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Expressionist Art

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.

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Style: Expressionist
Item Ships From: Europe
Coral Forest, Large Triptych, Gem-like Patterns, Illustration Style, Coastal
Coral Forest, Large Triptych, Gem-like Patterns, Illustration Style, Coastal

Coral Forest, Large Triptych, Gem-like Patterns, Illustration Style, Coastal

Located in Barcelona, ES

This original painting by Romina Milano presents a coral-like landscape composed of clustered, gem-like forms that unfold as a vibrant constellation. Balancing abstraction and marine...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Aurora over a Northern Lake, 1916
Aurora over a Northern Lake, 1916

Aurora over a Northern Lake, 1916

Located in Stockholm, SE

Aurora over a Northern Lake, signed and dated “G Claeson 1916”, oil on canvas. This evocative landscape, executed in an expressionist manner, and on the same time almost modern, cap...

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene
1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene

1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Riverside Scene By Alex Levrat, French 1941 signed & dated oil on board, framed Framed: 15 x 18 inches Board : 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very g...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Paris Street Scene, Expressionist Cityscape Oil Painting
Paris Street Scene, Expressionist Cityscape Oil Painting

Paris Street Scene, Expressionist Cityscape Oil Painting

Located in Genève, GE

Dimensions with frame: 47 x 34 x 3,5 cm. Signed "A Carducci" in the lower right corner. A vibrant and expressive depiction of a Parisian street scene, animated by pedestrians, shopfronts, and early automobiles under a lively urban atmosphere. The composition captures the dynamic rhythm of city life, with figures moving through a bustling intersection framed by Haussmannian architecture. Executed with bold, gestural brushwork and a richly textured surface, the painting emphasizes movement, light, and immediacy over fine detail. The artist employs a dynamic palette of warm browns, greys, and ochres, punctuated by vivid accents of red, yellow, and blue, bringing energy and depth to the scene. The wet pavement and reflections suggest recent rain, enhancing the sense of atmosphere and modernity. The buildings are rendered with a semi-abstract approach, their forms slightly distorted through expressive handling, aligning the work with Post-Impressionist and early Expressionist tendencies. This painting reflects the vitality of early 20th century Paris, appealing to collectors of modernist cityscapes, Parisian subjects, and expressive urban painting. paris street scene painting, scène de rue à paris, paris cityscape oil painting...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Sun Through Flowers, Expressionist Oil Painting on Paper, 2010-
Sun Through Flowers, Expressionist Oil Painting on Paper, 2010-

Sun Through Flowers, Expressionist Oil Painting on Paper, 2010-

Located in Oslo, NO

This vibrant artwork captures the warmth of a sunlit interior where tulips dominate the scene. Rich hues of red and purple tulips burst from a textured glass vase, their petals softl...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Paper

Sailors in the Port of Nice
Sailors in the Port of Nice

Sailors in the Port of Nice

By Alfred Salvignol

Located in London, GB

'Sailors in the Port of Nice', mixed media - gouache, pastel and oil on paper, by Alfred Salvignol (circa 1950s). The Port of Nice is one of the key hubs of Nice and, in fact, of the entire French Riviera, standing out as one of the main harbours for the boats which sail across the Mediterranean Sea. It accommodates both the ships operated by ferry companies and the private yachts of visitors who come to Nice by sea. The artist here depicts a group of crusty sailors watching...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Oil, Gouache

Hoopoe Bird Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Unframed
Hoopoe Bird Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Unframed

Hoopoe Bird Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Unframed

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Hoopoe: The Crowned Messenger" is a definitive masterpiece by Elena Lukina, capturing the regal and ancient essence of one of nature’s most enigmatic archetypes. Part of the artist’...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

The Parade Ring at the Races
The Parade Ring at the Races

The Parade Ring at the Races

By Maurice EMPI

Located in London, GB

'The Parade Ring at the Races', gouache and pastel on art paper, by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s). The Parade Ring, otherwise known as the paddock, is the pla...

Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Pastel, Gouache

Young Woman Fetching Water, Oil on Canvas, Signed, Circa 2000, Spain
Young Woman Fetching Water, Oil on Canvas, Signed, Circa 2000, Spain

Young Woman Fetching Water, Oil on Canvas, Signed, Circa 2000, Spain

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Title: Young Woman Fetching Water Artist: Jesús Villar (1930–2015) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 39.4 x 20.1 in Estimated date: c. 2000 Signature: Signed lower left: "Villar...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Potted Flowers
Potted Flowers

Charles KvapilPotted Flowers, 1933

$3,732Sale Price|40% Off

Potted Flowers

By Charles Kvapil

Located in London, GB

'Potted Flowers', oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (1933). Potted red geraniums symbolise happiness, good health, good wishes, and friendship. They are ...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Contemporary Expressionist Ceramic Head in Refractory Stoneware with Kintsugi
Contemporary Expressionist Ceramic Head in Refractory Stoneware with Kintsugi

Contemporary Expressionist Ceramic Head in Refractory Stoneware with Kintsugi

By Óscar Aldonza Torres

Located in FISTERRA, ES

Testa 6 is a contemporary expressionist ceramic head from the ongoing Testas series of sculptural heads. Created in refractory stoneware, the piece is fired in reduction and subseque...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Clay, Glaze

View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm
View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm

View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Janis Rikmanis (1901.5.IV – 1968.25.III) graduated Figurative painting studio of Latvia Art academy (1931). He took part in exhibitions since 1929. Self-exhibitions were made in Riga...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Large French Expressionist Floral Still Life Oil Painting
Large French Expressionist Floral Still Life Oil Painting

Large French Expressionist Floral Still Life Oil Painting

Located in AIGNAN, FR

Expressionist floral on a grand scale! This large and colourful modern oil painting on canvas is by French artist Colette Chasseigneaux (1925-2017). A gorgeous array of colour, but ...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Le coffre et la lanterne, 1986, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned
Le coffre et la lanterne, 1986, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned

Le coffre et la lanterne, 1986, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned

By Jean Jansem

Located in Les Acacias GE, GE

Jean Jansem (1920-2013) Le coffre et la lanterne, 1986 Lithographie sur papier Arches Signée en bas à droite et justifiée en bas à gauche 67 x 51 cm / 76 x 54 cm D'une édition à 30...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

'The Park' by M. Phidias (circa 1920s)
'The Park' by M. Phidias (circa 1920s)

'The Park' by M. Phidias (circa 1920s)

Located in London, GB

'The Park', oil on canvas, by M. Phidias (circa 1920s). Painted using this artist's trademark impasto, the effect is to add depth and texture to the exuberant display of hues and ref...

Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Tulips Red 3
Tulips Red 3

Tulips Red 3

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Tulips Red 3" bursts with life, a vivid floral painting where passion blooms in every detail. Red tulips take center stage, their vibrant hues energized by touches of blue, yellow, ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper

The Bather
The Bather

Charles KvapilThe Bather, 1934

$2,695Sale Price|50% Off

The Bather

By Charles Kvapil

Located in London, GB

'The Bather', oil on board, by Charles Kvapil (1934). The world of art has for centuries depicted bathers in one form or another. Kvapil's wonderfully allur...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

French Riviera : View of Cagnes - Lithograph, Mourlot
French Riviera : View of Cagnes - Lithograph, Mourlot

French Riviera : View of Cagnes - Lithograph, Mourlot

Located in Paris, IDF

Chaim SOUTINE (1893-1943) French Riviera : View of Cagnes Stone lithograph after a painting (Mourlot workshop) Unsigned On Arches vellum 50 x 65 cm (c. 20 x 26 inch) Excellent cond...

Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

'The Port of Honfleur' by Julien Varlet (1958)
'The Port of Honfleur' by Julien Varlet (1958)

'The Port of Honfleur' by Julien Varlet (1958)

Located in London, GB

'The Port of Honfleur, France', oil on canvas, by Julien Varlet (1958). A vibrant and evocative harbour scene from the historic port city of Honfleur in Normandy, France. Colourful, ...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Fruit Market in Haiti, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1990
Fruit Market in Haiti, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1990

Fruit Market in Haiti, Expressionist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1990

