Skip to main content

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.

to
983
1,713
1,030
1,021
810
914
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
47
2,604
2,842
100
134
325
109
69
192
329
273
241
182
1
113,390
62,316
57,416
26,706
14,619
9,310
6,476
4,200
3,048
2,398
2,354
2,232
606
2,935
1,907
550
2,527
1,581
1,540
977
716
442
422
352
341
295
293
259
257
237
192
142
130
106
103
94
3,437
2,051
1,785
1,721
1,240
210
82
74
46
43
1,176
408
2,819
1,949
Style: Expressionist
Be Bold
Be Bold

Be Bold

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

"Be Bold" is a striking piece that demands attention from the moment one sets eyes on it. The central figure, a woman with flowing blue hair, exudes an air of confidence and resilience. The blue hue not only serves as an aesthetic choice but also carries deeper significance, representing the freedom to break societal norms and embrace personal identity without fear. The composition is masterfully crafted, with bold brushstrokes and intricate details that draw the viewer into the artwork. The woman's piercing gaze locks with the observer, inviting them to explore their own journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Each stroke of Theophilus's brush seems to radiate energy and passion, capturing the spirit of the subject and infusing the artwork with a powerful presence. "Be Bold" serves as a powerful symbol of embracing individuality and embracing one's true self. The woman with blue hair stands as a representation of those who dare to be different, challenging societal expectations and norms. The vibrant blue color symbolizes freedom, confidence, and the courage to break free from conformity. In a world that often pressures individuals to fit into predefined molds, Theophilus's artwork is a reminder of the beauty and strength found in embracing one's unique qualities. "Be Bold" calls on viewers to celebrate their differences, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and express their true selves without hesitation or fear of judgment. The power of "Be Bold" lies in its ability to evoke a strong emotional response in those who experience it. The artwork serves as a catalyst for introspection, urging viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. The confident and defiant gaze of the woman with blue hair prompts individuals to question their own limitations and seek the courage to break free from them. By inspiring viewers to be bold, Theophilus encourages self-empowerment and personal growth. Through his art, he instills a sense of pride and confidence, reminding us that our uniqueness is a strength to be celebrated, not hidden away. The artwork's impact extends beyond the confines of the gallery walls, inspiring individuals to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. "Be Bold" by Adewuyi Theophilus...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Marc Chagall, Paradise II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956
Marc Chagall, Paradise II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956

