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.
The Iron Mountain tree stumps knives dark green landscape americana
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pastel on green toned archival paper signed and dated bottom left hand corner. Part of a series of trees and landscapes by the artist Stephen Basso's highly origional pastels and oil...
Pastel, Archival Paper
Wooden Angels female figure w diverse angel sculptures puppet wires
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soft pastel on toned paper signed and dated bottom left The central female is in her underwear. She is directing other puppet like winged females of diverse age and ethnicity
Pastel, Archival Paper
Hollyhocks in the hedgerow
Located in Coltishall, GB
Hollyhocks in the hedgerow is a joyful painting inspired by wild flowers in a Norfolk hedgerow. Rachael derives much of her inspiration from her life in Norfolk where she she enjoys...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
$3,250
Andre Dunoyer De Segonzac (French, 1884-1974) Pen & Ink "Chickens" C.1930's
Located in San Francisco, CA
Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac (French, 1884-1974) Pen & Ink "Chickens" c.1930's Original pen and ink on paper by listed French artist Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac. A mother hen with her b...
Ink, Paper
"White dream"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
As a child, I really loved dogs. I liked that I could play with them, stroke them, hug them.. I also loved lying on the grass and watching the birds fly. But I was very sorry that I ...
Canvas, Oil
$5,407Sale Price|20% Off
Symphony of summer
Located in Coltishall, GB
Symphony of Summer is inspired by a hazy meadow on a warm summer’s day… Much of Rachael’s work is based on her life in Norfolk, where she is surrounded by nature and enjoys dog walk...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cap of Many Colors, Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas, 21st Century
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Cap of Many Colors" is a captivating artwork that features a man wearing a colorful cap that is reminiscent of a rainbow. The piece is both visually striking and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after they have finished admiring it. Created by Rotimi Godwin...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Spring. Birds"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
I constantly look out of the window at the birds from the height of the 5th floor. It's so mesmerising—their flight, their communication, and their constant search for new places! An...
Canvas, Oil
$1,457Sale Price|45% Off
Figures on the Street
Located in North Clarendon, VT
Beautiful oil on board painting, figures on a street circa 1930. Signed lower left, 14.5" x 11" painting, 19.5" x 16" framed. Alweil was born in Galicia and studied at the art acade...
Oil
Without Results - China Ink Drawing on Paper by G. Grosz - 1925
By George Grosz
Located in Roma, IT
Original china ink drawing on paper by George Grosz, representing a typical subject of social and family issues. Provenance: Grosz Foundation (Regist...
Ink
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Believe 1 Mixed Media Painting on Canvas, Expressionist, 21st Century
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Believe" is an original painting created by Eyitayo Alagbe. Eyitayo created "Beleive" with Mixed Media on a Primed canvas of 36W by 36H Inches Believe is a masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated. It is a powerful artwork that embodies the spirit of hope and faith that we so desperately need in these trying times. At its core, Believe is a symbol of optimism and perseverance. The artwork features a stunningly intricate image of a young boy, set against a backdrop of calming blue tones, the boy stands tall and proud, representing the resilience and strength that we all possess within us. The beauty of this artwork lies not only in its design but in its message. Believe is a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. It encourages us to trust ourselves and to have faith in the path that we have chosen. It is not just an artist's interpretation of life, it is a positive force that inspires us to look at the world with a new perspective. Believe conveys that life has an amazing power to heal our system and rejuvenate our spirits. In today's world, where negativity and despair seem to be taking over, Believe is a beacon of hope. Its message is simple yet profound: we are capable of overcoming any obstacle if we believe in ourselves and never give up. The fact that Believe has managed to touch so many lives is a testament to its worth. It is not just a piece of art, but a timeless masterpiece that has the potential to inspire people for generations to come. In describing the painting "Believe", In Eyitayo Alagbe's words: "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. Believe in your heart that you're meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic, and miracles". Your belief and working towards what you believe in can make so much difference between the life you are living and the life you desire. In conclusion, Believe is a true masterpiece that is both beautiful and meaningful. It's not for mere decoration, it's a source of inspiration for life. Its message is a reminder to us all that we have the strength within...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
Harbor
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've captured the serene yet profound voyage of a ship sailing into a golden sunset. Using a blend of acrylic and oil, I explore the dynamics between light and shad...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Fantasy with Flowers 29
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 200+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Flowers are a smile of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Flowers
Located in Genève, GE
Work on wood Salmon wood frame Dimensions with frame : 56 x 41 x 1.7 cm This work of art, dominated by swirls of vibrant, bold colors, embodies a feeling...
Oil
$1,305Sale Price|20% Off
French Modernist Biblical Style Oil Painting Group Figures Desert Journey
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
**Title** French Modernist Biblical Style Oil Painting Group Figures Desert Journey **Key Details** **Artist:** French School, indistinctly signed and dated **Title:** Group of Figu...
