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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
Sunny Terrace 25X35
Sunny Terrace 25X35

Sunny Terrace 25X35

Located in Zofingen, AG

In crafting this piece, I've intertwined the essence of expressionism and impressionism, allowing the vibrant colors and bold textures to evoke feelings of warmth and serenity. The f...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Regal Beauty 1
Regal Beauty 1

Regal Beauty 1

By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Regal Beauty 1 is an oil painting that showcases the elegance and majesty of a black African woman. The subject is depicted with an afro hairstyle and a tribal mark on her face, which highlights her cultural identity and connection to her African roots. The Ankara fabric provides the backdrop, adding texture and depth to the piece and making the subject stand out even more. The oil on Ankara fabric medium creates a stunning visual effect, bringing out the richness of the colors and capturing the subject's beauty and strength. This painting serves as a tribute to the beauty, elegance, and resilience of African women and is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural appreciation and representation. 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 Bakare Babatunde...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Fabric, Oil

Algerian French Vibrant Colorful Expressionist Beach Scene Oil Pastel Drawing
Algerian French Vibrant Colorful Expressionist Beach Scene Oil Pastel Drawing

Algerian French Vibrant Colorful Expressionist Beach Scene Oil Pastel Drawing

By Armand Henri Nakache

Located in Surfside, FL

Armand Nakache was the foremost champion of Expressionism in France, an area unfairly shunned by a society more attracted to the charms of classical painting, Impressionism, Post-Imp...

Category

20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel, Pastel

Marc Chagall, Spring Day, from Derriere le miroir, 1972
Marc Chagall, Spring Day, from Derriere le miroir, 1972

Marc Chagall, Spring Day, from Derriere le miroir, 1972

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Jour de Printemps (Spring Day), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 198, originates from the 1972 edition published b...

Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Emmanuel Mane-Katz, Wedding, The Bezetsen, 1966 (after)
Emmanuel Mane-Katz, Wedding, The Bezetsen, 1966 (after)

Emmanuel Mane-Katz, Wedding, The Bezetsen, 1966 (after)

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph after Emmanuel Mane-Katz (1894-1962), titled Mariage, Le Bezetsen (Wedding, The Bezetsen), from the folio Mane-Katz, Douze Lithographies pour Stempeniou de ...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Les deux amours punis

Les deux amours punis

Located in Atlanta, GA

Gustave Doyen (1836 in Festieux – 1923 in Fontainebleau) was a French painter working during 19th and 20th centuries in France. He was educated at St Edmund's College in Douai and trained by William...

Category

19th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Marc Chagall, Untitled, from Derriere le miroir, 1964
Marc Chagall, Untitled, from Derriere le miroir, 1964

Marc Chagall, Untitled, from Derriere le miroir, 1964

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 147, originates from the 1964 edition published by Maeght ...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Codorniu Majorca expressionist acrylic painting
Codorniu Majorca expressionist acrylic painting

Codorniu Majorca expressionist acrylic painting

By Daniel Codorniu

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

original expressionist acrylic painting. frame Painter and draftsman born in Ciutat de Mallorca in 1943. In 1959 moved his address to Barcelona. He was a student of the School of A...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid Century Expressionist European Nighttime Steet Scene
Mid Century Expressionist European Nighttime Steet Scene

Mid Century Expressionist European Nighttime Steet Scene

Located in Surfside, FL

Moody, Expressive European oil painting. signed illegibly lower right. it looks to be German or Austrian.