Marc Chagall, Paradise II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Paradis II (Paradise II), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, originates from the September 1956 issue published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1956. This luminous composition portrays the splendor of Paradise, filled with light, harmony, and divine presence. Through his poetic use of line and ethereal symbolism, Chagall evokes the spiritual unity between humanity and the divine, capturing the purity and joy of creation. Paradis II reflects the artist’s enduring belief in love and beauty as transcendent forces, transforming a biblical vision into a universal celebration of faith and imagination. The work forms part of Chagall’s celebrated series of lithographs and drawings created for Dessins Pour La Bible, a monumental project uniting art, scripture, and mysticism in one of the artist’s most important achievements. Executed as a lithograph on velin du Marais paper, this work measures 14 x 10.5 inches (35.56 x 26.67 cm). Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the superb craftsmanship of the Mourlot Freres atelier, renowned for its collaborations with the greatest modern masters of the 20th century. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Paradis II (Paradise II), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, September 1956 Medium: Lithograph on velin du Marais paper Dimensions: 14 x 10.5 inches (35.56 x 26.67 cm) Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1956 Publisher: Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Catalogue raisonne references: Cain, Julien, and Fernand Mourlot. Chagall Lithographe. Andre Sauret, Editeur, 1960, illustrations 117–46. Cramer, Patrick, and Meret Meyer. Marc Chagall: Catalogue Raisonne Des Livres Illustrés. P. Cramer ed., 1995, illustration 25. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, 1956 Notes: Excerpted from the album (translated from French), This double issue of Verve is dedicated to the full reproduction in heliogravure of the one hundred-five plates etched by Marc Chagall, between 1930 and 1955, for the illustration of the Bible. The artist composed especially for the present work, sixteen lithographs in color and twelve in black, as well as the cover and the title page. This volume was completed and printed on September 10, 1956, by the Master Printers Draeger Freres for heliogravure, and by Mourlot Freres for lithography. About the Publication: Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), published as Verve Vol. VIII, No. 33–34 in September 1956, represents one of the crowning achievements of Chagall’s lifelong dialogue with the sacred. Conceived and directed by the visionary publisher Teriade and printed by the master lithographers Mourlot Freres, the issue features thirty-four color lithographs and numerous black-and-white drawings inspired by biblical figures and stories. Chagall’s works for this edition unite text and image in a luminous meditation on divine creation, moral struggle, and spiritual renewal, imbued with his signature dreamlike symbolism and radiant color. Produced in postwar Paris, this landmark publication reaffirmed the enduring union of art and faith, establishing Dessins Pour La Bible as one of the most important illustrated works of the 20th century. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary imagination, radiant color, and deeply poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the imagery of his Jewish heritage and the memories of his childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s art wove together themes of faith, love, folklore, and fantasy with a dreamlike modern sensibility. His unique style—merging elements of Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism—defied categorization, transforming ordinary scenes into lyrical meditations on memory and emotion. Influenced by Russian icon painting, medieval religious art, and the modern innovations of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, Chagall developed a profoundly personal visual language filled with floating figures, vibrant animals, musicians, and lovers that symbolized the transcendent power of imagination and love. During his early years in Paris, he became an integral part of the Ecole de Paris circle, forming friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Fernand Leger, and Sonia Delaunay, and his creative spirit resonated with that of his peers and successors—Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, sought to push the boundaries of perception, emotion, and form. Over a prolific career that spanned painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought an unparalleled poetic sensibility to modern art, infusing even the most abstract subjects with human warmth and spiritual depth. His works are held in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Guggenheim, where they continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately $28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for Les Amoureux (1928). Marc Chagall Paradis...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Marc Chagall, The Creation, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956
Marc Chagall, The Creation, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956

Marc Chagall, The Creation, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Creation (The Creation), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, originates from the September 1956 issue published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1956. This visionary composition depicts the divine act of creation, evoking the genesis of light, life, and spirit through Chagall’s radiant imagination and poetic symbolism. The flowing forms and luminous harmonies reflect the unity between the divine and the natural world—a theme central to Chagall’s lifelong spiritual vision. Infused with movement and transcendence, the work transforms the biblical narrative into a lyrical meditation on the origin of existence and the creative essence of faith. The piece forms part of Chagall’s celebrated series of lithographs and drawings created for Dessins Pour La Bible, a monumental project uniting art, scripture, and mysticism in one of the artist’s most important achievements. Executed as a lithograph on velin du Marais paper, this work measures 14 x 10.5 inches (35.56 x 26.67 cm). Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the superb craftsmanship of the Mourlot Freres atelier, renowned for its collaborations with the greatest modern masters of the 20th century. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Creation (The Creation), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, September 1956 Medium: Lithograph on velin du Marais paper Dimensions: 14 x 10.5 inches (35.56 x 26.67 cm) Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1956 Publisher: Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Catalogue raisonne references: Cain, Julien, and Fernand Mourlot. Chagall Lithographe. Andre Sauret, Editeur, 1960, illustrations 117–46. Cramer, Patrick, and Meret Meyer. Marc Chagall: Catalogue Raisonne Des Livres Illustrés. P. Cramer ed., 1995, illustration 25. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VIII, No. 33–34, published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, 1956 Notes: Excerpted from the album (translated from French), This double issue of Verve is dedicated to the full reproduction in heliogravure of the one hundred-five plates etched by Marc Chagall, between 1930 and 1955, for the illustration of the Bible. The artist composed especially for the present work, sixteen lithographs in color and twelve in black, as well as the cover and the title page. This volume was completed and printed on September 10, 1956, by the Master Printers Draeger Freres for heliogravure, and by Mourlot Freres for lithography. About the Publication: Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), published as Verve Vol. VIII, No. 33–34 in September 1956, represents one of the crowning achievements of Chagall’s lifelong dialogue with the sacred. Conceived and directed by the visionary publisher Teriade and printed by the master lithographers Mourlot Freres, the issue features thirty-four color lithographs and numerous black-and-white drawings inspired by biblical figures and stories. Chagall’s works for this edition unite text and image in a luminous meditation on divine creation, moral struggle, and spiritual renewal, imbued with his signature dreamlike symbolism and radiant color. Produced in postwar Paris, this landmark publication reaffirmed the enduring union of art and faith, establishing Dessins Pour La Bible as one of the most important illustrated works of the 20th century. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary imagination, radiant color, and deeply poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the imagery of his Jewish heritage and the memories of his childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s art wove together themes of faith, love, folklore, and fantasy with a dreamlike modern sensibility. His unique style—merging elements of Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism—defied categorization, transforming ordinary scenes into lyrical meditations on memory and emotion. Influenced by Russian icon painting, medieval religious art, and the modern innovations of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, Chagall developed a profoundly personal visual language filled with floating figures, vibrant animals, musicians, and lovers that symbolized the transcendent power of imagination and love. During his early years in Paris, he became an integral part of the Ecole de Paris circle, forming friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Fernand Leger, and Sonia Delaunay, and his creative spirit resonated with that of his peers and successors—Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, sought to push the boundaries of perception, emotion, and form. Over a prolific career that spanned painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought an unparalleled poetic sensibility to modern art, infusing even the most abstract subjects with human warmth and spiritual depth. His works are held in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Guggenheim, where they continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately $28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for Les Amoureux (1928). Marc Chagall Creation...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Star Gazing, Original Painting
Star Gazing, Original Painting

