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.
"A Likely Story" (2020) By Linda Prokop, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
"A Likely Story" (2020) By Linda Prokop is an original bronze sculpture that depicts an abstracted portrait of a young girl standing next to a large bear. About the Artist: Linda Pr...
Bronze
$7,500
Art Deco Expressionist Bronze Judaica Rabbi Sculpture Los Angeles Modernist
By Peter Krasnow
Located in Surfside, FL
Bronze Jewish Rabbi. Original Patina. Art-deco wood carved base. It is signed with initials P.K. and marked "Calif Art Bronze Fdry LA" (California Art Bronze Foundry Los Angeles). it...
Bronze
$2,730
Bust portrait of a man with his mouth open, hand-carved in sycamore wood
Located in Carballo, ES
Hand-carved sycamore wood sculpture by the artist Álvaro de la Vega (1954, Lugo, Spain) in 2008. It is part of a series of sculptures of facial expressions. The sculpture measures 40...
Wood
Carved banana wood sculpture, expressionist bust, astonished face
Located in Carballo, ES
Hand-carved sycamore wood sculpture by the artist Álvaro de la Vega (1954, Lugo, Spain) in 2008. It is part of a series of sculptures of facial expressions. The sculpture measures 41...
Wood
Women in the Garden, Porcelain Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
This painted porcelain vase is of Chinese origin. Women can be seen socializing in an ancient Chinese garden. The analogous color scheme creates a serene and comfortable design. Or...
Porcelain
Price Upon Request
The Mystical Supper
Located in New York, NY
Dionisios Fragias is a New York -based artist born on the Greek island of Kefalonia and raised in New York City. He is the protege of the artist Jeff Koons whose years-long mentorshi...
Steel, Stainless Steel
"XMITTER" Helmet & Jacket Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
To Chicago-based artist Patrick Fitzgerald, his sculptures are a means of traveling through time. Working from found materials, Fitzgerald constructs miniature soap box cars...
Wire
$1,000
H 12.5 in W 12.5 in D 2 in
Julian Opie Birds Limited Edition Fine Bone China Plate Pop Art Ed of 250 Signed
By Julian Opie
Located in Draper, UT
Medium Print Condition Plate is in perfect condition and has only been opened to take pictures. Signature Signed in plate, Signed in plate, Printed signature and edition details on Verso of the plate. Printed Signature on Custom Artist Box. Certificate of authenticity Included (issued by authorized authenticating body) Frame Not included Series Coalition For the Homeless...
Porcelain
$2,400
H 16 in W 6 in D 5 in
Bronze and Steel Sculpture by David Kimball Anderson 'Green Bottle Ochre Seeds'
Located in White Plains, NY
'Green Bottle Ochre Seeds' by David Kimball Anderson, 2022. Bronze, steel, and paint, 16 x 6 x 5 in. This sculpture features a square vase cast in bronze a...
Bronze, Steel
$850
H 12.25 in W 12.25 in D 1 in
Jeff Koons "Tulips" coupe service plate by Bernadaud, France
By Jeff Koons
Located in East Quogue, NY
Bright and colorful, this Jeff Koons "Tulips" porcelain plate was produced by Bernadaud and made in Limoges, France. It is a Limited Edition of #181/2500, numbered on the back of the...
Porcelain
15 Black Boxes, Wall Sculpture by Jin-Sook So
By Jin-Sook So
Located in Wilton, CT
This abstract geometric wall sculpture was done by fiber artist, Jin-Sook So (b. 1950, Korea). So’s work is informed by her time spent in Korea, Sweden and Japan. She uses transpar...
Silver, Steel, Gold Leaf
$2,000
H 16 in W 6.5 in D 6 in
"Water Tower III" Hyper realistic cityscape sculpture, mixed media
By Drew Leshko
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Original miniature water tower sculpture by Drew Leshko made from archival paper, basswood, acrylic, enamel, dry pigments, birch wood strips, and steel mea...
Metal, Enamel
$270
H 4.75 in Dm 3.75 in
Apple of Eden, Porcelain Art Decor, Installation, Metal Gold
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Kristina Oganezz Work: Art Installation / Art decor Medium: Porcelaine Year: 2024 Color: Metal Gold Title: Apple of Eden Size: H 4,75" x Diameter 3,75" inch, 337 Gram, Arti...
