Skip to main content

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.

to
913
745
600
649
652
805
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
15
969
2,467
6
8
28
41
34
64
111
126
92
116
40,688
36,915
22,550
8,732
4,665
3,306
2,517
1,203
1,165
970
900
424
272
1,690
1,217
535
1,477
1,171
966
530
362
309
302
263
257
218
183
169
134
122
110
84
80
78
72
69
3,292
2,066
1,776
1,740
1,271
41
40
39
38
30
858
174
1,473
1,270
Style: Expressionist
Dance Moves, Original Painting
Dance Moves, Original Painting

Dance Moves, Original Painting

By Diana Elena Chelaru

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
The painting captures a lively scene where a group of people dances joyfully, lost in the music with closed eyes. Their vibrant clothing and fluid movements i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Flourishing
Flourishing

Adegbola DeborahFlourishing, 2022

$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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Pearl Seascape
Pearl Seascape

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...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

French Countryside Part II
French Countryside Part II

French Countryside Part II

By Colette Wirz Nauke

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This painting captures the beauty of the French countryside. I was inspired by the peaceful and vivid colors found in this quaint French village. I depicted t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Evening Bay
Evening Bay

Evening Bay

Located in Zofingen, AG

The canvas is glued onto thick cardboard. In this painting, I poured my fascination with the interplay of light on water, using acrylic and oil to capture the ephemeral glow of sunse...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard

Beyond the Limits
Beyond the Limits

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

BLUE
BLUE

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...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Sunny water lilies
Sunny water lilies

Sunny water lilies

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...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Georges Braque (French, 1882-1963) - Nature Morte au Pot
Georges Braque (French, 1882-1963) - Nature Morte au Pot

Georges Braque (French, 1882-1963) - Nature Morte au Pot

By Georges Braque

Located in Dallas, TX

Georges Braque (French, 1882-1963) - Nature Morte au Pot Signed ‘G Braque' (underlined) bottom right Oil on canvas Canvas: 18 x 21.75 in. (45.7 x 55.2cm) Framed: 26 x 30 inches Executed circa 1959 Provenance: Galerie Beyeler, Basel, Switzerland. Galerie de l'Élysée (Alex Maguy...

Category

1950s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Paint

Seclusion
Seclusion

Kehinde OyafajoSeclusion, 2022

$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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Silence, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Silence, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Silence, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

œWe sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel cont...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria

By Rachael Dalzell

Located in Coltishall, GB

Rachael Dalzell’s paintings are colourful and expressive. Her free and lively use of paint through various techniques, mean that Rachael’s work is as much about mood as it is of pl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Acrylic

Racehorses Galloping in Burnt Orange Field Beautiful French Expressionist Oil
Racehorses Galloping in Burnt Orange Field Beautiful French Expressionist Oil

Racehorses Galloping in Burnt Orange Field Beautiful French Expressionist Oil

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Chantilly French Expressionist artist, 20th century oil on board, framed framed: 17.5 x 21 inches board: 13 x 16 inches inscribed verso provenance: private collection, France condit...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sunset over the Sea, French Expressionist Original Painting
Sunset over the Sea, French Expressionist Original Painting

Sunset over the Sea, French Expressionist Original Painting

By Akos Biro

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolour/gouache size: 7.75 x 11 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ French painter...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Gouache

Zebra portrait
Zebra portrait

Zebra portrait

Located in Zofingen, AG

In creating this zebra portrait, I delved deep into the expressive power of oil paints, utilizing a blend of expressionism and figurative styles to capture not just the zebra's strik...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

"Covet" - Dark Expressionist Figurative - Nude Seated Woman in Japanese Oni Mask
"Covet" - Dark Expressionist Figurative - Nude Seated Woman in Japanese Oni Mask

"Covet" - Dark Expressionist Figurative - Nude Seated Woman in Japanese Oni Mask

Located in Carmel, CA

Rizaldy Celi Jr. (American, Filipino-Vietnamese, born 1983) "Covet" 2023 Oil paint, Varnish, Wood The artist signed the back of the painting. "Covet" by Rizaldy Celi Jr. is a striking exploration of expressionist-disrupted realism, depicted on a 48" x 36" wood board. This provocative piece challenges traditional norms of beauty and desire by juxtaposing a nude woman donning an Oni mask...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil, Varnish

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design options!

