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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
Confidant 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Modern Love
Confidant 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Modern Love

Confidant 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Modern Love

By Daniel Owoeye

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

A confidant is someone you trust deeply and confide in. They typically share personal thoughts, feelings, and secrets that you might not feel comfortable sharing with others. Dependi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Naomie aux Longues Tresses
Naomie aux Longues Tresses

Naomie aux Longues Tresses

By Théo Tobiasse

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: Teo Tobiasse (French/Israeli, 1927-2012) Title: "Naomie Aux Longues Tresses" Year: Circa 1970 Medium: Color lithograph Edition: Numbered 146/150 in pencil Paper: Japan...

Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

'Portrait of a Man', by Jim Riley, Oil on Canvas Painting
'Portrait of a Man', by Jim Riley, Oil on Canvas Painting

'Portrait of a Man', by Jim Riley, Oil on Canvas Painting

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

This 19.625" x 15.625" oil on canvas painting is by American artist, Jim Riley. The painting presents a frontal, half-length portrait of a figure with wavy brown hair and a calm, int...

Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Blooming in True Self Love -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Fashion Women
Blooming in True Self Love -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Fashion Women

Blooming in True Self Love -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Fashion Women

By Elie HATUNGIMANA

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Elie HATUNGIMAN...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Purple Sail
Purple Sail

Purple Sail

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I've embraced the vibrant dance of colors and textures to capture a sense of both chaos and harmony. Using acrylic and oil, I've layered strokes passionately, letti...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard

Tequila Gist 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health
Tequila Gist 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health

Tequila Gist 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health

By Oshorenoya David Francis

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Acrylic

In My Dream - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health
In My Dream - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health

In My Dream - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health

By Oshorenoya David Francis

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Acrylic

I Am Becoming - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health
I Am Becoming - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health

I Am Becoming - 21st Century, Contemporary, Expressionist, Modern, Mental Health

By Oshorenoya David Francis

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Acrylic

Timeless -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern Women, Floral
Timeless -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern Women, Floral

Timeless -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern Women, Floral

By Awofadeju Solomon

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Awofadeju Solom...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Breathing in Blue, Original Painting
Breathing in Blue, Original Painting

Breathing in Blue, Original Painting

By Rodion Gilmitdinov

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Rodion Gilmitdinov captures a fleeting moment of balance and vulnerability as a lone surfer rides a breaking wave. Loose, spontaneous strokes of blue and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Row of Plane Trees In Winter - Maussane-les-Alpilles
Row of Plane Trees In Winter - Maussane-les-Alpilles

Row of Plane Trees In Winter - Maussane-les-Alpilles

By Yves Brayer

Located in London, GB

'Row of Plane Trees In Winter - Maussane-les-Alpilles', Provence, watercolour and pencil on art paper, by Yves Brayer (1946). A line of Plane trees greets visitors to almost every vi...

Category

1940s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Pencil

Quay by the Bridge in Paris, Watercolor on Paper, Framed, 1970s
Quay by the Bridge in Paris, Watercolor on Paper, Framed, 1970s

Quay by the Bridge in Paris, Watercolor on Paper, Framed, 1970s

By Roland Dubuc

Located in London, GB

'Quay by the Bridge in Paris', watercolour on art paper, by Roland Dubuc (circa 1970s-80s). The broad Parisian river Seine divides the city into the left and right banks. The Left Bank, or Rive Gauche is famous for the Latin Quarter while the Right Bank is better known for attractions like Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, and the Louvre. A trip here simply isn’t complete without a stroll along this romantic river. And a cruise on the Seine or drinks aboard an anchored boat along the quay is a wonderful experience as well. The artist Dubuc created many artworks with the Seine as backdrop. You can have this one right in your living room. In good overall condition, the piece is newly framed and glazed with anti-reflective glass. Upon request a video of the painting may be provided. About the Artist: Roland DuBuc (1924-1998), French artist, the sixth of 13 children and son of a construction worker. The very precariousness of the family's financial situation forced him to go to work at the age of 14. In extreme poverty, he moved to Rouen where he was lodged by the Salvation Army. During that time he struck up friendships with several artists who gave him advice and taught him techniques of drawing. He moved to other cities later where he met painters including, among others, Fred Pailhès...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

