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.
Floral Pattern - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Floral Pattern Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (her...
Silver Gelatin
Jacqueline Lamba and her Daughter - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Jacqueline Lamba and her Daughter Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edit...
Silver Gelatin
The Palace of Wonders - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Palace of Wonders Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copi...
Silver Gelatin
Sculpted Figure - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Sculpted Figure Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (he...
Silver Gelatin
The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval (Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval) Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on ...
Silver Gelatin
The Pelican - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Pelican Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, ...
Silver Gelatin
Country Road - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Country Road Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here,...
Silver Gelatin
Brotherly Love - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Brotherly Love Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (her...
Silver Gelatin
Rural Landscape - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Rural Landscape Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (he...
Silver Gelatin
Children's Games - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Children's Games Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (h...
Silver Gelatin
In the Heart of Childhood - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR In the Heart of Childhood Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 ...
Silver Gelatin
Blood Ties - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Blood Ties Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, t...
Silver Gelatin
A Moment of Intimacy - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR A Moment of Intimacy Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copie...
Silver Gelatin
Liberating Dance - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Liberating Dance Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (h...
Silver Gelatin
Floral Dress and Cape - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Floral Dress and Cape Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copi...
Silver Gelatin
The Fashion Show - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Fashion Show Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (h...
Silver Gelatin
The Choreography - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Choreography Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (h...
Silver Gelatin
A Moment of Lightheartedness - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR A Moment of Lightheartedness Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of...
Silver Gelatin
Dance and Nature - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Dance and Nature Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (...
Silver Gelatin
Classical Dancer - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Classical Dancer Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (h...
Silver Gelatin
Liberating the Body Through Dance - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Liberating the Body Through Dance Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited editi...
Silver Gelatin
Smiling Model - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Smiling Model Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here...
Silver Gelatin
The Gymnast - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Gymnast Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, ...
Silver Gelatin
Flexibility - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Flexibility Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, ...
Silver Gelatin
The Warm-up - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Warm-up Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, ...
Silver Gelatin
The Jump - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Jump Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, the...
Silver Gelatin
Bursts of laughter - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Bursts of laughter Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies ...
Silver Gelatin
Stretching - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Stretching Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, t...
Silver Gelatin
The Bridge - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR The Bridge Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, t...
Silver Gelatin
Extension - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Extension Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, th...
Silver Gelatin
High Jump - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR High Jump Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, th...
Silver Gelatin
Balance and Jumping- Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Balance and Jumping Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies...
Silver Gelatin
Rhythmic Gymnastics - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Rhythmic Gymnastics Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies...
Silver Gelatin
Wrestling - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Wrestling Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, th...
Silver Gelatin
Floor Exercise - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Floor Exercise Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (her...
Silver Gelatin
Shot put - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR Shot put Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 copies (here, the...
Oil, Gouache
A Successful Pirouette - Original photograph
By Dora Maar
Located in Paris, IDF
Dora MAAR A Successful Pirouette Original silver print made from the original 1935 negative Authenticated by the Succession stamp on the reverse (see photo) Limited edition of 5 cop...
Oil, Gouache
Contemporary abstract expressionist vivid acrylic portrait on paper "True self"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary expressionist, figurative abstract portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing series devoted to the human face—not just as a like...
Paper, Acrylic
Peacock displaying in Magenta and Yellow Birds
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
The reality is that this is an eye-witness account of a male peacock displaying for the attention of a female peahen. It turns out that humans are equally...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$4,750
"No Title" Still Searching For The Title Two, Giclee Print, Color Photography
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Still Searching For The Title / No Title 2 / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2022 Dimension: 19 x 13 External Dimension( with white border) Height:19.8 inch Width:13...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
$5,000
Skid Row Bowery Street Portrait - The Streets of New York - Photojournalism
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photographer Mitchell Funk breaks with tradition and shoots street photography in color. Today in 2022, this does not seem like a big deal. But 52 years ago, in 1970, it was q...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment