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.
$2,400
'Massacre of Tlatelolco', Plaza de las Tres Culturas, Mexican Olympics, Rio MAM
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower center with artist monogram, 'B.S.' for Benjamin Silva (Brazilian, born 1927) and dated with roman numerals, 1968; additionally signed, verso, dated and titled. A dram...
Canvas, Oil
Dallas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original oil on canvas on wooden stretcher, signed on the back. Certificate of authenticity included. :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate o...
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
$2,500
My Steeze - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Men, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
My Steezz "Steez" = composure + values + identity + inner Standard - something unbending, no matter the storm. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This wo...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Mid Century French Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Vers La Durance
Located in Cotignac, FR
French Expressionist oil on canvas of a river and mountain landscape by Gisele Grant-Gapail. The painting is initialled bottom right, signed and dated to the back of the canvas and t...
Canvas, Oil
Raventos 6 Winds Vines Trees Square Sunset original expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"Paisaje de castilla" original expressionist acrylic painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$2,445
To Return. Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea at dusk Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
Moody skies over the sea. Richard K Blades’ To Return is a captivating artwork that captures the vastness and drama of a seascape, where earth and sky blend in a mesmerizing dance. ...
Oil, Board
2 Funny pink ballerinas. Original impasto Miniature oil painting.
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting captures two funny pink ballerinas in a lighthearted dance. The artist's use of impasto brings a delightful texture to the canvas, enhancing the ballerinas...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
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
The Separateness Of Things, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil on Canvas, hand framed and finished by the artist. overall size 15†x 19â€. :: Painting :: Expressionism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signe...
Oil
In Her Solitude - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In her solitude, she finds clarity. The world outside may move at an unforgiving pace, but here, in the quiet, she breathes. She sits with her thoughts, letting them rise and fall li...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Elderly Rabbi 20th Century Judaica Portrait
Located in Surfside, FL
The artist depicts the portrait of an older Rabbi from a profile view in the manner of Samuel Rothbort. The artist's brush work is expressive, while the subject matter has a high deg...
Canvas, Oil
Le Tennis
Located in New York, NY
Le Tennis is a beautiful large painting by the artist and painted painted in 1981. The artist has one of the paintings in his own collection and was happy to hear when we acquired t...
Oil
$18,000
Upright Bass, Expressionist Portrait of Musician by Philadelphia Artist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Upright Bass" is a painting by Philadelphia born Expressionist painter Bernard Harmon. The 40" x 34" oil on board group portrait of a musician is painted...
Oil, Board
$2,200
Expressionist French Israeli Modern Oil Painting Chelsea Hotel, George Chemeche
Located in Surfside, FL
This is a bright, colorful modernist oil painting of a vase of Flowers A great floral work. George Chemeche was born in Basra, Iraq in 1934 He emigrated to Israel and studied at th...
Oil, Canvas
Pink extravaganza. Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
Pink extravaganza. The holiday of pink flowers on a summer day creates an atmosphere of relaxation, harmony and bliss. Abstract expressionism. The picture was painted using the techn...
Acrylic
"Untitled 2", Expressionist, Abstract, Green, Yellow, Blue, Oil Painting
By Dalvin Byron
Located in Franklin, MA
Dalvin Byron's "Untitled 2" is an intimate 14 x 18 inch oil painting on canvas glowing with deep phthalo greens, burnt sienna, and yellow ochre, dissolving into cool and watery blue-...
Canvas, Oil
African Boy Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
African Boy is a series of paintings by talented artist Faith Gbadero. This series of Artworks captures the response and attitudes of African young adult...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
Somebody Call Me - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Expressionism, 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 Oso...
Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer
Sunny Terrace 25X35
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I've intertwined the essence of expressionism and impressionism, allowing the vibrant colors and bold textures to evoke feelings of warmth and serenity. The f...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
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
Serenity 2 Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
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...
Acrylic, Canvas
Woman in a Red Dress
By Béla Czóbel
Located in Chicago, IL
In an article published in Le Figaro (Paris, March 19, 1964), Raymond Cogniat comments on Czóbel’s unique artistic style. He writes: “...Czóbel, who arrived Paris in the first years...
Canvas, Oil
House on Old Ocean Street, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Spring blossoms emerge under the morning sunlight, casting vivid colors across the landscape, even in the shadowed areas. Tall trees surround the house, creatin...
Acrylic
Ray of Hope III, Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Ray of Hope," a poignant creation by artist John Ali, encapsulates a moment of contemplation and the subtle interplay between vulnerability and resilience. The artwork features a yo...
Oil, Canvas
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
Unfurling the Past 2-21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Oil, Women
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...
Canvas, Oil
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
Dancer in Red - Large Colorful Expressive Figurative Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses vitality and sensuality in her abstract and figurative paintings. “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, dancers, and peop...
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
$3,250
True Friend 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women Love Men
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, Acrylic
"Woman with a Cigarette", Hugo Scheiber (1873-1950)
Located in Paris, FR
Hugo Scheiber (1873-1950) was a Hungarian painter of Jewish origins. He started as a self-taught artist. He was initially inspired by Impressionism before evolving towards Expression...
Gouache, Cardboard
Pons Fullana. Cala Figuera. Mallorca. Acrylic paint
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Andreu Pons Fullana . 1947. Realist landscape painter with an expressionist touch.
Acrylic
In Whom I Confide - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
There is a special kind of trust that exists between sisters—not just those bound by blood, but those connected by the unshakable bond of sisterhood. In a world that often feels chao...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$2,200
Les Non-Dits (The Unsaid) 1, - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
From The Things We Don’t Say Out Loud Series Men deserve flowers, too not just after the struggle but in the middle of it while becoming is still happening There are parts of us we l...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
$450
Blue Testament 9 -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 6 -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
Mujer de Juchitan
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Raul Anguiano, Mexican (1915 - 2006) Title Mujer de Juchitan Year: 1974 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.l., signed, dated and titled verso Size: 25.5 x 37.25 in. (64.77 x 94...
Oil, Canvas
In My Mind - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, Mixed Media, Colour Field
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, Charcoal, Ink, Acrylic
"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
J. Meunie 6 Tree Almond Blossom Vertical original acrylic painting
By Julen Meunie
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
" ALMOND BLOSSOM original acrylic painting. framed Julien was born in 1948 in Vichy, France. He studied art and theater in Clermont-Ferrand at the same time as finishing his degree ...
Wood, Oil
Poch 8 Maria de las Mercedes Acrylic Painting, Expressionist, Unframed, 2010+
By Ramon Poch
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
8.-Maria de las Mercedes 115 x90 cm acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production compan...
Acrylic
$1,213Sale Price|20% Off
Tennis. Figurative Oil Painting, Olympic Games, Sport, Realistic, Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
The painting shows two tennis players which is one of the official sports of the Olympic Games. The tennis match has a spectacular character and dynamics well captured in the paintin...
Canvas, Oil
Horses of Branges
Located in New York, NY
The condition is excellent and ready to hang. A photo certificate accompanies this painting and will be included in the forth coming catalogue raisonne. Signed lower right, and dated...
Oil
$272Sale 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 ...
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
$1,850
Echoes of Love -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Painting, Women Art
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 Elie HATUNGIMAN...
Canvas, Acrylic
CATS
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant composition, I've joyfully blended impressionism with pop art, using acrylic and oil to bring to life these charming feline figures. The piece captures the warmth of ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Fishing Port
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've melded acrylic and oil to capture the vibrant, ever-moving essence of the fishing port. Inspired by expressionism and impressionism, the thick, intentional str...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
Letter to Grandma: Expressionist Acrylic and Charcoal Painting
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
There is no other love that’s as special as the love of a grandma. So warm and fuzzy, so calm and sweet, so cheerful and joyful. You never know the love of a grandparent until you become one. 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 Gallery) About Artist Oluwaseun Ojebiyi is a promising young Nigerian visual artist who was born in the year 1996 into a family in Oyo state richly endowed with a unique artistic inclination. He is gifted with unusual energy and a future that sparkles with excellence. His works are at once artistic and realistic and laced with active energy with the characteristic of curiosity in figure study. He delivers his works through drawing and painting with mastery usage of charcoal, pastel, Oil paint, and acrylic. His expressive works bring back fond memories of childhood experiences. His works reveal the bond, teamwork, genuine love, selflessness, and other fine qualities in African culture. His palette which contains a variety of colors is a great asset for his delivery, with its rich Shade of hues. Oluwaseun inspiration is divine, He is also inspired by both past and everyday life experiences. Oluwaseun Ojebiyi had an HND in painting from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He also served an apprenticeship under the renowned international artist Oluwole Omofemi...
Acrylic, Charcoal, Canvas
$1,850
Goddess Feels - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Plants, Women
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 Josue M Pierre ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Still life with watering can and cacti
Located in Genève, GE
Work on wood Golden frame Dimensions with frame :64 x 79 x 2.5 cm A close look at this work reveals the artist's astonishing mastery in depicting an apparently simple yet profoundly...
Oil, Gouache
Red poppies 40Х40 oil painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've poured my passion into every brushstroke, capturing the wild spirit of nature through a vibrant dance of reds and subdued background hues. My expressionist...
Canvas, Oil
Meneses Mallorca Coast original watercolor paper expressionist painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
coast original watercolor paper expressionist painting. This Catalan painter, settled for years in Mallorca, offers a series of landscapes in which the natural is treated in the imp...
Watercolor
$1,850
Gazing Through Ankara 1, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Unframed
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Gazing Through Ankara" is a captivating series of paintings that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and individuality of black African women through the exploration of eyewear and An...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Fabric, Oil
$665Sale Price|35% Off
Still life with peonies. 1989, paper, watercolor, 62x70 cm
By Dzidra Bauma
Located in Riga, LV
Still life with peonies. 1989, paper, watercolor, 62x70 cm Dzidra Bauma (1930) Dzidra Bauma works in watercolor technique. She paint figural composition...
Paper, Watercolor
A fated meeting in the rain Original impasto Miniature oil painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting captures a chance encounter on a rainy city street. The artist's skillful brushwork blends expressionism with realism, depicting a fleeting moment of conn...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
High Meadows Landscape Painting, Oil on Board, Mid-20th Century
Located in Hillsborough, NC
Contemporary expressionism impasto oils in rich deep color, this is a traditional landscape scene of croft and loch with a modern aesthetic. Stunning contrast from mountains that rai...
Oil, Board
$1,600
Boubou - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Plants, Women, Africa
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 Josue M Pierre ...
Canvas, Acrylic