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.
$1,387Sale Price|25% Off
'Eucalyptus Beach, Monterey', California Expressionist Oil, Stanford, Carmel
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Canete' for Robert Canete (American, born 1948) and painted circa 2000. An expressionist oil seascape showing a view of the Pacific ocean at Monterey, Californi...
Paper, Oil
Pearl Seascape
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I poured my emotions into capturing the transcendent beauty of a seascape at sunset. Using acrylic and oil, I merged expressionism with impressionism to evoke the s...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
'War and Peace', Mid-Century Belgian Surrealist Oil on Board.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid-century Surrealist oil on board depicting War and Peace by Belgian Artist, Willy Smitz. Signed and dated bottom right with his recognisable triangular motif ( initialed WS ), in ...
Oil, Board
Woman with a chef's Hat Belle Epoque
By René Guinand
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 81 x 68 x 3 cm Woman with a chef's hat This striking portrait, typical of Expressionism, depicts a woman in an introspective pose. Vigorous brushst...
Oil
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Looking Down at the Ranch, Abstract Expressionist Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Heavily textured, 1962 abstracted landscape by Humbolt area artist Alma B. Leamey (American, 1901-1996). The viewer looks out over a valley, with a ranch at the focal point. In the d...
Canvas, Oil
Yachts
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I aimed to capture the tranquil beauty of yachts at sunset, the hues reflecting the day's end. My strokes blend expressionism with impressionism's charm, evok...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Release female figure on cliff seascape muted green &select bright color
Located in Brooklyn, NY
ABOUT Stephen Basso Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic, yet thought provoking fantasies. His whimsical works are alive with boundless imaginat...
Canvas, Oil
$3,400
"Sands of Celia" (2022) by Leigh Ann Van Fossan, Original Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Sands of Celia" is an original acrylic painting featuring peaceful blue waters lapping a sandy beach. Van Fossan was born in Vail, Colorado, and began oil p...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Not Bounded
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected crater from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist A...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,177
Flowers in a Vase Still Life Floral Expressionist French School in Frame
Located in Pistoia, IT
Bright and sophisticated, this "Flower Vase with Anemones" signed work by French painter expressionist Lucien Roudier known as Eller (1894-1940). Fine Arts export certificate avail...
Canvas, Oil
Monstera 6, Vibrant Abstract Expressionist Foliage Original Mixed Media Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In the realm of vibrant expressions, Italian artist Giuseppe Beddru masterfully brings to life abstracted flora in a spectacular fusion of color and form. The canvas dances with an o...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,419Sale Price|20% Off
1970’s Huge French Expressionist Green Landscape Avenue of Trees, signed oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Avenue of Trees French Expressionist School, signed front and back Dated 1974 oil on canvas, framed framed: 37 x 44 inches canvas: 32 x 39 inches private collection, France the p...
Canvas, Oil
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
"Salève mount landscape" by William GOLIASCH - Oil on canvas 50x61 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on canvas sold with frame Total size with frame 70x82 cm Signed and dated William GOLIASCH is a Swiss artist born in 1922 and died in 1986. His works have been sold at public au...
Oil
"End of Fall" (2024) By Sandra Pratt, Original Oil Painting of Landscape
By Sandra Pratt
Located in Denver, CO
"End of Fall" by Sandra Pratt is an original oil painting that depicts an autumn landscape with colorful leaves and a house in the distance. Artist Statement: My work is inspired b...
Linen, Oil, Panel
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
I'm Alright, Just Here 2
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 Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) "I'm Alright, Just Here" is a captivating artwork that captures the viewer's attention with its tender depiction of a young girl. The artist skillfully brings the subject to life, with delicate brushstrokes and meticulous attention to detail. The girl's features are portrayed with remarkable precision, revealing a sense of innocence and vulnerability that tugs at the heartstrings. The expression on the girl's face speaks volumes—a delicate blend of calmness and introspection. Her eyes, a window to her soul, radiate a sense of quiet strength and resilience, hinting at a pearl of wisdom beyond her years. Simon's choice to depict the girl alone, with no external distractions, creates a sense of intimacy and invites viewers to connect with her inner world. "I'm Alright, Just Here" explores the themes of solitude, self-reflection, and the resilience of youth. The title itself offers insight into the subject's state of mind—an assurance that she is content and at peace in her presence. It serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of finding solace within oneself, even amidst the chaos and noise of the world. The young girl's presence in the artwork represents the universal experience of navigating the complexities of life. Her portrayal invites viewers to reflect on their journey, prompting questions about the inner strength we possess and the moments of introspection we all seek. She becomes a mirror, reminding us to find moments of stillness and self-care, where we can gather strength and nurture our well-being. The muted color palette employed by Simon contributes to the contemplative mood of the artwork. Soft, earthy tones evoke a sense of serenity and harmony, further enhancing the atmosphere of quiet introspection. The artist's careful attention to the interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the girl's expression, underscoring the layers of emotion and resilience that lie beneath the surface. Obeka Simon...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 14
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of the sun that gi...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Heart Expanding" (2025), Nude Female Portrait, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Kirsten Savage is one of Colorado’s top representational artists. As an avid world traveler and experienced mountaineer, Kirsten spends her time seeking out beautiful spaces where th...