We've Got The Phunk 3 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
We've Got The Phunk 3 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism

We've Got The Phunk 3 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism

By Omoayo George Osoba

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 Oso...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer

In the arms of the Angel
In the arms of the Angel

In the arms of the Angel

By Elena Lukina

Located in Zofingen, AG

In creating this piece, I embraced the delicate dance between realism and expressionism, aiming to convey deep emotion. The soft interplay of light and shadow across the figure's for...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée

Port Provençal by Bürgisser - Oil on wood 27x35 cm
Port Provençal by Bürgisser - Oil on wood 27x35 cm

Port Provençal by Bürgisser - Oil on wood 27x35 cm

Located in Geneva, CH

Oil on cardboard with frame. Total size with frame is 47x39 cm Artist from Zurich Switzerland, unknown from the gallery

Category

20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Benavente Solis  Vertical. Big. green. Bull- original expressionist acrylic
Benavente Solis  Vertical. Big. green. Bull- original expressionist acrylic

Benavente Solis Vertical. Big. green. Bull- original expressionist acrylic

By Benavente Solis

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

Bull- original expressionist acrylic painting During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it like "The Catalan Sorolla". Honorary Member of the MECOART (Mediter...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

Malcesine on Lake Garda by Gustav Klimt, Das Werk landscape collotype, 1908-1912
Malcesine on Lake Garda by Gustav Klimt, Das Werk landscape collotype, 1908-1912

Malcesine on Lake Garda by Gustav Klimt, Das Werk landscape collotype, 1908-1912

By Gustav Klimt

Located in Chicago, IL

Original collotype created from Gustav Klimt’s Malcesine on Lake Garda, painted in 1913. Published and edited by Verlag H.O. Miethke and printed by k.k. Hof- und Staatsdruckerei, Vienna, in an edition of 300. Between 1908 and 1914, H.O. Miethke published Das Werk Gustav Klimts...

Category

Early 1900s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper

Tableau n°63 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 41x60 cm
Tableau n°63 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 41x60 cm

Tableau n°63 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 41x60 cm

By Jean Krille

Located in Geneva, CH

Of Germanic descent, the painter Jean Krillé was born in 1923 in Switzerland. His father, writer and poet, oriented him towards art and culture. From the age of 16, he enrolled at th...

Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Monstera 6, Vibrant Abstract Expressionist Foliage Original Mixed Media Painting
Monstera 6, Vibrant Abstract Expressionist Foliage Original Mixed Media Painting

Monstera 6, Vibrant Abstract Expressionist Foliage Original Mixed Media Painting

By Giuseppe Beddru

Located in Los Angeles, CA

In the realm of vibrant expressions, Italian artist Giuseppe Beddru masterfully brings to life abstracted flora in a spectacular fusion of color and form. The canvas dances with an o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Aláàárù Ajé: Carrier of Wealth - Acrylic on Canvas, 21st Century
Aláàárù Ajé: Carrier of Wealth - Acrylic on Canvas, 21st Century

Aláàárù Ajé: Carrier of Wealth - Acrylic on Canvas, 21st Century

By Ayandare Adeniran Ayanmuyiwa

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

The artwork titled "Aláàárù Ajé" (Carrier of Wealth) features a lady with a head made of a Sekere, a traditional Yoruba percussion instrument made from dried gourds covered with beads. The lady is depicted wearing a blue dress with intricate details and patterns. Ayandare Adeniran, Ayanmuyiwa behind this intriguing piece of art has managed to capture the essence of the Yoruba culture, which is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditional beliefs. The use of the Sekere in the artwork is symbolic of the Yoruba people's deep-rooted love for music and the arts, which are considered an integral part of their daily lives. The lady in the artwork, with her head made of Sekere, is a representation of the Yoruba deity, Oshun, who is revered as the goddess of love, fertility, and prosperity. According to Yoruba mythology, Oshun is believed to be the owner of the Sekere and is often depicted carrying it around during festive celebrations and ceremonies. The blue dress worn by the lady in the artwork is also significant in Yoruba culture as it represents wealth, royalty, and nobility. The intricate details and patterns on the dress are a testament to the artist's attention to detail and skill, which are essential in Yoruba art. Overall, the artwork "Aláàárù Ajé" (Carrier of Wealth) is a beautiful representation of Yoruba culture, tradition, and mythology. The artist's use of the Sekere and the blue dress is a nod to the Yoruba people's love for music, art, and fashion, which are essential elements of their identity. The artwork is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and the importance of preserving it for future generations. 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 (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Ayandare Adeniran, Ayanmuyiwa (born 1991) is an Artist who hails from Ogbomosho, Oyo state, Nigeria. At his early stage of life, his artistic talents sprang up and his parent helped in developing them by providing him with what they understood he needed by buying drawing books, crayons, and watercolors among others to help his creative skills. After his primary and secondary education, he received a Nigeria Certificate on Education (NCE) from a prestigious college; the Federal College of Education (SPECIAL), Oyo, where he studied Fine and Applied Arts. Musa Ibrahim was the first practicing Artist who helped Ayandare in his Artistic career which was during a compulsory Industrial Training program for students in the Fine Arts department. After College, yawning for knowledge and flare for artistic work dragged him to Arowolo Wasiu, a metal sculptor who trained him in sculpting metal. A thirst for one's zeal can only be quenched by following the path thus making him proceed to TOPE FATUNMBI...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

La Baie de Trépassés

La Baie de Trépassés

By Georges Rouault

Located in New York, NY

An excellent impression of this large color aquatint. Numbered in pencil 99/175. Printed by Lacourière, Paris. Published by Vollard, Paris. Catalogue reference: Chapon/Rouault 141; ...

Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Color, Aquatint

Solitude -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Modern, Love
Solitude -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Modern, Love

Solitude -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Modern, Love

By Daniel Owoeye

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 Dan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Oil

Dancing Shadows -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion, Women
Dancing Shadows -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion, Women

Dancing Shadows -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion, Women

By Elie HATUNGIMANA

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Elie HATUNGIMAN...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

STELLA PEREGRINA
STELLA PEREGRINA

STELLA PEREGRINA

By Franz Marc

Located in Portland, ME

Marc, Franz (German, 1880-1916). STELLA PEREGRINA. FranzHanffstaengl, Munich, 1917. Only edition. Number 25 of the limited edition of 110. Folio (18 x 13 inches), parchment-bac...

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Color

"Der Kunsthandler" original lithograph

"Der Kunsthandler" original lithograph

By Rudolf Grossmann

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original lithograph. This is one of the scenes of the Berlin art world executed by Rudolf Grossmann. Printed in 1919 at the Wolf & Sohn atelier for the Ganymed portfolio (vol...

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Yellow Clown

Yellow Clown

By Bernard Lorjou

Located in New York, NY

Bernard Lorjou has painting this subject "Harlequins" many times in watercolors, drawing , oil paintings and later on in the late 60's in acrylic, both on canvas, paper and some on m...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

"Measuring Blue" Mixed Media, 3-Dimensional, Small Wood Sculptures
"Measuring Blue" Mixed Media, 3-Dimensional, Small Wood Sculptures

"Measuring Blue" Mixed Media, 3-Dimensional, Small Wood Sculptures

Located in Detroit, MI

"Measuring Blue" is a mixed media 3-dimensional collage with creatively hand-made oversized objects of a school ruler, dominos, and matches. These objects were hand crafted by the ar...

Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Wood, Thread, Plastic, Paper, Acrylic

Sable - 21st Century Contemporary, Expressionist Portrait, African Woman, Face
Sable - 21st Century Contemporary, Expressionist Portrait, African Woman, Face

Sable - 21st Century Contemporary, Expressionist Portrait, African Woman, Face

By Kayimahe Ishmael Zed

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 (Issued by the Gal...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Rose hip and cosmos
Rose hip and cosmos

Rose hip and cosmos

By Rachael Dalzell

Located in Coltishall, GB

Rose hip and clover bursts with an explosion of floral energy. A rich tapestry of blooming flowers dominates the scene, painted with a vivid palette ranging from deep magenta and ele...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, 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.