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Title: Fruit Market in Haiti Artist: JM Gary Delly Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (unframed): 9.8 x 7.9 in Dimensions (framed): 15 x 13 in Period: Approx. 1990-1999 Origin: Haiti Condition: Good, with frame included Description of the Artwork This painting captures a lively Haitian market scene, embodying the essence of Haitian primitivist art with its vibrant colors and thick impasto brushstrokes. The scene depicts a bustling marketplace where vendors and buyers interact, surrounded by piles of tropical fruits arranged in baskets. The figures are dressed in bright, contrasting tones, enhancing the painting’s dynamic and energetic atmosphere. The artist’s expressive, thick strokes and saturated colors create a sense of movement and liveliness. The composition is carefully balanced, with figures arranged in different planes, providing depth and perspective in an intuitive manner. The lush vegetation in the background and the bright blue sky add further context to the scene, situating it in the Caribbean setting. Haitian art, influenced by its African and Caribbean heritage, is known for its naïve style and depictions of everyday life. JM Gary Delly follows this tradition, celebrating the vibrancy of Haitian culture in his work. Comparable Artists This artwork shares stylistic similarities with renowned Haitian artists, including: Wilson Bigaud (1931-2010): A master of Haitian art, famous for his detailed depictions of everyday life and folklore. André Normil (1934-2015): Known for his naïve style and colorful representations of Haitian life. Laurent Casimir...

Category

1990s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1 Depth in Minor Painting, Turquoise Palette, Venice Biennale 2026
1 Depth in Minor Painting, Turquoise Palette, Venice Biennale 2026

1 Depth in Minor Painting, Turquoise Palette, Venice Biennale 2026

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Depth in Minor" is the fundamental work that opens the entire Venetian cycle. It captures the incredible, translucent emerald light within a cresting wave — a symbol of inner streng...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Flowers n°2 Still Life Painting, Oil on Wood, Expressionist, 1941
Flowers n°2 Still Life Painting, Oil on Wood, Expressionist, 1941

Flowers n°2 Still Life Painting, Oil on Wood, Expressionist, 1941

Located in Genève, GE

Signed and dated "Fleurs Genève 1941 n°2", inscription on the verso. Dimensions with frame: 59 x 46 x 5 cm This expressive still life depicts a bouquet of flowers arranged in an orn...

Category

1940s Expressionist Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

Refreshing Gelato, Yellow & Blue Modern Painting, Diptych, Stripped Cabin Beach
Refreshing Gelato, Yellow & Blue Modern Painting, Diptych, Stripped Cabin Beach

Refreshing Gelato, Yellow & Blue Modern Painting, Diptych, Stripped Cabin Beach

Located in Barcelona, ES

"Refreshing Gelato Grid" is an abstract painting by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful series of rhythmic brushstrokes combined with subtle tones and unique shapes that is both classy and fresh. The use of vivid colors on a white background reminds the beautiful vintage beach cabins...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Archival Paper

Lion
Lion

Lion

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Lion" depicts the majestic presence and serene strength of the lion, a symbol of power and dignity. An expressive palette and textural brushstrokes...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Piazza di Spagna Roma
Piazza di Spagna Roma

Piazza di Spagna Roma

By Yves Brayer

Located in London, GB

'Piazza di Spagna, Roma' oil on canvas, by Yves Brayer (1933). At the bottom of the Spanish Steps, is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It owes ...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Amroth seascape at night
Amroth seascape at night

Amroth seascape at night

By Rupert Aker

Located in Deddington, GB

Amroth seascape at night by Rupert Aker [2021] original Oil on board Image size: H:30 cm x W:40 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:40 cm x W:40 cm x D:3cm Frame Size: H:33 cm x W:...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Mid-Century French Expressionist Oil,  'Anniversary Flowers and Champagne'.
Mid-Century French Expressionist Oil,  'Anniversary Flowers and Champagne'.

Mid-Century French Expressionist Oil, 'Anniversary Flowers and Champagne'.

Located in Cotignac, FR

Mid Century Expressionist oil on canvas tablescape of flowers and Champagne. This wonderfully energetic painting straddles the line between impressionism and expressionism. The form...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Venice Grand Canal Landscape Bouvard Aldine 19/20th Century Paint Oil on canvas
Venice Grand Canal Landscape Bouvard Aldine 19/20th Century Paint Oil on canvas

Venice Grand Canal Landscape Bouvard Aldine 19/20th Century Paint Oil on canvas

Located in Riva del Garda, IT

Antoine Bouvard, called Marc Aldine (L'Isere 1875 - Paris 1957) Signed 'Bouvard' lower right View of Venice with the Grand Canal (link) oil on canvas 60 x 86 cm Framed 70 x 96 cm. Very good condition We present an evocative view of Venice with a glimpse of the fascinating Grand Canal, signed by the famous French Vedutist Antoine Bouvard, also known by his pseudonym, Marc Aldine. Considered one of the most talented illustrators of the lagoon city who worked there in the first part of the 20th century, he became one of the most acclaimed vedutists of that period, with a success that led him to exhibit throughout France and Italy as well as in numerous European galleries...