Oil, Panel
Blooming pond 50X50 oil on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant oil painting, I've poured my zest for nature and renewal. Brushstrokes blossom across the canvas, capturing the essence of a serene pond, where time seems suspended. ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,016Sale Price|30% Off
Late 20th Century French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Board. 'Jazz Night'.
By Thierry Miramon
Located in Cotignac, FR
Late 20th century abstract expressionist oil on board representation of a lively jazz night by French artist, Thierry Miramon, signed top left and pres...
Acrylic, Board
$725
Poppies 4: Expressionist Acrylic & Oil Painting on Satin Paper, 2010+
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...
Acrylic, Oil, Satin Paper
$1,192Sale Price|57% Off
Tableau n°60 by Jean Krillé - Oil on paper and canvas 50x70 cm
By Jean Krille
Located in Geneva, CH
Of Germanic descent, the painter Jean Krillé was born in 1923 in Switzerland. His father, writer and poet, oriented him towards art and culture. From the age of 16, he enrolled at th...
Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 19
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
Fantasy with Flowers 18
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
RICHARD
Located in Zofingen, AG
I crafted this painting using a vibrant mix of acrylic and oil, merging naive art with pop art energy, infusing the spirit of primitivism and a touch of impressionism. It's a visual ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Flourishing
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Flourishing," a masterpiece by Adegbola Deborah, is a visual testament to the profound philosophy that life's highest calling is not merely survival, but the active pursuit of thriv...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bird on a branch (Cyornis rubeculoides)
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, infused with expressionism and realism, I captured the vivid essence and delicate poise of a small bird perched on a branch. The soft, blended background in gre...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women with Large Afro Hair
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 Emma...
Canvas, Coffee, Mixed Media
Coral Poppies 30Х21
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vivid oil painting, I've captured the wild essence of poppies swaying with a liveliness that echoes the pulse of nature itself. Employing strokes influenced by impressionism ...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
'Still Life of Fruit', Grande Chaumiere, Hans Hofmann, NY ASL, Monhegan, PAFA
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'A. Minewski' for Alexander Minewski (American, 1917-1979) and painted circa 1950. Born in Detroit, Alexander Minewski left home at the age of 14 to work in the circus. He subsequently worked as a sign painter and a logger. Minewski first studied at the Society of Arts and Crafts in Detroit (1936-1939) and received scholarships that allowed him to attend the Art Students League in New York City (1939-1942). There, he studied under artists including Jean Charlot, Ernest Fiene, George Grosz and Vaclav Vytlacil. During World War II, Minewski joined the army and fought as a combat engineer. Wounded in Burma while fighting with Merrill's Marauders, he spent two years there recovering from his wounds. Following his time in Burma, Minewski studied for two years on the G.I. Bill in Paris at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiere (1950-1952) and, independently, with Hans Hofmann in New York City (1952-1953). Hofmann was influential on his style and his work shifted away from a moody realism towards a fuller expressionism. In 1954, Minewski began spending his summers at the artist’s colony in Monhegan Island, Maine. While there, he was able to work and collaborate with other artists and friends such as Ted Davis...
Canvas, Oil
Jaume Terrassa 8 Square Green Garden original acrylic canvas painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work by the artist from Mallorca . Beautiful piece. Mallorcan artistic painter. He offers us a vision of the placid and calm reality, and a uniformity of tones, gives his w...
Canvas, Oil
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Beyond the Limits
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Beyond the Limits is a work that explains what youth in a developing country goes through. Most youth who have to experience the squalor of a developing economy are characterized by wholesale dejection and despair with many of them resorting to drug use and various crimes that jeopardized their lives. Many cannot see a future beyond their present abode. Artist Busari Adewale...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"Golden Altar", Expressionist, Church Interior, Gold, Purple, Blue, Oil Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
“Golden Altar” by Catherine Picard-Gibbs is a expressionist interior church scene. This evocative 24 x 20 x 1 7/8 inch oil on canvas painting depicts a golden encrusted altar. The te...
Oil, Canvas
$2,450
Richard Tallant Longs Peak Colorado Landscape Watercolor, circa 1920
By Richard H. Tallant
Located in Denver, CO
“Longs Peak, From New Longmont (Colorado)” is an original vintage watercolor painting, created circa 1920 by Colorado artist Richard Tallant. This evocative landscape captures the ru...
Watercolor
Flowers Abstract
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I've poured my zeal for nature's beauty into every stroke. The oil medium allowed me to layer textures, creating a tapestry of emotions. This painting evokes ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Sculpted Heritage (Beauty Within Us)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The Beauty Within Us" is a compelling narrative series of paintings that celebrates the unique and diverse beauty of Black hair, serving as a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, a...