Star Gazing, Original Painting

By Diana Elena Chelaru

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A woman lies under a vibrant night sky, the stars and planets illuminating her form. Bold colors and energetic directional brushwork add a hypnotizing energy to the composition. This piece is artist Diana Elena Chelaru's personal interpretation of the vast space.


About the Artist
Artist Diana Elena Chelaru creates vibrant expressionist works that explore human emotion and the cosmos. “Art is a means of communication, a way to express my thoughts, hopes, and joys,” says Diana. She uses form, lines, and color to bring her imaginative compositions to life, with inspiration drawn from Byzantine mosaics and Gustav Klimt’s decorative patterns. Diana received her BFA in Painting from George Enescu Art University and an MA in Art History from Queens College. Diana’s creative process is fluid and intuitive, guided by her emotions in the moment, with music as a constant companion. Her studio, located in the basement of her home, is kept clean and organized. When she’s not creating, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her family.


Words that describe this painting: Universe, stars, sky, night, meditation, celestial, space, flow, movement, planets, reclining, expressionism, nature, people, acrylic painting, blue


Star Gazing...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

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

Woman posing nude
Woman posing nude

Woman posing nude

By Henry Meylan

Located in Genève, GE

Work on canvas dimensions with frame : 101 x 86.5 x 3 cm This painting presents a seated nude woman, expressing a captivating presence. The rich, varied tones of the palette, from de...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Fruit Market in Haiti oil on canvas painting
Fruit Market in Haiti oil on canvas painting

Fruit Market in Haiti oil on canvas painting

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

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

Mid Century Expressionist Landscape, Oil on Canvas. The Countryside
Mid Century Expressionist Landscape, Oil on Canvas. The Countryside

Mid Century Expressionist Landscape, Oil on Canvas. The Countryside

Located in Cotignac, FR

Mid Century oil on canvas landscape painting by Franco Hungarian artist Elemer Vagh Weinmann. The painting is signed bottom right and is presented in a custom gilt frame with a white...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Marc Chagall, Blue Horse with Couple, from Derriere le Miroir, 1982
Marc Chagall, Blue Horse with Couple, from Derriere le Miroir, 1982