By Bernard Herzog

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Photographic Film, Magazine Paper

One More Shot 1 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Sport, Golf, Green

One More Shot 1 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Sport, Golf, Green

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 Eli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

North African Prostitutes  Red Light District Tunisia
North African Prostitutes  Red Light District Tunisia

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 ...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Desires 3
Desires 3

Desires 3

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

The painting titled "Desires 3" is a beautiful work of art that depicts two men sitting across from each other, engaged in what seems to be a deep and meaningful conversation. The painting, created by Esinulo Chiamaka Praise, features an older man and a younger man, each holding a white flower, which adds a sense of purity and serenity to the scene. The older man, who appears to be in his 50s, and the younger man, who looks to be in his 20s, are both dressed in a more casual shirt and pants. Both men are seated on chairs, with their faces turned towards each other in a relaxed yet focused manner. The title of the painting, "Desires 3," adds an element of intrigue and mystery to the scene, as it hints at the possibility of underlying desires and motivations between the two men. However, the painting does not provide any clear answers or indications of what those desires might be, leaving the interpretation up to the viewer. Wisdom is gathered from lessons learned from experiences. Time and age guide a man through life as regards choices or wants... One possible interpretation of the painting is that it represents the passing of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next. The older man appears to be sharing something with the younger man, who listens intently and respectfully. The white flowers that both men are holding could be seen as symbols of purity and innocence, representing the purity of the knowledge and wisdom being shared. Another interpretation of the painting is that it represents a deep and meaningful conversation between two people who share a close and intimate relationship. The fact that both men are holding white flowers suggests a sense of purity and love between them, while their relaxed and focused expressions indicate a sense of comfort and ease in each other's presence. In terms of technique, the painting is expertly executed, with rich colors and intricate details that bring the scene to life. Keating's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, while the placement of the two men in the center of the painting draws the viewer's attention to their faces and the emotions that are portrayed in them. Overall, "Desires 3" is a beautiful and thought-provoking painting that captures the essence of a deep and meaningful conversation between two people. It is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotion and inspire reflection, leaving the viewer with a sense of curiosity and wonder about the motivations and desires of the two men in the painting. 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 Esinulo Chiamaka Praise is a comtemporary Nigerian painter...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Farmers and Horses with Carts, Oil on Cardboard, Framed, 20th Century
Farmers and Horses with Carts, Oil on Cardboard, Framed, 20th Century

Farmers and Horses with Carts, Oil on Cardboard, Framed, 20th Century

Located in Genève, GE

Work on cardboard signed Golden wooden frame Dimension with frame : 66.5 x 76.5 x 4.5 cm This captivating work depicts a lively rural scene with three figures mounted on horses, in f...

Category

20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Natalie Bird, Summer Bloom, Original Still Life Floral Painting, Affordable Art
Natalie Bird, Summer Bloom, Original Still Life Floral Painting, Affordable Art

Natalie Bird, Summer Bloom, Original Still Life Floral Painting, Affordable Art

Located in Deddington, GB

Summer Bloom [2021] Original Flowers Mixed media on board Image size: H:45 cm x W:3 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:45 cm x W:30 cm x D:30cm Framed Size: H:45 cm x W:45 cm x D:3cm Sold Framed Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look Summer Bloom is an original painting by Natalie Bird...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Board

Looking Through the Window
Looking Through the Window

Looking Through the Window

By Pierre Roussel

Located in Sheffield, MA

Pierre Roussel French, 1927-1995 Looking Through the Window Oil on Canvas 21 ½ by 28 ¾ in, w/ frame 29 ¼ by 36 ½ in Signed lower right

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

'Aspen in Vail' by Jim Cobb, Oil on Canvas Painting
'Aspen in Vail' by Jim Cobb, Oil on Canvas Painting

'Aspen in Vail' by Jim Cobb, Oil on Canvas Painting

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

This oil on canvas painting by artist James Cobb depicts the scenic aspen groves found along the mountainsides in Colorado. Cobb's use of the palette knife helps accentuate the varie...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Yachts
Yachts

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...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Kitties
Kitties

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...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Archival Paper

Poolside, Original Painting
Poolside, Original Painting

Poolside, Original Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A figure lounges by the poolside, one knee raised and arms draped casually over it. The person radiates a relaxed, contemplative mood. With loose brushstrings...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Cherries
Cherries