Canvas, Oil
Little bird Chumichka
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This piece captures the delicate spirit of a little bird perched quietly, radiating calm and gentle energy. I poured my love for nature into each brushstroke, blending realism with e...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Venetian Gondolas 3
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I captured the serene embrace of Venetian gondolas floating gently at dawn. The interplay of light and water reflects a peaceful yet vibrant energy, inviting you to fe...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
"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...
Wood, Thread, Plastic, Paper, Acrylic
$950Sale Price|42% Off
Des Hommes Arrivent du fond de leur passe colored lithograph 1968 by Tobiasse
Located in Paonia, CO
Theo Tobiasse (1927 - 2012 ) Title Des Hommes Arrivent du Fond de leur Passe Lithograph 1968 edition E. A. ( artist proof ) size 17.50 x 23.50 condition good Des Hommes Arriv...
Lithograph
Before the Storm
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I sought to capture the vibrant yet calm moment before a storm. I used acrylic and oil to blend realism with abstraction, allowing the textures and colors to ...
Oil, Acrylic, Canvas
$10,396Sale Price|20% Off
Singing Their Songs, For My People, Elizabeth Catlett
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin d’Arches 300gm paper. Paper Size: 21.8125 x 18.3125 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the album, For My People, 1992. Published...
Lithograph
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Pliouchkine Offers a Drink, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Pliouchkine offre a boire (Pliouchkine Offers a Drink), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mortes...
Etching
Romantic blues 40X30 oil
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've immersed myself in the raw emotion of human connection against nature's canvas. I've melded expressionism with a touch of realism to capture an intimate mo...
Canvas, Oil
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Preparation of the Feast, Homer, The Odyssey, 1989 (after)
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph after Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Die Zubereitung des Festmahls (The Preparation of the Feast), from Homer, Die Odyssee (The Odyssey), originates from ...
Lithograph
Coral tulips 2
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my soul into the delicate blooms, capturing their tender energy with vibrant, soft hues of coral and pink. Using oil, I aimed to blend expressionism and reali...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Old Park of Pliouchkine, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Le vieux parc de Pliouchkine (The Old Park of Pliouchkine), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mo...
Etching
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Prochka, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Prochka (Prochka), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mortes, Eaux-fortes originales de Marc Chag...
Etching
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Dispute Between Pliouchkine and Mavra, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Dispute de Pliouchkine et de Mavra (Dispute Between Pliouchkine and Mavra), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Go...
Etching
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Room of Pliouchkine, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled La Chambre de Pliouchkine (The Room of Pliouchkine), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mortes, E...
Etching
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Encounter with a Peasant, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Rencontre d'un paysan (Encounter with a Peasant), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mortes, Eaux...
Etching
KOI 1
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this creation, I merged the fluidity of acrylics with the richness of oils, embracing both expressionism and impressionism to capture the spirited essence of a koi fish. Through s...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
'Field of Flowers', Monterey Coast, California Expressionist, Carmel, Stanford
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
'Field of Flowers' by Robert Canete. Monterey Coast, California Expressionist, Carmel, Stanford ----- Signed upper left, 'Canete' for Robert Canete (American, born 1948) and painte...
Oil, Board
Jean Dufy, 1925 watercolour painting of the port of Le Havre, France
By Jean Dufy
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Jean Dufy (French, 1888 – 1964) Vue de port du Havre, circa 1925 Watercolour on paper Signed ‘Jean Dufy’ (lower right) and inscribed on the reverse 19.1/4 x 23.1/4 in. (48.5 x 59 cm....
Paper, Watercolor
"And Deborah, A Prophet" From the suite "Judges and Kings"
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "And Deborah, A prophet" From the suite "Judges and Kings" is an original etching on Arches paper by Ukrainian/American artist Ben Zion Weinman...
Etching
Colorado Summer
Located in Wiscasett, ME
Oil pastel and watercolor on paper. Signed and dated to lower right edge 'Vaclav Vytlacil 1953'. Signed and dated to lower left edge 'Vytlacil 1953'. It is also titled on reverse. Pa...
Oil Pastel, Watercolor
$524Sale Price|20% Off
Provence Fishing Harbour French Expressionist Original Painting
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolour / gouache, size: 9.75 x 6.25 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ French pa...
Oil Pastel, Gouache
$1,360Sale Price|27% Off
"Dike in Bretagne" by William GOLIASCH - Oil on wood 27x35 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on wood sold with frame Total size with frame 46x54 cm Signed and dated William GOLIASCH is a Swiss artist born in 1922 and died in 1986. His works have been sold at public auct...
Oil
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Matremonial Blessing Print, Expressionist, Signed, 21st Century, 36x42
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Print Offest Ink on Linen Size: 36W x 42Hx 2 D In Unmounted artwork Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria Signed on the front side and accompanied by a Certificate of Authentic...
Ink, Linen
$1,392Sale Price|20% Off
1970’s Huge French Expressionist Green Landscape Avenue of Trees, signed oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Avenue of Trees French Expressionist School, signed front and back Dated 1974 oil on canvas, framed framed: 37 x 44 inches canvas: 32 x 39 inches private collection, France the p...
