size without frame: 8"x12" Painting size with frame: 12"x16" Painting is signed lower left corner. An expressive interior portrait by renowned American modernist Joseph So...
Oil, Board
$2,800
Beauty We Carry 1, - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This piece begins a new body of work that asks a simple question: What if becoming never required us to leave ourselves behind? For me, growth should never come at the cost of ident...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ocean Lights - Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Ocean Lights - Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Bold abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). The background of this pie...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$450
Blue Testament 7 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Dan...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$450
Blue Testament 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Dan...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,800
My Brother - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Men, Colour Pattern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,487
Monster's club. Symbolic childhood painting, brothers, boys room decor, twins
Located in Oslo, NO
"Monster's club" is an oil painting where two children stand among imagined monsters, reflecting the fears of childhood — created by the mind yet deeply felt. The painting speaks abo...
Canvas, Oil
$1,436Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Swiss Alps Village Landscape
By Otto Hamel
Located in Soquel, CA
Substantial small painting of a Swiss Mountain village by Otto Hamel (German, 1866-1950). Signed "Otto Hamel" lower right. Presented in a giltwood frame. Image, 9.5"H x 13"L. A Germ...
Oil, Board
Hydro-Genesis: Luminous Flux – Museum Scale Masterpiece (145x100)
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this monumental 145x100 cm canvas, the proprietary "Ordered Chaos" method is pushed to its technical and emotional limits. Part of a profound, decade-long study titled Hydro-Genes...
Canvas, Oil
The red apple. Mother and daughter, family, rural landscape, village, ancestors
Located in Oslo, NO
“The Red Apple” shows an old and a young woman as one figure. They share the same body, the same presence — youth and age together. The apple recalls the story of Eve. It stands for ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,169Sale Price|50% Off
Lunch at Chez Louis, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1970s
By Roland Dubuc
Located in London, GB
'Lunch at Chez Louis', oil on canvas, by Roland Dubuc (circa 1970s). The outdoor terrace at restaurants and cafés in France goes back centuries as they have always been a gathering place for intellectuals to meet and debate philosophical issues; for the Avant Garde set to display their works; for artists to compare and exchange ideas and for writers to drown their sorrows over their artistic anguish or melancholy. Even the freedom fighters of the French Revolution and later the French Resistance would meet in cafés to plot their course. Regular people of course also enjoy these venues. A very delightful feature of these French institutions is that there is always room for quiet book readers, romantic couples, business meetings and lively groups of friends sharing a bottle of wine. The artist Dubuc captures a slice of this lovely aspect of French culture in this smile-inducing depiction painted in vivid oils. With a background of greenery, the patrons enjoy the outdoors protected from the intense sun by the table's parasols. Ah, the life. The artwork is in good vintage condition, is framed and signed by the artist in the lower left hand corner. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video may be provided. About the Artist: Roland DuBuc (1924-1998), French artist, the sixth of 13 children and son of a construction worker. The very precariousness of the family's financial situation forced him to go to work at the age of 14. In extreme poverty, he moved to Rouen where he was lodged by the Salvation Army. During that time he struck up friendships with several artists who gave him advice and taught him techniques of drawing. He moved to other cities later where he met painters including, among others, Fred Pailhès...
Canvas, Oil
Marsh Near the South River, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This simple study of a southern Massachusetts marsh transforms the landscape through bold color and the removal of unnecessary detail. Expressive brushwork give...
Acrylic
Sun, Sails, Sea
Located in Zofingen, AG
NOT STRETCHED. You'll receive it rolled, in a TUBE. Ready for stretching. I recommend stretching your painting in a local custom framing shop or gallery. It will be the most affordab...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Expressionist Large Oil Painting of Two Knitters, Signed, 73x92 cm
By Jean Arène
Located in Cotignac, FR
French Mid Century Large Expressionist oil on canvas of two seated Provencale figures, Le Tricoteur, by Jean Arene. The painting is signed and dated bottom left. Painted when Arene...
Canvas, Oil
"Arc de Fleurs" (2023) by Leigh Ann Van Fossan, Original Acrylic &Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Arc de Fleurs" (2023) is an original, handmade oil and acrylic abstract painting with bright colors. This piece is a diptych comprised of two 18 x 18" canvass...