Concrete, Gold Leaf
"New York Blower Car, " Mixed-Media Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
To Chicago-based artist Patrick Fitzgerald, his miniature car sculptures are a means of traveling through time. Born from a fascination with the soap bo...
Wood, Paper, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
$2,000
H 12 in W 12 in D 5.5 in
"Hotel (Blue/Red)", Miniature, Architecture, Sign, Cityscape, Sculpture
By Drew Leshko
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This sculpture titled "Hotel (Blue/Red)" is an original artwork by Drew Leshko made of paper, acrylic, basswood, and pastel. This piece measures approximately 12”h x 12”w x 5.5”d. D...
Wood, Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$850
H 14 in W 5.5 in D 5 in
"Flower Block (Orange)", Figurative, Flower, Floral, Sculpture, Wood, Paint
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This green and orange floral sculpture titled "Flower Block (Orange)" is an original artwork by Luke O'Sullivan made of screenprint, acrylic, and spraypa...
Wood, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Screen
$320
H 4.75 in Dm 3.75 in
Apple of Eden, Porcelain Art Decor, Installation, Metal Gold, Gift
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Kristina Oganezz Work: Art Installation / Art decor Medium: Porcelaine Year: 2024 Color: Metal Gold Title: Apple of Eden Size: H 4,75" x Diameter 3,75" inch, 337 Gram, Eleg...
Concrete, Gold Leaf
$6,250
H 62 in W 10 in D 10 in
"Echoes of Terrain" Abstract Sculpture 62" x 10" x 10" in by Shawn Kolodny
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes of Terrain" Abstract Sculpture 62" x 10" x 10" in by Shawn Kolodny Medium: Steel & Automotive Paint Shawn Kolodny is an artist based in Miami, FL. For the past 15 years, he has created large scale installations for cultural institutions and private residences around the world. Kolodny’s work explores the beauty and geometric synergies of the natural world, and our relationship to our innermost thoughts. His signature, playful works made of reflective steel spheres capture the symmetry, volume and balance present in both nature and design. These spheres are placed together to create new forms that reflect the vibrant and dynamic nature of the world around us, and the impact of our ever-changing perspective. Kolodny’s site-specific and shapeshifting installations construct a kinetic and immersive environment for viewers, creating space for moments of mindfulness and self-reflection within their experience. Transcending the traditional boundaries of art, the artist creates new worlds with each installation, that are at once both fantastical and organic. His practice seeks to encourage viewers to engage with the world around them in new, more meaningful and imaginative ways, inspiring a childlike wonder. Kolodny’s innovative style has garnered international recognition, and led to collaborations with brands including House of Creed, Missoni, Snow Lodge at the St Regis Aspen, Paris Hilton, Four Seasons, BMF, and Pharell's Something In The Water Festival. He is represented by William Morris Endeavor. Exhibitions 2023 Snow Lodge / St Regis Aspen City of Miami - Espanola Way Art Miami / Context Private Residence Art Basel - Bill Dean The MET / Eincholtz DJ Kahlid Paris Hilton F1 Creed Global Store Campaign Four Seasons Mexico City - Zona Maco - 1776 Bay Drive , Private Residence - Installation Bahamas Cruise Port x BMF - Installation Pharrell's Something in the Water Festival - Installation 2022 Scope Art Fair - Featured Installation Sagamore Hotel / Miami Art Week Art With Me Festival - Featured Installation 2018 Art Market Hamptons - Art & Design Buzz Art Auction / Miami Oliver Cole Gallery...
Steel
Sold
H 17 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Art Deco Expressionist Bronze Judaica Rabbi Sculpture Los Angeles Modernist
By Peter Krasnow
Located in Surfside, FL
Bronze Jewish Rabbi. Original Patina. Art-deco wood carved base. It is signed with initials P.K. and marked "Calif Art Bronze Fdry LA" (California Art Bronze Foundry Los Angeles). it is not dated. PETER KRASNOW (1886-1979), Russian-Ukrainian, American artist painter and sculptor, born Feivish Reisberg, was a California modernist and colorist artist known for his abstract wood sculptures and architectonic hard-edge paintings and drawings which were often based on Hebrew calligraphy and other subjects related to his Jewish heritage...