Canvas, Oil
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Athena Lulls Odysseus to Sleep, Homer, The Odyssey, 1989 (after)
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph after Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Athene senkt Odysseus in den Schlaf (Athena Lulls Odysseus to Sleep), from Homer, Die Odyssee (The Odyssey), originat...
Lithograph
Dandelions in the meadow 30X40
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I sought to capture the delicate interplay between strength and ephemeral beauty. The dandelions, poised against a field of gold and green, embody nature's flee...
Canvas, Oil
Olja Ivanjicki "Florence or Hell of l'Inconnue De La Seine" Oil Painting c.1965
Located in San Francisco, CA
Olja Ivanjicki "Florence or Hell of l'Inconnue De La Seine" original oil circa 1965 Original oil on board. Dimensions 26" wide x 42" high. The frame m...
Oil
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Inn House, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled La maison du traktir (The Inn House), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mortes, Eaux-fortes orig...
Etching
Girl from Kyoto, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The "Girl from Kyoto" is an iconic acrylic painting by Latvian artist Ilgvars Zalans. It depicts a young woman in traditional Japanese attire, set against a vibrant and stylized back...
Acrylic
PAIR OF JANUS SCULPTURES
Located in Paris, FR
Janus. Pair of bronze sculptures. Edition by Artcurial. Numbered 27/250 and 28/250. He was born Henri Étienne-Martin 4 February 1913 in Loriol, Drôme, France. He attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts de Lyon from 1929 to 1933, where he met Marcel Michaud. Martin moved to Paris in 1934, working at the studio of Charles Malfray at the Académie Ranson where he came into contact with such painters as Roger Bissière, Jean Le Moal, Jean Bertholle, Alfred Manessier, Zelman, Véra Pagava...
Bronze
$730
Fireworks Lights in The Sky Blue Diptych, Handmade Cyanotype, Watercolor Paper
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Fireworks Lights" is a minimal cyanotype diptych that shows path of the fireworks over the sky. Details: + Title: Firew...
Emulsion, Dye Transfer, Lithograph, Monotype
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Odysseus and Eurycleia, from Homer, The Odyssey, 1989 (after)
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph after Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Odysseus und Eurycleia (Odysseus and Eurycleia), from Homer, Die Odyssee (The Odyssey), originates from the 1989 Germ...
Lithograph
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Steward, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled L’intendant (The Steward), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mortes, Eaux-fortes originales de M...
Etching
The Bush in the Badlands, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A small green bush stands out as a symbol of life against an eroded desert. The bright sun reveals the ruggedness of the badlands. A darker mesa rises in the di...
Oil
R Poch 109 Cat Women Mujer con gato original acrylic painting
By Ramon Poch
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
109. Mujer con gato 120 x 100 cm acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company L...
Acrylic
Blue Heaven, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An expansive blue sky meets the ocean in a quiet, seamless horizon, with a single cloud drifting gently above. Below, the shoreline is alive with wispy grasse...
Oil
During Sunset
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I strove to capture the fleeting beauty of a sunset beach scene, emphasizing the deep, emotional connection between the figures and the vast, soothing expanse...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Untitled, from The Lithographs of Chagall, 1969
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the album The Lithographs of Chagall, Volume III, originates from the 1969 edition published...
Lithograph
Lion
By Julia Ruf
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Lion" depicts the majestic presence and serene strength of the lion, a symbol of power and dignity. An expressive palette and textural brushstrokes...
Canvas, Oil
Love and umbrellas 60X80 oil painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've intertwined expressionism with impressionist touches to capture a couple's serene walk under a vibrantly hued autumnal canopy. The realism of the wet path ...
Canvas, Oil
$699
Poppies 4: Expressionist Acrylic & Oil Painting on Satin Paper, 2010+
Located in Zofingen, AG
NOT STRETCHED. You'll receive it rolled, in a tube. Ready for stretching. I recommend stretching your painting in a local custom framing shop or gallery. It will be the most affordab...
Oil, Acrylic, Satin Paper
Benavente Solís Poppies Red Green Landscape original painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
landscape- original figuratif watercolor painting framed of the Spanish artist BENAVENTE SOLIS. Watercolor on paper. Perfect state . During its first exhibition in Paris, the Fren...
Watercolor
OPISSO PROCESSION.VIRGIN original gouache painting
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...
Gouache, Cardboard
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Beauty in African 1: Charcoal and Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A woman's polite devotion is her greatest beauty. Painting Charcoal, Acrylic on canvas Size: 18W x 24H Inches Unmounted artwork Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work...
Charcoal, Canvas, Acrylic
$5,948Sale Price|20% Off
Boats at sunset
Located in Coltishall, GB
Boats at sunset. Inspired by Rachaels life in Norfolk where she she enjoys dog walks along the North Norfolk coast and working in her studio close to the Norfolk Broads. Surrounded b...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic