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.
$1,344Sale Price|20% Off
Berries. 2016, oil on canvas, 46.5x55 cm
By Igor Maikov
Located in Riga, LV
Igor Maikov (1966) Education: 1981 - 1984 The Art Academy of Latvia 1973 - 1983 Salaspils Primary and Secondary School Exhibitions: 1994 - Group Exhibition «Rol-Art», Latvia ...
Canvas, Oil
Complete Beach, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Verdant blades of grass blend into warm tones of yellow and orange, gradually leading to a sandy shore. On the horizon, a quiet beach meets the clear blue sky...
Oil
Three Trees
Located in Columbia, MO
Robert Kipniss, painter and printmaker, was born in New York City in 1931. Born to two artists, Kipniss quickly fostered his love for art. His formal artistic education began at New ...
Lithograph
German Expressionist Bronze Relief Plaque Mans Best Friend, a Man and His Dog
Located in Surfside, FL
Mans Best Friend C.M. Junghans 1985 This is done in a German Expressionist style. It is bronze over some sort of fill. It depicts a man gentleman and his dog. a Cocker Spaniel or Co...
Bronze
Morning
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've melded acrylic and oil to evoke morning's transcendent vibrancy. With every expressive stroke and bold hue, I sought to capture the essence of a new dawn. It's...
Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
$1,323Sale Price|20% Off
Mid 20th Century French Oil Interior Room Scene Wood Burner Stove, signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, mid 20th century, signed Title: Interior Scene with wood burner stove. Medium: signed oil painting on board, framed. Si...
Oil
Field of poppies
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I sought to capture the vibrancy and tranquility of nature, merging the wild with the serene. The crimson poppies dance in the breeze, a sea of passion and life, while...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
The Death - Woodcut Print by Conrad Felixmüller - 1960 ca
Located in Roma, IT
The Death is a woodcut print realized by Conrad FelixMuller (1897-1977) in the 1960s. Autographed note by the artist in the right margin. 36x42 cm with frame. Good conditions.
Woodcut
$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
$5,459Sale Price|20% Off
The Quiet Place
Located in Coltishall, GB
’The Quiet Place' is an impressive painting inspired by the North Norfolk Broads near to where Rachael lives. Rachael Dalzell’s paintings are colourful and expressive. Her free and...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
Raventos Square Poppies original abstract mixed media painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"AMAPOLAS" original abstract mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barce...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Strawberries
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I attempted to capture the vivid textures and luminous vibrancy of strawberries. Using a blend of expressionism and impressionism, I focused on the interplay of...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
NYC=Vibrant, Original Painting
By Kajal Zaveri
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The Empire State Building rises with bold and vibrant strokes. The minimalist lines and blurry contrasts capture the dynamic spirit of New York City. It reflect...
Acrylic
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
New York City Street Scene (L.18), Fairfield Porter
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Fairfield Porter (1907-1975) Title: Street Scene (L.18) Year: 1969 Medium: Lithograph on Arches paper Edition: 69/100, plus proofs Size: 22.25 x 30 inches Condition: Excellen...
Lithograph
Romance of the sea 21X30
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I endeavored to embody the tranquil beauty of nature, blending the serenity of the sea with the vibrant liveliness of blossoming flowers. Utilizing the expres...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Romance of the sea 30X30
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work reflects the romantic mood that we get while on vacation. Beautiful roses in the garden on the shore of the southern sea. White sails and blue sky, all this resembles a par...
Canvas, Oil
Water lily inspiration
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this painting, I was inspired by the tranquil beauty of water lilies. I aimed to capture their serene essence and the dynamic interplay of light on water. This piece blen...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Women, French Woman artist, Expresionnist/Fauvist, painting, 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Odette Ayme-Belmonte (1901-1990) Portrait of a woman Gouache on paper 62 x 46 cm (24 1/2 x 18 1/8 in.) Signed lower middle Born in 1901 in Tlemcen, French Algeria, Odette Ayme Belm...
Paint, Gouache
Summer. Flower field 17
Located in Zofingen, AG
Summer. Flower field 17. A sunny summer day, the whole earth is warmed by warmth, a flowering field, flowers, colorful poppies, the sky create an atmosphere of relaxation, harmony, r...
Acrylic
Rooftops, Surrealist Oil Painting by Lucio Ranucci
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lucio Ranucci, Italian (1925 - ) Title: Rooftops Year: 1973 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.l. Size: 30 in. x 30 in. (76.2 cm x 76.2 cm) Frame Size: 37.5 x 37.5 inches
Oil
Love in the Night City
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant painting, I've married the boldness of pop art with the heartfelt touch of naive style. The use of acrylic and oil gives depth and texture, evoking the raw emotions a...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$5,596Sale Price|20% Off
Composition, Everything That Rises Must Converge
Located in Southampton, NY
Etching on vélin de Rives BFK paper. Paper Size: 22 x 17 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the folio, Everything That Rises Must Converge, 2005. Published by The Limited Editions Club, New York; printed by Wingate Studio, Hinsdale, under the direction of Peter Pettengill, Hinsdale, 2005. Excerpted from the folio, This edition of CCC examples of Everything That Rises Must Converge was printed on BFK Rives. Dan Carr and Julia Ferrari designed the typography, cast the Kis-Janson type in metal, set the type by hand and printed the text at Golgonooza Letter Foundry & Press, Ashuelot, New Hampshire. The six color etchings were printed by hand on BFK Rives by Peter Pettengill at Wingate Studio in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. BENNY ANDREWS (1930-2006) was an African-American artist, activist and educator. He is known for his expressive, figurative paintings that often incorporated collaged fabric and other material. Andrews helped found the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition, which agitated for greater representation of African-American artists and curators in New York’s major art museums in the late 1960s and 70s. He also led the group in founding an arts education program in prisons and detention centers. Andrews taught art at Queens College for three decades, and from 1982 to 1984, served as the Director of the Visual Arts Program for the National Endowment for the Arts. He received many awards, including the John Hay Whitney...