Bronze
Sold
H 28.5 in W 12 in D 10 in
"Mother Earth" (2016) By Linda Prokop, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
"Mother Earth" (2016) By Linda Prokop is an original bronze sculpture that depicts an abstracted portrait of a woman surrounded by a variety of animals. About the Artist: Linda Prok...
Bronze
Sold
H 9 in W 8 in
Fine 1950's French Expressionist Sculpture in Clay Nude Lady Model c.1950's
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Black Nude Sculpture by Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022) painted clay, approx: 9 x 8 inches provenance: the artists estate
Clay
Sold
H 4 in W 9 in
Fine 1950's French Expressionist Sculpture in Clay Nude Lady Model
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Artists Model by Josine Vignon, French 1922-2022 clay sculpture approx 4 x 9 inches provenance: the artists estate
Clay
"Poppies", Deep Red and Orange Glass, Vase,
Located in Detroit, MI
“Poppies” is a poetic interpretation of a garden flower rendered in exquisite colored glass by Craig Mitchell Smith. Craig is an extraordinary glass artist who is currently active in his Lansing, Michigan studio. He has changed the way we think about glass. He has received national recognition for his glass sculptures and is known throughout the United States for his solo gallery and public garden exhibitions. Craig’s revolutionary techniques in kiln-formed glass inspire experts in the field and is said to be the most innovative kiln glass artist in America today. Craig Mitchell Smith’s glass garden includes a bounty of massive dandelions gone to seed, graceful grapevines on bowing arbors, and brilliant fields of poppies and sunflowers. The Lansing, Michigan, artist has been creating floral forms in kiln-formed glass since 2006 using revolutionary techniques that have poised him as one of the most innovative kiln glass artists in America today. Originally a painter, theatrical set designer, home restorer, and flower arranger, Smith followed a random road into fused glassmaking that has now taken him around the world. Entirely self-taught in glass, the artist believes that his eclectic background and skills with stagecraft influence his methods and how he thinks about his current medium. Smith’s aesthetic is decidedly theatrical, his style painterly. Split nearly evenly between private home installations...
Metal
Fierce Wolf
Located in Bozeman, MT
Wendy Klemperer was born in 1958 in Boston, MA. Raised in Cambridge and Watertown, she was most able to explore her passion for animals and nature during summers spent at her grandmo...
Steel
Sold
H 17 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Art Deco Expressionist Bronze Judaica Rabbi Sculpture Los Angeles Modernist
By Peter Krasnow
Located in Surfside, FL
Bronze Jewish Rabbi. Original Patina. Art-deco wood carved base. It is signed with initials P.K. and marked "Calif Art Bronze Fdry LA" (California Art Bronze Foundry Los Angeles). it is not dated. PETER KRASNOW (1886-1979), Russian-Ukrainian, American artist painter and sculptor, born Feivish Reisberg, was a California modernist and colorist artist known for his abstract wood sculptures and architectonic hard-edge paintings and drawings which were often based on Hebrew calligraphy and other subjects related to his Jewish heritage. Krasnow lived in Los Angeles for most of his life. Born in Novohrad-Volynskyi, Zawill, Ukraine, Krasnow immigrated to the United States in 1907, apprenticing with his father who was an interior decorator. He studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduating in 1916. While in New York exhibiting at the Whitney Club, he met photographer Edward Weston and began a lifelong friendship. Krasnow and his wife Rose drove cross-country in 1922 to settle in Los Angeles, where he quickly became part of a small but active art community. His notable peers included Weston, fellow artists Henrietta Shore...
Bronze
Corrida Verte
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Corrida Verte is a white earthenware ceramic plate beautifully engraved with engobe, a form of painting with colored clay, and glaze. It is stamped "Madaura Plein Feu/Empreinte Ori...
Ceramic
Young Wood Owl
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ceramic painted in brown and black on white enamel,, glazed. With knife decoration. From an edition of 500. Height 26 cm. On the underside with the stamps: Madoura Plein Feu as well ...
Ceramic