Marc Chagall, Blue Horse with Couple, from Derriere le Miroir, 1982

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Cheval bleu au couple (Blue Horse with Couple), originates from the historic 1982 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 250, Hommage a Aime et Marguerite Maeght (Tribute to Aime and Marguerite Maeght). Published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, under the direction of Aime Maeght, and printed by Imprimerie Moderne du Lion, Paris, this vibrant composition reflects Chagall’s lyrical fusion of color, dream, and devotion. In Cheval bleu au couple, ethereal figures and a radiant blue horse float within a luminous space of poetic imagination, evoking love, memory, and transcendence. The image captures the artist’s timeless ability to unite fantasy and emotion within the expressive language of modernism. Executed on velin paper, this lithograph measures 15 x 11 inches (38.1 x 27.9 cm). As issued, it is unsigned and unnumbered, consistent with the authorized publication format. The edition exemplifies Chagall’s mastery of color lithography and his lifelong exploration of faith, folklore, and the human spirit. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Cheval bleu au couple (Blue Horse with Couple), from Derriere le Miroir, No. 250, Hommage a Aime et Marguerite Maeght (Tribute to Aime and Marguerite Maeght), 1982 Medium: Lithograph on velin paper Dimensions: 15 x 11 inches (38.1 x 27.9 cm) Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued Date: 1982 Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris Printer: Imprimerie Moderne du Lion, Paris Catalogue raisonne references: Chagall, Marc, et al. Chagall Lithographe VI, 1980–1985. Andre Sauret, Editeur, 1986, illustration 993. Cramer, Patrick, and Meret Meyer. Marc Chagall: Catalogue Raisonne Des Livres Illustres. P. Cramer ed., 1995, illustration 113. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From the 1982 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 250, published by Maeght Editeur, Paris Notes: Excerpted from the folio (translated from French), This special issue of Derriere le Miroir was designed and defined by Aime Maeght in the fall of 1980. He envisioned its publication as a celebration with which artists and writers published since 1946 were to be associated. He also chose Francois Chapon, president of the Reverdy Committee, to write the presentation. This Derriere le Miroir number 250 took the form, after its disappearance on September 5, 1981, of a tribute to Aime Maeght and his wife Marguerite Maeght who died four years earlier. 24 artists agreed to create an original graphic work for this issue which includes the general table of all issues as well as excerpts from texts by 32 writers. Finished printing on June 2, 1982 on the presses of the l'Imprimerie moderne du Lion in Paris. CL examples were printed on velin d'Arches, numbered from I to CL, and some non-commercial examples constituting the original edition. About the Publication: Derriere le Miroir (translated as "Behind the Mirror") was an iconic French art periodical published from 1946 to 1982 by Maeght Editeur, one of the most influential art publishers of the 20th century. Founded by Aime Maeght in Paris, the publication was conceived as a visual and literary collaboration between leading modern artists, poets, and critics. Each issue functioned as both an exhibition catalogue and a work of art in itself—featuring original lithographs printed directly from the artists' stones or plates, alongside essays, poems, and critical commentary. Over the course of 36 years, Derriere le Miroir produced more than 250 issues and showcased an extraordinary roster of artists including Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Georges Braque, Alexander Calder, Fernand Leger, Pierre Bonnard, Alberto Giacometti, Eduardo Chillida, Ellsworth Kelly, Francis Bacon, Paul Rebeyrolle, Claude Garache, Antoni Tapies, Bram van Velde, Pierre Alechinsky, Pol Bury, Shusaku Arakawa, and Gerard Titus-Carmel. Printed in the ateliers of Mourlot, Arte, and Imprimerie Moderne du Lion, the periodical set new standards for quality in color lithography, combining fine art printing with elegant typography and poetic text. Beyond its visual brilliance, Derriere le Miroir also became a cultural chronicle of postwar European modernism. Each issue coincided with exhibitions held at Galerie Maeght, providing a collectible and widely accessible record of groundbreaking shows. Its integration of image, text, and philosophy created a dialogue between art and literature that elevated the modern art book to new aesthetic heights. Today, Derriere le Miroir remains one of the most sought-after and historically significant art publications, prized by collectors and scholars alike for its craftsmanship, influence, and its role in defining the visual language of 20th-century modernism. The Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence continues to honor this legacy through exhibitions and archival preservation of the series, affirming Derriere le Miroir's enduring place in the history of modern art and fine art publishing. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary use of color and poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the rich imagery of his Jewish heritage and childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s dreamlike compositions fused memory, folklore, faith, and romance with the expressive innovations of modern art. His work evolved alongside and in dialogue with the great modern masters—Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Georges Braque, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, redefined artistic language for a new century. Spanning painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, stage design, and illustration, Chagall’s career reflected both his deep spirituality and his boundless imagination. His works are held in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Tate, and the Centre Pompidou. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately $28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for Les Amoureux (1928). Marc Chagall Cheval bleu au couple, Marc Chagall lithograph, Chagall Derriere le Miroir, Chagall Maeght...

Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Afternoon Colors, Oil Painting
Afternoon Colors, Oil Painting

Afternoon Colors, Oil Painting

By James Hartman

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A path leads to Mt. Diablo in this Fauvist landscape. Artist James Hartman used thick layers of oil paint to create an expressive and textured outdoor scene. In...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Sans titre (Cramer 61; Mourlot 434), Le plafond de l'Opéra
Sans titre (Cramer 61; Mourlot 434), Le plafond de l'Opéra

Sans titre (Cramer 61; Mourlot 434), Le plafond de l'Opéra

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

Lithograph on vélin paper. Paper Size: 13 x 9.5 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Catalogue raisonné references: Cain, Julien, and Fernand Mourlot. Chagall Lit...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

"Bread" lithograph by Käthe Kollwitz
"Bread" lithograph by Käthe Kollwitz

"Bread" lithograph by Käthe Kollwitz

By Käthe Kollwitz

Located in Soquel, CA

Bold lithograph titled "Bread" by Kathe Kollwitz (German, 1867-1945). This piece is one of the Lithographic reproductions of the original lithographs, plate 2 from a series of 10, pr...

Category

1940s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Ink, Lithograph

One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women
One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women

One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Sometimes, our thoughts can be the enemy. We need to be careful about our thoughts because we can lose ourselves. Life can be tough, filled with challenges and difficulties, but it's...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

GEFALLEN (Killed in Action)
GEFALLEN (Killed in Action)

GEFALLEN (Killed in Action)

By Käthe Kollwitz

Located in Santa Monica, CA

KATHE KOLLWITZ (1867-1945) GEFALLEN (Killed in Action) 1920 (Klipstein 153 (1st state, a of c of 2 states) Lithograph on laid paper. Image 16 ¼ x 15 ¼ inches, Large Full Sheet, 25 ½...

Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Torero and Bull bullfighter bullfighting oil painting
Torero and Bull bullfighter bullfighting oil painting

Torero and Bull bullfighter bullfighting oil painting

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Title: Torero and Bull Artist: José María Tuser Vázquez (1919-1986) Technique: Oil on canvas mounted on board Dimensions: 18.9 x 15 inches Framing: Unframed Art Movement: Costumbrismo, Figurative Expressionism Theme: Bullfighting Date of Creation: Second half of the 20th century DESCRIPTION The painting Torero and Bull depicts a classic bullfighting scene, where a matador, elegantly dressed in a golden and violet traje de luces, performs a pass with the cape while the bull, wounded with banderillas, bows toward the ground. The composition conveys dynamism and tension, emphasizing the drama of the moment with loose and expressive brushstrokes. The background is rendered in warm, diffused tones, contrasting with the deep black of the bull and the vivid hues of the cape. The thick brushwork and vibrant oil application enhance the sense of movement and emotion in the scene, a distinctive feature of Tuser Vázquez’s bullfighting paintings. ARTIST'S BIOGRAPHY José María Tuser Vázquez (Barcelona, 1919 - 1986) was a Spanish painter specializing in bullfighting themes. He trained at the School of Arts and Crafts in Barcelona, where he developed a strong foundation in drawing and painting. From 1947 onwards, he dedicated his artistic production to tauromaquia, creating posters, illustrations, and paintings that captured the intensity of the bullfighting spectacle. He was a regular contributor to the magazine El Ruedo and designed a series of postcards featuring traditional Spanish costumes for Editorial Artigas in the 1940s. His work has been auctioned numerous times and is highly valued by collectors of bullfighting art...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

Marc Chagall, Bercy Quay, from Derriere le miroir, 1954
Marc Chagall, Bercy Quay, from Derriere le miroir, 1954