Category

20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Under the sun 50X70
Under the sun 50X70

Under the sun 50X70

Located in Zofingen, AG

This piece is a vibrant celebration of nature's beauty and light's transformative power. Layered with oil, each brushstroke contributes to the vivid visual symphony. The sun, breakin...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Colorful Day, Oil Painting
Colorful Day, Oil Painting

Colorful Day, Oil Painting

By George Peebles

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A stand of trees stretches across the center of a vast field. Their foliage glows with brilliant autumn colors. Tall grass spreads in the foreground while soft ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Tyria
Tyria

Tyria

By René Romero Schuler

Located in Westport, CT

René Romero Schuler’s expressionistic paintings depict delicate female figures that she paints using a dry-brushed, minimalist hand, leaving her subjects mostly featureless but nonet...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sans titre

Sans titre

By Hans Bellmer

Located in OPOLE, PL

Hans Bellmer (1902-1975) - Sans titre Drypoint etching from 1975. Edition of 49/99 on Lana paper. Dimensions of work: 50.5 x 32 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Éditions Borderie, Pa...

Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Intimate Moment: Mid-20th Century Expressionist Oil Portrait
Intimate Moment: Mid-20th Century Expressionist Oil Portrait

Intimate Moment: Mid-20th Century Expressionist Oil Portrait

By Pedro Creixams

Located in Sitges, Barcelona

Title: *An Intimate Moment* Artist: Pedro Creixams (1893-1965) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 18.1 x 15 inches Condition: Unframed Style: Expressionist portrait with ...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Monet's Water Lily Pond
Monet's Water Lily Pond

Monet's Water Lily Pond

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I've sought to capture the essence of tranquility and the ephemeral nature of light dancing on water. Through bold, impressionistic strokes and a soothing palette o...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard

Barcelona . Original gouache paper painting
Barcelona . Original gouache paper painting

Barcelona . Original gouache paper painting

By Agustin Rio

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

A. Rio Barcelona .Original gouache paper painting . AGUSTIN RIO ( Barceona 1923 – Barcelona 1997) Formed in Llotja i al Cercle Artístic de Sant Lluc He appeared individually in 195...

Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Gouache, Cardboard

Spring Reflection Watercolor on Paper, Expressionist, 2010s, Unframed
Spring Reflection Watercolor on Paper, Expressionist, 2010s, Unframed

Spring Reflection Watercolor on Paper, Expressionist, 2010s, Unframed

Located in Zofingen, AG

I was inspired by that elusive feeling of early spring, when winter still holds fast in its embrace, but the anticipation of new life and awakening nature is already in the air. This...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Adventure Story 1
Adventure Story 1

Adventure Story 1

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

"Adventure Story" is a homage to the rich cultural traditions passed down through generations. The artwork's protagonist, a male hunter, stands as a representation of the deep-rooted connection between man and nature, as well as the preservation of traditional practices. The wooden local gun he carries symbolizes both the tools of his trade and the ancestral knowledge that has been handed down through time. Bello's artwork prompts us to appreciate the importance of preserving and honoring our cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder that our traditions, rituals, and stories hold invaluable wisdom and provide a link to our past, helping us understand who we are as individuals and as a collective. The central theme of "Adventure Story" revolves around the spirit of adventure, encapsulated by the hunter in the artwork. The headlamp tied around his head signifies his readiness to explore the unknown and face the challenges that lie ahead. It speaks of the courage to navigate unfamiliar territories and the determination to embrace new experiences. The headlamp, traditionally used to illuminate darkness, can also be interpreted metaphorically as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment. It symbolizes the hunter's quest for wisdom and understanding, highlighting the importance of seeking knowledge as we venture into the uncharted territories of life. Olamilekan Bello...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Woman - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, African Woman on Red Hat
Woman - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, African Woman on Red Hat

Woman - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, African Woman on Red Hat

By Ayandare Adeniran Ayanmuyiwa

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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 Authent...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

King Be Shaved
King Be Shaved

King Be Shaved

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

"King Be Shaved" by James Ogamba Tochukwu is a visually compelling artwork that captures a moment of intimate regality. The scene unfolds with a king about to...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Der Bildermann" original lithograph

"Der Bildermann" original lithograph

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original lithograph. Printed on laid paper in 1919 and published in Berlin by Paul Cassirer. Sheet size: 6 3/4 x 9 inches (175 x 229 mm). Not signed.