Canvas, Acrylic
GURU
By Daria Kusto
Located in CÓRDOBA, ES
Mixed media on paper Original art by DARIA KUSTO The magic flow reality.. Shipped well protected, rolled in a tube, unframed
Acrylic
$1,280Sale Price|31% Off
"Lighthouse" by William GOLIASCH - Oil on wood 16x26 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on wood sold with frame Total size with frame 36x47 cm William GOLIASCH is a Swiss artist born in 1922 and died in 1986. His works have been sold at public auction 100 times, ma...
Oil
$1,669Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Expressionist Oil Painting Nude Bathers in Woodland
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, mid 20th century Title: Nude Bathers Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed Size: painting: 19.75 x 24 inches Provenance: France Condi...
Oil
Carnival Night 70X70
Located in Zofingen, AG
Carnival Night Venice, Carnival, masks, ladies in hats, Masquerade! What could be better to be in Venice on a festive Carnival night! Medieval costumes and dresses, beautiful ladies,...
Canvas, Oil
BLUE
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant canvas, I've melded the fluid grace of abstract art with the emotive brush strokes of impressionism and the bold visual appeal of pop art. I used acrylic and oil to w...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Summer Bouquet – Vibrant Floral Impressionist Painting on Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Summer Bouquet” – Vibrant Floral Impressionist Painting on Canvas Bring the beauty of summer into your home with this stunning hand-painted floral artwork titled “Summer Bouquet.” ...
Oil
$2,100Sale Price|40% Off
"Pacific Grove Dunes" - Colorful Expressionist California Monterey Bay Seascape
Located in Carmel, CA
Penny Whent (American, born 1949) "Pacific Grove Dunes" 2024 Acrylic Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom right of the painting. Penny Whent captures the quiet...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Meneses coast. Marine. original watercolor paper expressionist
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Majorca II 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 th...
Watercolor
$475
Notre Dame by Jacques Endzel, Oil on Canvas Colorful CItyscape of Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
Welcome to Heritage, our carefully curated collection of French vintage and antique paintings. We scour the flea markets and fairs for these gems: poignant portraits of long-gone Me...
Canvas, Oil
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
'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
North African Prostitutes Red Light District Tunisia
Located in Miami, FL
For Playboy Magazine, German-American artist and illustrator Franz Altschuler paints a heart-pounding scene of a red-light district in Tunisia. What's immediately distinctive is how ...
Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Lake and mountain landscape
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas
Oil
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Seclusion
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Seclusion" is a captivating artwork created by Kehinde Oyafajo that depicts a lady sitting on the floor with her hand resting on a stool. The lady is dressed in a sensual way and is...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Wet Roads
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this painting, I delved into the transient beauty of a rain-soaked cityscape through an amalgamation of impressionism and abstract styles. Using acrylics and oils, I stro...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Courageous Spirit
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Tunde Bakare, a visionary artist with an uncanny ability to infuse profound emotions into his works, has risen to prominence for his powerful portrayal of marginalized voices and the...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 13
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
Cottage with Flowering Vines
Located in Sheffield, MA
Isabelle Ferry American, 1865-1937 Cottage with Flowering Vines Oil on canvas 13 ⅛ by 16 ⅞ in, w/ frame 17 ⅛ by 21 in Estate stamped verso Provenance: Estate of the artist Private...
Canvas, Oil
$2,710Sale Price|20% Off
Paris before Christmas. Oil on canvas, 49, 5x65 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Paris before Christmas. Oil on canvas, 49,5x65 cm Gennady Bernadsky (1956) - Soviet and Russian artist. Gennady Bernadsky was born in Simferopol on...
Canvas, Oil
$309Sale Price|20% Off
Fragment of a sea wave
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this painting, I sought to capture the essence and vitality of the sea. With each brushstroke, I instilled the raw power and restless spirit of ocean waves. This piece, c...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Sakura 2 Colorful Abstract Interior Painting by Iryna Kastsova
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sakura 2. Japanese tree. Acrylic paints in soft pink, pastel pink, cream, burgundy, yellow, peach, cream, opal white, magenta, and creamy pink splattered and splattered, creating a s...
Acrylic
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled
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
Teal Figurative Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Dynamic teal figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 1978-2016). From a collection of his works. Signed "Daniel Fuentes" on verso. Unf...
Canvas, Oil
$4,125Sale Price|25% Off
'Woman Sleeping', Large Modernist Figural Oil, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Portland
By Julio Lavallen
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
'Woman Sleeping' by Julio Lavallen, 1987. Large Modernist Figural Oil, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Portland ---- Signed lower left, 'Lavallen' for Julio Lavallen (Argentinian, born 195...
Canvas, Oil
SEA, SAILS, MOUNTAIN
Located in Zofingen, AG
As I created this painting, I sought to capture the dynamic interplay between nature and human endeavor. The bold sails against the twilight sky symbolize the courage it takes to emb...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Summer. Flower field 17
Located in Zofingen, AG
Summer. Flower field 17. A sunny summer day, the whole earth is warmed by warmth, a flowering field, flowers, colorful poppies, the sky create an atmosphere of relaxation, harmony, r...
Acrylic