Oil, Acrylic, Canvas
5 Waiting for the Tide Venice Biennale 2026 Project
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
Blue Sky - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism, Modern, Interior
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ewie - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral, Modern, Women
By Kum Cletus
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Born in 1993 in...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,905
Manyfaced. Man, masculine, inner world, faces, fish, bright, strong, strange
Located in Oslo, NO
“Many faced” is an oil painting from Alter Ego series, inspired by Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. The series explores the inner landscape of the self — the tension between opposi...
Canvas, Oil
Purple evening and jasmine" floral still life in oil of Volskya Lily.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Purple evening and jasmine" floral still life in oil of Volsky Lily.When the energy starts flowing through me, I don't control the process - the brush moves by itself. The picture se...
Canvas, Oil
9 Frequency 432 Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, Unframed, 2010+
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically...
Canvas, Oil
$2,250
Africa Motherhood - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Tropical Garden, Autumn Tones, Lush Flowers, Illustration Style, Still Life
Located in Barcelona, ES
This painting explores an intimate and imaginative relationship with nature, transforming tropical flora into expressive, living forms. Rather than depicting a specific landscape, th...
Paper, Wax Crayon, Acrylic
11 Breath of Silence Venice Biennale 2026 Project
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...
Canvas, Oil
10 Through the Mist of Time Venice Biennale 2026 Project
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...
Canvas, Oil
French Modernist Oil Painting Expressionist Village Farm Landscape Ecole Paris
By Henri d'Anty
Located in Surfside, FL
Framed 21 X 18 canvas 13 X 10 Henri Maurice D'Anty, listed French artist,Henry d'Anty 1910-1998 Born 1910 in Belleville France. Died in December 4 1998. Educated at the Académie de...
Canvas, Oil
$20,343
'Village Scene in Wallonia - Straimont 1933' by Floris Jespers (1889 – 1965)
By Floris Jespers
Located in Knokke, BE
Jespers Floris 1889 – Antwerpen – 1965 Belgian Painter 'Village Scene in Wallonia (Straimont), 1933' Signature: signed lower right and dated 1933 'Jespers 33' Medium: oil on panel...
Oil, Panel
Anima and Animus. Carl Jung, psychology, man and a woman, couple, bird
Located in Oslo, NO
"Anima and Animus" is an oil painting from Alter Ego series, inspired by Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. The series explores the inner world of the self — the tension between diff...
Canvas, Oil
Two Young Spanish Girls, Oil on paper
Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR
Oil on paper by Edouard Goerg (1893-1969), France, 1937-1938. Two young Spanish girls. Measurements : with frame: 61.3x51.8 cm - 24.1x20.4 inches, view: 39x28.6 cm - 15.4x11.25 inche...
Paper, Oil
Crepe-Myrtle 2, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A crepe-myrtle tree blooms with delicate flowers that resemble colorful confetti. Its leaves sway gently in the breeze, glowing softly in the summer sunlight. E...
Oil
Collioure, a Mediterranean Street Scene and the Church of Notre Dame des Anges
Located in Cotignac, FR
Early 20th Century oil on canvas view of Collioure in the south of France, home to the Fauvists. The painting is initial signed E.L.Y bottom right (as yet undeciphered). The location...
Canvas, Oil
Mint Freshness. Flower and Butterfly"
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Mint Freshness. Flower and Butterfly" by Volskaya Lilia. 350 g thick cardboard. Pastart design. The back of the painting is reinforced with 3-layer cardboard. The painting has a han...
Oil, Mixed Media, Cardboard
Between Sky and Soul -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Nature Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting explores the harmony between nature’s vastness and the quiet strength of the human spirit. The subject’s calm presence stands against the backdrop of sky and water, sug...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist Embrace Earth Figurative
Located in Soquel, CA
Compelling abstract expressionist painting "Embrace" figurative by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 20th Century). From a collection of his works. Un...
Canvas, Oil
Expressionist Seascape, Bord de la Mer, Cassis, South of France
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid Century Expressionist oil on canvas seascape of the Mediterranean coastline at Cassis in the South of France. The painting is signed bottom left but as yet undeciphered. Title to the rear stretcher. Presented in a fine gilt and patinated custom wood frame. This stunning seascape captures the raw, untamed beauty of a rocky coastline with impeccable detail. The painting uses a rich palette of blues and earthy browns to depict the tumultuous waves crashing against rugged cliffs. The artist's skilful use of texture and brushwork brings the scene to life, with the churning sea appearing almost animated in its movement. The contrast between the cool, turbulent water and the warm, solid rocks creates a dynamic tension, drawing the viewer's eye along the coast. Unique to this piece is the artist’s ability to convey the mood of nature’s relentless power while also highlighting the serene beauty of the ocean. The careful layering of colours and precise composition make this artwork a captivating interpretation of nature’s untamed forces. Some of the composition and use of colours is reminiscent of the works of Achille-Émile Othon Friesz...