Marc Chagall, Bercy Quay, from Derriere le miroir, 1954

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Quai de Bercy (Bercy Quay), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 67–68, originates from the 1954 edition published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1954. Quai de Bercy captures Chagall’s poetic vision of Paris as a dreamlike landscape where memory, color, and emotion converge. The work’s lyrical composition and radiant palette embody Chagall’s deep affection for the city that shaped his artistic identity, blending reality and reverie in perfect harmony. Executed as a lithograph on velin paper, this work measures 15 x 22 inches, with centerfold as issued. Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the superb craftsmanship of Mourlot Freres, Paris. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Quai de Bercy (Bercy Quay), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 67–68 Medium: Lithograph on velin paper Dimensions: 15 x 22 inches (38.1 x 55.88 cm), with centerfold as issued Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1954 Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Catalogue raisonne reference: Cramer, Patrick, and Meret Meyer. Marc Chagall: Catalogue Raisonne des Livres Illustres. Patrick Cramer Editeur, 1995, illustration 24; Mourlot, Fernand, and Marc Chagall. Chagall Lithographe I: 1922–1957. Andre Sauret, 1960, illustration 93. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 67–68, published by Maeght Editeur, Paris; printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1954 Notes: On the occasion of the ‘Paris’ exhibition, Marc Chagall created for this triple issue of Derriere Le Miroir XII pages of Lithography. About the Publication: Derriere le miroir (Behind the Mirror) was one of the most important art publications of the 20th century, created and published by Maeght Editeur in Paris from 1946 to 1982. Founded by the visionary art dealer and publisher Aime Maeght, the series served as both an exhibition catalogue and a work of art in its own right, uniting original lithographs by leading modern and contemporary artists with critical essays, poetry, and design of the highest quality. Printed by master lithographers such as Mourlot Freres and Arte, Derriere le miroir became synonymous with the artistic vanguard of postwar Europe. Each issue was devoted to a single artist or theme and published to accompany exhibitions at the Galerie Maeght in Paris, featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, Fernand Leger, and Alberto Giacometti, among others. The publication reflected Maeght’s belief that art should be both accessible and elevated—an ideal realized through its luxurious production values, meticulous printing, and collaboration with the greatest creative minds of its time. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary imagination, radiant color, and deeply poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the imagery of his Jewish heritage and the memories of his childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s art wove together themes of faith, love, folklore, and fantasy with a dreamlike modern sensibility. His unique style—merging elements of Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism—defied categorization, transforming ordinary scenes into lyrical meditations on memory and emotion. Influenced by Russian icon painting, medieval religious art, and the modern innovations of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, Chagall developed a profoundly personal visual language filled with floating figures, vibrant animals, musicians, and lovers that symbolized the transcendent power of imagination and love. During his early years in Paris, he became an integral part of the Ecole de Paris circle, forming friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Fernand Leger, and Sonia Delaunay, and his creative spirit resonated with that of his peers and successors—Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, sought to push the boundaries of perception, emotion, and form. Over a prolific career that spanned painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought an unparalleled poetic sensibility to modern art, infusing even the most abstract subjects with human warmth and spiritual depth. His works are held in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Guggenheim, where they continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately 28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for Les Amoureux (1928). Marc Chagall Quai de Bercy 1954, Chagall Derriere le miroir No. 67–68, Chagall Mourlot lithograph, Chagall Maeght...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Le Pieton de Paris
Le Pieton de Paris

Le Pieton de Paris

By Théo Tobiasse

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: Teo Tobiasse (French/Israeli, 1927-2012) Title: "Le Pieton de Paris" Year: c.1975 Medium: Color lithograph Edition: Numbered 42/175 in pencil Paper: Japan paper Image ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Elke Up Side Down : Tribute to Woman - Original etching
Elke Up Side Down : Tribute to Woman - Original etching

Elke Up Side Down : Tribute to Woman - Original etching

By Georg Baselitz

Located in Paris, IDF

Georg Baselitz (1938) Elke Up Side Down : Tribute to Woman Original etching On Rives vellum 66 x 50 cm (c. 26 x 20 in) Authenticated with Chalcographie of Louvre Museum blind stamp ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Attitude - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women Fashion
Attitude - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women Fashion

Attitude - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women Fashion

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

The painting titled “Attitude” captures the very ‘essence’ of his subjects who they are and what they represent outside of their roles experiences obligations and accomplishments. Ma...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Marc Chagall, The Sunday, from Derriere le miroir, 1954
Marc Chagall, The Sunday, from Derriere le miroir, 1954

Marc Chagall, The Sunday, from Derriere le miroir, 1954

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Le Dimanche (The Sunday), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 67–68, originates from the 1954 edition published by Ma...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Abstract Figurative Expressionist painting
Abstract Figurative Expressionist painting

Abstract Figurative Expressionist painting

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Amazing Figurative Expressionism painting with exceptional color and movement. Oil on canvas, ca. 1960s. Measures 40 x 52 inches. Unsigned and unattributed. Excellent condition.