Cherries

Located in Zofingen, AG

In creating this piece, I sought to evoke a simple yet profound beauty through the bold, vivid strokes of these cherries set against a muted, textured backdrop. The rich, deep reds o...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

Landscape with meadow
Landscape with meadow

Landscape with meadow

Located in Zofingen, AG

"In creating this painting, I infused my passion for nature's raw beauty and the tranquility of open meadows. The expressive strokes of oil paint capture the warmth of sunlight cares...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Irises on the pond
Irises on the pond

Irises on the pond

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I sought to capture the ephemeral beauty of irises by the pond's edge, reflecting my deep admiration for nature's transient moments. The oils allowed me to blend vi...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Linen

Irises Still Life
Irises Still Life

Irises Still Life

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil painting, I've captured the delicate interplay of light and color through a tender arrangement of irises. My artistic expression melds impressionism with realism, allowin...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sunny terrace
Sunny terrace

Sunny terrace

Located in Zofingen, AG

I poured my soul into this piece, capturing the warmth of the sun and the serene beauty of nature. My brushstrokes evoke a sense of peace and invite the viewer to step into a tranqui...

Category

2010s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Revelry, Oil Painting
Revelry, Oil Painting

Revelry, Oil Painting

By Karen Barton

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A jewel-toned hummingbird hovers mid-flight, its wings blurred by motion as it flies through the colorful sky. The scene takes inspiration from the birds that...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Vibrant Bathers Scene, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Early 20th Century
Vibrant Bathers Scene, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Early 20th Century

Vibrant Bathers Scene, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Early 20th Century

Located in Genève, GE

Work on canvas Dimension with frame : 46 x 54.5 x 3.3 cm Vibrant Bathers Scene This expressionist painting captures a lively scene of nude figures gathered near the water, portrayed ...

Category

Early 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Haystacks  in Nordmany

Haystacks in Nordmany

By Bernard Buffet

Located in New York, NY

This is a period when the artist saw the light differently and the journey all started in 1971. Bernard Buffet, the artist, was searching for subjects, looking to paint what he saw j...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Cape Maneuver: Expressionist Bullfighter Oil Painting, 1980s
Cape Maneuver: Expressionist Bullfighter Oil Painting, 1980s

Cape Maneuver: Expressionist Bullfighter Oil Painting, 1980s

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Title: Cape Maneuver Artist: José María Tuser Vázquez (Barcelona, 1919 – 1986) Technique: Oil on canvas mounted on board Dimensions: 19.7 x 23.6 in (50 x 60 cm) Date: Circa 1980s Signature: Signed "Tuser" in the lower left corner Condition: Excellent; thick, vibrant brushwork and vivid colors well preserved. 📝 Description This painting captures a dramatic moment in the bullfight — the classic verónica — as the matador gracefully halts the bull’s charge with a sweeping motion of the cape. The vivid contrast of magentas, blues, and golds intensifies the theatrical tension between man and beast. The composition is dynamic yet controlled, emphasizing the poise of the torero against the raw force of the bull. The expressive brushstrokes and thick impasto enhance the sense of movement, while the abstracted background ensures focus remains on the central figures. The piece is a striking blend of figuration and emotional energy, characteristic of Tuser’s taurine works. 👤 About the Artist: José María Tuser Vázquez José María Tuser Vázquez was a Spanish painter born in Barcelona in 1919. He studied at the Barcelona School of Arts and Crafts and began exhibiting in the 1940s. By 1947, he had fully devoted his career to bullfighting scenes, developing a distinctive figurative expressionist style with impressionist influences. He collaborated with the magazine El Ruedo, creating numerous illustrations and covers, and designed collectible postcards for Editorial Artigas. His work became well-known in Spanish artistic circles and is now part of both private and institutional collections, including the Club Taurino of London. His paintings have been auctioned internationally, reaching up to $3,000 depending on size and subject. His legacy is that of a painter who masterfully captured the emotion, tradition, and drama of the Spanish corrida. 🎨 Similar Artists José María Tuser Vázquez’s work shares thematic and stylistic elements with: Roberto Domingo – A pioneer of bullfighting art...

Category

1970s Expressionist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

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.