Category

19th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Mediterranean Female Figure Landscape Expressionist Oil Painting Large Canvas
Mediterranean Female Figure Landscape Expressionist Oil Painting Large Canvas

Mediterranean Female Figure Landscape Expressionist Oil Painting Large Canvas

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Mediterranean Female Figure Landscape Expressionist Oil Painting Large Canvas Artist: José Antonio Pineda Bueno (Motril, Spain, 1950) Title: Contemplación Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 73 × 60 cm (28.7 × 23.6 in) Signature: Signed lower corner Inscription: Titled and dedicated on reverse (“Contemplación”) Framing: Unframed Condition: Very good condition. Rich impasto surface with expressive brushwork characteristic of the artist DESCRIPTION Expressive Mediterranean figurative composition depicting a female figure seen from behind immersed in a luminous outdoor landscape. The painting is built through energetic impasto brushstrokes and a vibrant chromatic structure dominated by violets, magentas, blues and warm Mediterranean yellows. The gesture is direct, confident and painterly, creating a strong sensation of movement, atmosphere and sunlight. Female figures integrated into landscape environments represent one of the most recognizable and sought-after themes within José Antonio Pineda Bueno’s production. The composition balances expressive abstraction and figurative presence in a way that makes the painting highly decorative while maintaining strong painterly authority. Its vertical format and chromatic vibration make it particularly suitable for collectors of Mediterranean modern figurative painting or interiors seeking a luminous statement artwork with movement and presence. Signed and titled on the reverse: Contemplación. ARTIST BIOGRAPHY José Antonio Pineda Bueno (Motril, Granada, 1950) is a Spanish painter associated with contemporary Mediterranean figurative painting. After relocating to Barcelona, he developed his artistic training within the Catalan pictorial environment and worked professionally in both illustration and painting before dedicating himself fully to studio practice. A disciple of painter Pere Arribas Pérez, his work focuses on expressive color, Mediterranean light and female figures integrated into landscape spaces, which form one of the central themes of his artistic language. His paintings have been exhibited in Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Nice and Toulouse and are present in numerous European private collections. ARTISTIC CONTEXT / PICTORIAL INSPIRATION The expressive chromatic vibration and Mediterranean luminosity of this work relate to the legacy of Joaquín Sorolla’s outdoor light treatment, while its structural simplification of the figure connects with modern Spanish figurative evolution represented by Manuel Hernández...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Mediterranean Village of Mallorca oil on canvas painting
Mediterranean Village of Mallorca oil on canvas painting

Mediterranean Village of Mallorca oil on canvas painting

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Artist: Bernat Sanjuan i Tarré (Barcelona, 1915 – Deià, Mallorca, 1979) Title: Mediterranean Village of Mallorca Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 × 92 cm (25.6 × 36.2 in) Framed:...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jean Jansem (1920-2013), Les trois masques, 1980, Lithograph on paper
Jean Jansem (1920-2013), Les trois masques, 1980, Lithograph on paper

Jean Jansem (1920-2013), Les trois masques, 1980, Lithograph on paper

By Jean Jansem

Located in Les Acacias GE, GE

Jean Jansem (1920-2013), Les trois masques, 1980, Lithographie sur papier Arches justifiée Signée en bas à droite 76 x 55 cm CR Jansem, 1984, n°451 "Dans mes dernières lithograp...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

5 Waiting for the Tide  Venice Biennale 2026 Project
5 Waiting for the Tide  Venice Biennale 2026 Project

5 Waiting for the Tide Venice Biennale 2026 Project

Located in Zofingen, AG

THE PROJECT: INDEPENDENT PAVILION VENICE 2026 This work is a cornerstone of the "In Minor Keys: The Turquoise Silence" series — a large-scale artistic manifesto created specifically ...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Linen

¨Topiaria¨. Expressionist colorful garden. Big format Oil on canvas
¨Topiaria¨. Expressionist colorful garden. Big format Oil on canvas

¨Topiaria¨. Expressionist colorful garden. Big format Oil on canvas

By Chico Montilla

Located in Segovia, ES

Topiaria. Big format Oil on canvas Beautiful garden by Chico Montilla. Measurements: (H) 130 x (W) 195 x 3 cm. Framed 142 x 207 x 5 cm. Colorful expressionist view of a garden with plants that have been given artistic form through the topiary art...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Expressionist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist art 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 art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of orange, blue, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Iryna Kastsova, George Grosz, Stephen Basso, and Marc Chagall. 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 art, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.