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Vibrant Orange and Red "Pant" Abstract by Joy W.
Vibrant Orange and Red "Pant" Abstract by Joy W.

Vibrant Orange and Red "Pant" Abstract by Joy W.

Located in Soquel, CA

Dynamic, heavy impasto abstract expressionist garden scene by Joy W. (American, 20th Century). Titled "Pant" and dated "Summer 2003" on verso. Signed indistinctly on verso, "Joy W". ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Spring Herbs Oil Painting, Expressionistic Landscape in the Swiss Alps
Spring Herbs Oil Painting, Expressionistic Landscape in the Swiss Alps

Spring Herbs Oil Painting, Expressionistic Landscape in the Swiss Alps

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Spring Herbs" is an original artwork born from a deep connection with nature. The artist has skillfully layered high-quality oil paints on an Italian linen canvas, building an impas...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Cask and Copper Pot Still Life, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 1995, Framed
Cask and Copper Pot Still Life, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 1995, Framed

Cask and Copper Pot Still Life, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 1995, Framed

By Susan Lyon

Located in Soquel, CA

Gorgeous cask and copper pot still life by Susan Lyons (American, 20th Century). Presented in a wooden frame. Signed "Lyons" and dated "95" lower right. Image size, 28"H x 30"W. Sus...

Category

1990s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Evening Splendor, Oil Painting
Evening Splendor, Oil Painting

Evening Splendor, Oil Painting

By George Peebles

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A beautiful depiction of an autumn evening, this painting by artist George Peebles captures an expansive panoramic view of the landscape. An endless blue horizo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Mujere II
Mujere II

Mujere II

By Raul Soldi

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "Mujere II" c.1960 is an original color silkscreen by noted Argentinian artist Raul Soldi, 1905-1994. It is hand signed and numbered 93/150 in pencil by the artist. The image size is 13.5 x 20.5 inches, sheet size is 19.75 x 22.75 inches. The colors are fresh and bright, it have a 0.85 inches restored tear at the lower margin (see picture #6 for detail) some paper rubs on the verso, not visible from the front. otherwise in good condition. 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

"Banksy Nostradamus"
"Banksy Nostradamus"

"Banksy Nostradamus"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

A painting as a prophetic thought. A philosophical perspective on the sum of actions, the essence of humanity, and the future of the entire race. My images in my paintings come tr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

"Weather Eye" - 1989 Lithograph on Paper
"Weather Eye" - 1989 Lithograph on Paper

"Weather Eye" - 1989 Lithograph on Paper

By Deborah Rumer

Located in Soquel, CA

"Weather Eye" - 1989 Lithograph on Paper 1989 Lithograph on paper titled "Weather Eye" by Deborah Rumer (American, 20th Century). A windowsill is the focal point, as the viewer look...

Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Ink, Lithograph

OPISSO  PROCESSION.VIRGIN original gouache painting
OPISSO  PROCESSION.VIRGIN original gouache painting

OPISSO PROCESSION.VIRGIN original gouache painting

By Alfredo Opisso

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

OPISSO CARDONA, Alfredo (Barcelona, 1907 - Mataro, Barcelona, 1980). Painter and illustrator, was the son of Ricardo Opisso and nephew of Joan Cardona, who gave him the first lesson...

Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Gouache, Cardboard

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design Options
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design Options

20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design Options

By Bernard Herzog

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

"Collage" by Bernard Herzog (French, b.1935). signed and stamped verso with catalogue number. photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed. Overall paper: 25.5 x 20 inches Highly uniq...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

1970s Expressionist Acrylic. 'Seated Figure'.
1970s Expressionist Acrylic. 'Seated Figure'.

1970s Expressionist Acrylic. 'Seated Figure'.

Located in Cotignac, FR

An expressionist portrait of a seated figure, acrylic on paper by French artist Alain Caucat. Signed bottom right. Also signed and dated to the back of the framing board. Presented u...

Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

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.