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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
DER SCHATTEN II - Rich Drypoint - 1st State
DER SCHATTEN II - Rich Drypoint - 1st State

DER SCHATTEN II - Rich Drypoint - 1st State

By Max Pechstein

Located in Santa Monica, CA

MAX PECHSTEIN (1881 -1955) DER SCHATTEN II 1918 (Knupp 79, Fecher 143 I/ii) Rich drypoint, signed and annotated, FIRST STATE. Image: 8 1/4 x 6 inches on japan paper; 15 x 11 1/4 i...

Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Drypoint

original etching

original etching

By Leonard Baskin

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original etching. Printed in 1984 on Cartiere Magnani paper at the atelier of Bruce Chandler in an edition of 1500. This work was executed by Leonard Baskin to illustrate the...

Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Now You Cookin' with Gas, Bookmarks in the Pages of Life
Now You Cookin' with Gas, Bookmarks in the Pages of Life

Now You Cookin' with Gas, Bookmarks in the Pages of Life

By Betye Saar

Located in Southampton, NY

Silkscreen in colors and sepia-tones on Langdell fait à la main paper. Paper Size: 15 x 11 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the folio, Bookmarks i...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Art

Materials

Screen

Four 1920's Russian Propaganda Posters  by Alexander Apsit, Dmitri Moor & others
Four 1920's Russian Propaganda Posters  by Alexander Apsit, Dmitri Moor & others

Four 1920's Russian Propaganda Posters by Alexander Apsit, Dmitri Moor & others

Located in Paonia, CO

The Bolshevik Era (1917-1921) was a life and death struggle for the Bolsheviks and their ideology. The propaganda poster was everywhere, as the Bolsheviks struggled to win the Civil War against the Whites and fought the Poles over control of the Ukraine and parts of modern day Belarus. The early Soviet poster - an incredible 3600 designs - was remarkable for its revolutionary fervor and biting wit. Powerful visual symbols were invented, like the red star and hammer and sickle. These four posters are as follows: 1." May 1st All Russian Subbotnik " is a Russian poster promoting the first all Russian Subbotnik held on May 1st, 1920 in which Vladimir Lenin was in attendance. "Subbotnik" were weekend days of unpaid, volunteer community service work following the October Revolution which eventually became obligatory. By Russian artist Dmitry Moor 2. " Anniversary of Vsevobuch--Develop and Learn to Defend Freedom"    celebrates the second anniversary of the implementation of universal military training and says ‘2nd Anniversary of Vsevobuch, Develop and Learn How To Defend Freedom. Artist unknown 3." Devil Doll "    The Devil Doll' (January 1920) shows a soldier pointing his bayonet at a looming monster in the first panel. However, in the second it turns out to be the weak and insignificant enemies of the state behind a pathetic mask and cloak.  Russian artist Dmitri Moor 4. " Forward to defend the Ural"    ’By Russian artist A. Petroff ( pseudonym for Alexander Aspit ) from the ´´Plakate der Russichen Revolution 1917 - 1929´´ Dmitry Moor was a Russian graphic artist, poster designer and cartoonist, also known as D. Moor ("Д. Моор"). During the 1900s and 1910s he was a comic pioneer, making satirical comics ridiculing the Czarist regime and censorship. Under the Soviet regime he became one of the most celebrated propaganda artists. Both during the First and the Second World War he ridiculed the German army. In his work Moor often made use of sequential illustrated narratives or comics. He was the house cartoonist of magazines like Budilnik and later Bezbozhnik. Alexander Petrovich Apsit was born in Riga on 25th March, 1880. He moved to Saint Petersburg in 1894 and attended art school and became a student of Lew Dmitriew-Kawkaski. Aspit worked for various Russian magazines and on the outbreak of the First World War was employed by the government to design war posters. After the Bolshevik Revolution Apsit was commissioned by the State Publishing House to design revolutionary posters.

Category

Early 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Screen

"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

Marc Chagall, The Angel, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960
Marc Chagall, The Angel, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

Marc Chagall, The Angel, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled L'Ange (The Angel), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litter...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Marc Chagall, Jeremiah, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960
Marc Chagall, Jeremiah, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

Marc Chagall, Jeremiah, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Jeremie (Jeremiah), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litter...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Marc Chagall, Moses III, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960
Marc Chagall, Moses III, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

Marc Chagall, Moses III, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Moise III (Moses III), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Lit...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Marc Chagall, Moses II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960
Marc Chagall, Moses II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

Marc Chagall, Moses II, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Moise II (Moses II), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Litte...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Marc Chagall, Moses Receives the Tablets of the Law, 1960
Marc Chagall, Moses Receives the Tablets of the Law, 1960

Marc Chagall, Moses Receives the Tablets of the Law, 1960

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Moise recoit les Tables de la Loi (Moses Receives the Tablets of the Law), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Dra...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Marc Chagall, Moses I, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960
Marc Chagall, Moses I, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

Marc Chagall, Moses I, from Drawings for the Bible, 1960

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Moise I (Moses I), from Marc Chagall, Dessins Pour La Bible (Drawings for the Bible), Verve: Revue Artistique et Littera...

Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Inside on Papers
Inside on Papers

Inside on Papers

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Art has the power to express and convey complex ideas, emotions, and messages. One such artwork that has captured the attention of many is "Inside on Paper," a bright and colorful piece featuring a young man squatting in a relaxed position with one of his legs on a newspaper with the head of a monkey. The artwork depicts a young man in a relaxed posture, with one leg resting on a newspaper. The vibrant colors and bold lines give the artwork a dynamic and energetic feel. The man's expression is calm and meditative, inviting the viewer to take a moment to pause and reflect. However, upon closer inspection, the artwork reveals itself to be more than just a relaxed pose. This juxtaposition of the human form with the head of a monkey represents the interconnectedness of all living beings. The title of the artwork, "Inside on Paper," suggests that the man is reading or reflecting on the news printed in the newspaper. This is a commentary on the importance of being informed and aware of the world around us. The monkey's head symbolizes the impact that human actions have on the natural world and the importance of taking responsibility for our impact on the environment. The bright colors used in the artwork also carry significance. The vibrant hues of blue, orange, and yellow evoke a sense of joy and vitality, creating a whimsical and playful atmosphere. The use of color and pattern is also a nod to the rich cultural traditions of the artist's homeland, imbuing the piece with a sense of cultural identity and heritage. In conclusion, "Inside on Paper" is a remarkable piece of art that conveys a deep sense of interconnectedness and the importance of being informed and aware of the world around us. Through its use of animal and human forms, it celebrates the interconnectedness of all living beings and encourages us to take responsibility for our impact on the environment. As such, it is a masterpiece that is sure to captivate and inspire art lovers for generations to come. Bright Toh work portrays the exquisite synergy that exists between the evolving African man, wildlife, and their common environment, through the possession of totems as a liaison to his ancestries, which is a core aspect of his identity and cultural heritage. 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 Born on the 6th of August 1994 in Buea, Bright Toh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Buea. Notwithstanding his Engineering academic background, Toh is a self-taught visual artist. Bright Toh is a visual artist with artistry portraying the exquisite synergy that exists between the evolving African man, wildlife, and their common environment, through the possession of totems as a liaison to his ancestries, which is a core aspect of his identity and cultural heritage. He is a 2022 ‘Last Picture Show’ Lagos Edition (Collective exhibition) Participant. He also won the UNHCR Global Youth With Refugee Art...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

White flower
White flower

White flower

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this painting, I sought to merge the surreal with the natural, portraying a woman emerging from a whimsical, flower-laden landscape that blurs into a vintage-style ambiance. The s...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Marc Chagall, Brown Still Life, from Chagall, 1957
Marc Chagall, Brown Still Life, from Chagall, 1957

Marc Chagall, Brown Still Life, from Chagall, 1957

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Nature Morte Brune (Brown Still Life), from the album Chagall, originates from the 1957 edition published by Maeght Edit...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Man with Beard (After Van Gogh), Original Painting
Man with Beard (After Van Gogh), Original Painting

Man with Beard (After Van Gogh), Original Painting

By Robert Hofherr

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A bearded sailor in a blue uniform and cap stands against a yellow background. Artist Robert Hofherr reimagined one of Vincent van Gogh's portraits through the ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

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

"Klausen in Tirol" original lithograph

"Klausen in Tirol" original lithograph

By Alexander Kanoldt

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original lithograph. This striking lithograph was printed in 1922 for Genius. The image size is 11 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches (285 x 235 mm). This original Alexander Kanoldt lithogra...

Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Golden Sails (diptych)
Golden Sails (diptych)

Golden Sails (diptych)

Located in Zofingen, AG

Golden Sails 110x160cm diptych (each side :110x80cm.) 7000 evro Linen canvas, oil, acrylic,potal,oil pastel. This artwork presents a mesmerizing landscape dominated by a striking ...

Category

1990s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Linen, Acrylic

Forest Bathing in Blue, Original Painting
Forest Bathing in Blue, Original Painting

Forest Bathing in Blue, Original Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
The water’s surface shimmers with sunlight, creating reflections that bring depth and movement to the pond. Lush, green vegetation lines the edges, highlighti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Bouquet of mimosa
Bouquet of mimosa

Bouquet of mimosa

Located in Zofingen, AG

"In this exuberant expression of life, I've captured the vibrant essence of spring. My brushstrokes dance across the canvas, conveying the delicate yet robust nature of the blooms. T...

Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Marc Chagall, The Black and Blue Bouquet, from Chagall, 1957
Marc Chagall, The Black and Blue Bouquet, from Chagall, 1957

Marc Chagall, The Black and Blue Bouquet, from Chagall, 1957

By Marc Chagall

Located in Southampton, NY

This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Le Bouquet Noir et Bleu (The Black and Blue Bouquet), from the album Chagall, originates from the 1957 edition published...

Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Girl from Gombe
Girl from Gombe

Girl from Gombe

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Girl from Gombe is an original painting by Abifola Olorunlana. Olorunlana created Girl from Gombe with Acrylic on a 36W by 48H inches primed canvas. The Girl from Gombe is a two-portrait series about a young girl from Gombe who is trying to find balance in her personal life in a society that does not really care much about the mental health of young people. In each portrait, her bodily pose, complemented with fresh-looking green plants and every other element in the painting tells a story about all the good and bad choices that have led her to where she is; the influence of her academics, family, religion, and the friends she surrounds herself with. While she's fighting her insecurities, and facing a dilemma in her career choice, she seems to persevere in living. Whenever I look at my subject and listen to her talk, all I see is a beautiful girl who has fallen prey to what we all refer to as life: Abifola Olorunlana decided to narrate with paint on canvas as a reminder that no matter what the situation is, as long as we are alive our lives can always get better. 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 Olorunlana Abifola (b. 1999) is an emerging visual artist from Nigeria whose works of art cut across mix-media and contemporary art paintings which includes portrait paintings of Black people...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

All Time Adored
All Time Adored

All Time Adored

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

In a realm of canvas and color, Where dreams and emotions unfurl, Lies a masterpiece, captivating and tender, Artistry called "All Time Adored." "All Time Adored," a tribute to prof...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

'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

Fast or slow? - Expressive Nature Painting

Fast or slow? - Expressive Nature Painting

Located in Boston, MA

Fast or slow? 36.0 x no height information x 1.5, 7.0 lbs Acrylic and oil paint Hand signed by the artist Artist's Commentary: "From the series Time for Questions." About the Art...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic

Francis Albert Sinatra, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Francis Albert Sinatra, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Francis Albert Sinatra, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Iryna Kastsova

Located in Yardley, PA

Francis Albert Sinatra is an American film actor, filmmaker, producer, showman, and singer. Painted in a modern style with brushes and a palette knife. Pop Art. Expressionism. Sponta...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Cornflower
Cornflower

Cornflower

By Rachael Dalzell

Located in Coltishall, GB

Cornflower - bursts with life. Rachael employs dynamic brushstrokes, creating a sense of movement, suggesting a lively garden environment. Dappled spots of light lend a sense of dep...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Acrylic

African Boy II
African Boy II

African Boy II

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

African Boy is a series of paintings by talented artist Faith Gbadero. This series of Artworks captures the response and attitudes of African young adults to the struggles and roller...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

"Sacred Arts" - Figurative Harlequin Clown Watercolor on Heavy Paper
"Sacred Arts" - Figurative Harlequin Clown Watercolor on Heavy Paper

"Sacred Arts" - Figurative Harlequin Clown Watercolor on Heavy Paper

By Sefla Joseph

Located in Soquel, CA

"Sacred Arts" - Figurative Harlequin Clown Watercolor on Heavy Paper Watercolor of two clowns by Sefla Joseph (Canadian, 20th Century). The clowns stand next to each other, hands intertwined. They are wearing bright red and orange clothing...

Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Art

Materials

Watercolor, Laid Paper

Peace and Tranquility 2
Peace and Tranquility 2

Peace and Tranquility 2

By Joshua Salami

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Abou...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary 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.