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Marc Chagall, The Lovers under the Moon, from Tales of Boccaccio, 1950
Marc Chagall, The Lovers under the Moon, from Tales of Boccaccio, 1950

Marc Chagall, The Lovers under the Moon, from Tales of Boccaccio, 1950

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Les Amoureux sous la Lune (The Lovers under the Moon), from Contes de Boccace, peintures du manuscrit des ducs de Bourgogne, Bibliotheque de l'Arsenal (Ms. no. 5193) (Tales of Boccaccio, Paintings from the Manuscript of the Dukes of Burgundy, Library of the Arsenal), Lavis de Marc Chagall, from Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VI, No. 24, originates from the 1950 issue published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris, and printed by Draeger Freres, Maitres-Imprimeurs, Paris, 1950. This tender and poetic composition exemplifies Chagall’s lifelong fascination with love, dream, and transcendence. Les Amoureux sous la Lune radiates intimacy and serenity, its nocturnal palette and floating forms capturing the timeless romance between lovers united under the moon’s luminous gaze. Executed as a lithograph on velin du Marais paper, this work measures 14 x 10.5 inches. Unsigned and unnumbered as issued. The edition exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Draeger Freres atelier, celebrated for its precision and tonal richness in printing fine artworks. Artwork Details: Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) Title: Les Amoureux sous la Lune (The Lovers under the Moon), from Contes de Boccace (Tales of Boccaccio), Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VI, No. 24, 1950 Medium: Lithograph on velin du Marais paper Dimensions: 14 x 10.5 inches Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered as issued Date: 1950 Publisher: Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, under the direction of Teriade, Editeur, Paris Printer: Draeger Freres, Maitres-Imprimeurs, Paris Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VI, No. 24, published by Editions de la revue Verve, Paris, 1950 Notes: Excerpted from the album (translated from French), This Verve issue contains the lavis that Marc Chagall composed to illustrate Tales of Boccaccio's Decameron and the paintings on the same theme of the Manuscript of the Dukes of Burgundy preserved in the Arsenal Library. Marc Chagall executed the cover of this work which was completed printing on April 20, 1950 on the presses of Maitres-Imprimeurs, the Draeger Freres. About the Publication: This 1950 issue of Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, titled Contes de Boccace (Tales of Boccaccio), was devoted to the great Italian humanist Giovanni Boccaccio and illuminated manuscripts from the 15th century, interpreted and revived through the eyes of modern artists. Under the artistic direction of Teriade, Marc Chagall contributed a series of lyrical paintings and lavis that reimagined these Renaissance themes with his signature dreamlike color, tenderness, and spiritual symbolism. The issue juxtaposed Chagall’s contemporary vision with the rich heritage of medieval illumination, bridging centuries of artistic imagination. Printed by the master craftsmen of Draeger Freres, the publication stands as a testament to Verve’s tradition of uniting art, literature, and history in one luxurious volume that celebrates the continuity of human creativity from the Middle Ages to modernity. About the Artist: Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Belarus-born French painter, printmaker, and designer whose visionary imagination, radiant color, and deeply poetic symbolism made him one of the most beloved and influential artists of the 20th century. Rooted in the imagery of his Jewish heritage and the memories of his childhood in Vitebsk, Chagall’s art wove together themes of faith, love, folklore, and fantasy with a dreamlike modern sensibility. His unique style—merging elements of Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism—defied categorization, transforming ordinary scenes into lyrical meditations on memory and emotion. Influenced by Russian icon painting, medieval religious art, and the modern innovations of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, Chagall developed a profoundly personal visual language filled with floating figures, vibrant animals, musicians, and lovers that symbolized the transcendent power of imagination and love. During his early years in Paris, he became an integral part of the Ecole de Paris circle, forming friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Fernand Leger, and Sonia Delaunay, and his creative spirit resonated with that of his peers and successors—Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray—artists who, like Chagall, sought to push the boundaries of perception, emotion, and form. Over a prolific career that spanned painting, printmaking, stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, Chagall brought an unparalleled poetic sensibility to modern art, infusing even the most abstract subjects with human warmth and spiritual depth. His works are held in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Guggenheim, where they continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors. The highest price ever paid for a Marc Chagall artwork is approximately $28.5 million USD, achieved in 2017 at Sotheby’s New York for Les Amoureux (1928). Marc Chagall Les...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