Canvas, Oil
Symbol of Hope -21st Century Contemporary Figurative of a Woman and Bird Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
God instructed the prophet Elijah to flee a drought by hiding at the Kerith Brook (Cherith Ravine) east of the Jordan River, where God promised to provide water and commanded ravens ...
Canvas, Oil
"White peonies" still life of Volskyа Lilyа.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"White peonies" still life of Volskyа Lilyа. Realism, brush technique, palette knife, oil painting. Happiness and joy from contemplating beautiful flowers always fills my soul. This ...
Canvas, Oil
4 Frozen Echo Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 2010s, Unframed
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 66
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
Sunny water lilies
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I captured the serene beauty of water lilies bathed in the soft glow of dawn’s light. Using oil paints, I embraced a blend of impressionism and realism to reflect t...
Canvas, Oil
JOY. Cats original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant artwork, I channel the whimsy of expressionism with touches of impressionism and pop art to create a playful scene that bursts with joy and curiosity. Using acrylics ...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Cardboard
David's Journey Oil and Acrylic Painting, Expressionist, 21st Century
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"David's Journey" by Joshua Salami is a captivating artwork that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of a young man embarking on a profound voyage of self-discovery, passion, and vis...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
$1,046
Peonies in the evening garden" oil on canvas.Landscape of Liliуа Volskayaya
Located in Zofingen, AG
SHIPPED IN ROLL "Peonies in the evening garden" oil on canvas.Landscape of Lilia Volskaya. To paint this landscape, I used several techniques of oil painting on canvas. 1. The main p...
Canvas, Oil
$600
"Abstract Overhead Parking Lot" (2005) Expressionist Cityscape, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Subject matter to me is a vehicle for me to explore how I observe life. My urban influences are an assembly of varied fabrics stitched together to form a tapestry. It is not to re...
Oil, Panel
$11,865Sale Price|30% Off
Piazza di Spagna, Roma Oil on Canvas, Expressionist, Framed, 1930s
By Yves Brayer
Located in London, GB
'Piazza di Spagna, Roma' oil on canvas, by Yves Brayer (1933). At the bottom of the Spanish Steps, is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It owes ...
Canvas, Oil
Spring Green, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This long horizontal landscape is inspired by the fresh green color of spring fields and the blooming sunflowers in early June. The painting has high contrast for a dramatic effect. ...
Acrylic
$6,591
The power. Strong, man, bird, masculine, yellow, large artwork, inner power
Located in Oslo, NO
This large and strong oil painting, called The Power, is part of Alter Ego series and is inspired by Carl Jung’s psychology. Warm yellows and oranges against deep black and blue. A s...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 20
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
Guitarist
Located in Barcelona, CT
the painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
$8,050
Evening Mood, Original Painting on Canvas, Hand Signed, 36 x 48 in. Stretched
Located in Aventura, FL
Original oil on canvas painting. Hand signed on front; signed and titled on verso by the artist. Canvas is stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Stretched. Certificate of au...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
RED SHORE 2 - original painting by Paula Craioveanu Landscape
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Red Shore 2 ", acrylic on canvas, 40x100cm, Shipped strected. Comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.
Canvas, Acrylic
Storm
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I sought to capture the tumultuous yet mesmerizing dance of the sea with the sky. Utilizing the vigor of expressionism blended with soft touches of impression...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
Into The Light 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Surrealism, Women
By Elisha Nyong
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A garden of broken vows— where lilies bloom with ash in their throats and mirrors drip with the sweat of secrets. Two shadows entwine, Yet one dissolves into smoke, The other crumble...
Linen, Oil
$7,300
Kinetic Azure: Deep Turquoise Abstract Expressionism – Large Palette Knife Oil
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this monumental 80x120 cm work from her 2024 pivotal collection, Elena Lukina redefines the boundaries of contemporary marine abstraction. 'Kynetic Azure' is not merely a depictio...
Canvas, Oil
"Roadster" (2005) Expressionist Still-Life, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"Subject matter to me is a vehicle for me to explore how I observe life. My urban influences are an assembly of varied fabrics stitched together to form a tapestry. It is not to re...
Oil, Panel