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

SPANISH STILL LIFE WITH GARLIC Signed Lithograph Abstract Vegetables, Black Wash
SPANISH STILL LIFE WITH GARLIC Signed Lithograph Abstract Vegetables, Black Wash

SPANISH STILL LIFE WITH GARLIC Signed Lithograph Abstract Vegetables, Black Wash

Located in Union City, NJ

SPANISH STILL LIFE WITH GARLIC by the Spanish artist Carlos Pradal, is an original hand drawn, stone lithograph printed by hand in Paris France using traditional hand lithography techniques on buff color archival printmaking paper, 100% acid free. SPANISH STILL LIFE WITH GARLIC presents a modern still life portrait depicting abstract vegetables - three round onions with a head of garlic positioned toward the center. A broad sweeping charcoal black wash dominates the background creating a dramatic staging for the red and orange vegetable shapes; the off white color of the paper forms the garlic bulb creating contrast for this expressive, energetic Spanish still life composition. Print size - 17 x 20.25 inches, unframed, very good condition, pencil signed by Pradal, inscribed E.A.(Epreuve Artiste) with personal dedication to the master printer Image size - 13 x 16.25 inches Year - c. 1974 About the artist: Carlos Pradal(1923-1988) Spanish ceramist, painter and illustrator was the son of Republican deputy Gabriel Pradal from Almeria, Andalusia. In 1939, his family was forced into exile and settled in France, in Toulouse. In 1956 he obtained a Spanish license and became an auxiliary teacher. He practiced drawing and painting at the same time, following the lessons of Raoul Bergougnan. In 1972, he moved to Paris, where he became a friend of the painters Peinado and Orlando Pelayo. When Franco died...

Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

"Krankes Mädchen" original woodcut
"Krankes Mädchen" original woodcut

"Krankes Mädchen" original woodcut

By Erich Heckel

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original woodcut. Printed in 1920 for the Deutsche Graphiker der Gegenwart portfolio, and published in Leipzig by Klinkhardt & Biermann in an edition of 500. Catalogue re...

Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Woodcut

"Der Hirte" original woodcut

"Der Hirte" original woodcut

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original color woodcut. Catalogue reference JH 771. Published in 1919 for Genius. Image size: 9 1/2 x 7 inches (240 x 178mm), on wove paper with full margins. This print is f...

Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Woodcut

Staircase in Taormina Sicily
Staircase in Taormina Sicily

Staircase in Taormina Sicily

By Nicola Simbari

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

Staircase in Taormina Sicily 1967 Artist signed lower right corner, canvas size (36x 40). Original vintage frame. Nicola Simbari was born in Italy and grow up in Rome. He studied a...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

Souvenir of Resilience 3 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait Fashion
Souvenir of Resilience 3 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait Fashion

Souvenir of Resilience 3 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait Fashion

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 Gob...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Mujere
Mujere

Mujere

By Raul Soldi

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "Mujere" c.1960 is an original color silkscreen by noted Argentinian artist Raul Soldi, 1905-1994. It is hand signed and numbered 12/15 P.A in pencil by the artist. The image size is 22.75 x 17 inches, sheet size is 26.65 x 21.5 inches. It is in very good condition, colors are fresh and bright. About the artist: Raúl Soldi was born in Buenos Aire in 1905. He was an argentine plastic artist of recognized international experience. In 1920 he began drawing and painting. He makes reproductions of Quinquela Martín...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Screen

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.