Etching
"..and CAT"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
My ginger cat is very jealous, he is jealous of literally everyone and everything!)) But for some reason we love him very much!))
Canvas, Oil
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
"Wer Liefert" Oskar Kokoschka, Satirical Expressionist Caricature, Red on White
Located in New York, NY
Oskar Kokoschka Wer Liefert, circa 1917 Sanguine on paper 8 1/2 x 10 1/4 inches Throughout his career, Kokoschka demonstrated a thirst for independence and refrained from associati...
Paper, Chalk
The Spies - Lithograph and Offset by George Grosz - 1925
By George Grosz
Located in Roma, IT
The spies is an original offset and lithograph realized by George Grosz. The artwork is part of the suite of 10 offset and lithographs realized by Grosz for the book "Kobes". 1st e...
Lithograph, Offset
Bronze Plaque Sculpture Judaica Rabbi Figure Portrait American Boston Modernist
Located in Surfside, FL
Small Jewish Portrait Relief Plaque Signed and numbered in Roman numerals from limited edition Aronson, David 1923- David Aronson, son of a rabbi, was born in Lithuania in 1923 and i...
Bronze
Rafael Griera Blue Fleurs original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Paisaje original expressionist acrylic painting. Rafael Griera Calderon (1934) Rafael Griera Calderón is a contemporary painter born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, although he has ...
Wood, Acrylic
Moonlight Night
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I poured my emotions into every stroke, capturing the haunting beauty of a moonlit night. Blending acrylics, watercolors, and ink, I embraced expressionism and impr...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
$950
Raventos Vertical Small City original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
City original expressionist acrylic painting. virtual framed RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine A...
Acrylic
Symbiosis
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vivid fusion of expressionism and pop art, I captured the raw, emotional energy of a musician bonded with her guitar. Layering acrylics and oils, I sought to embody the passi...
Canvas, Acrylic
GUITAR 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my painting, I captured the intimate embrace between human expression and music through vivid expressionist and impressionist brush strokes, underscored with a touch of pop art vi...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
$5,459Sale Price|20% Off
Floating Dreams
Located in Coltishall, GB
’Floating Dreams' is an impressive painting inspired by the North Norfolk Broads and beautiful countryside near to where Rachael lives. Rachael Dalzell’s paintings are colourful and...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
A Group of Buddhist Monks, Expressionist Oil Painting by Bui Van Hoan
Located in Long Island City, NY
An original painting of Buddhist Monks heading in a line through the forest by well-regarded contemporary artist Bui Van Hoan (1971 - ). The painting measures 38 x 27.5 inches and ...
Oil
Daybreak, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The first light of dawn bathes distant mountains in fiery oranges, contrasting with the cool blues and purples of the rugged cliffs below. Loose, sweeping brush...
Mixed Media
Three Men
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Francisco Corzas (Mexican, 1936-1983) Title: Three Men Year: 1968 Medium: Color lithograph Edition: Numbered 17/30 in pencil Paper: Wove Image ...
Lithograph
Care Free Day, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Beneath the blue sky, a thicket of trees displays their autumn-tinted foliage. Thin clouds in the distance and wispy grasses in the foreground add depth to th...
Oil
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...
Etching
$2,400
Benavente Solis Campo de Mallorca original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original expressionist acrylic painting. Framed During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it like "The Catalan Sorolla". Honorary Member of the MECOART (Medit...
Wood, Acrylic
Incarcerated Angel Among Them Oil On Wood Panel, Signed 1977
By Purvis Young
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Incarcerated Angel Among Them 1977 Oil on wood panel, artist signed. Purvis Young (1943-2010) was an American artist from Miami, Florida. Best known for his paintings on objects and ...
Wood Panel, Oil
Nu, mains dans ses cheveux (Nude, Hands in Her Hair)
Located in Chicago, IL
Signed and dated, upper right Provenance: Atelier of the artist
Ink, Paper
Two in a Boat
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've woven vivid expressionism with a hint of pop art's boldness, contrasting with the subtlety of impressionism. With acrylic and oil, I depict an enchanting voyage o...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Cardboard
$2,205Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Expressionist Signed Oil Sun over Landscape with Cottage
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed and dated Title: Expressionist landscape Medium: oil on board Size: 6.5 x 9 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: The ...
Oil
Night Light, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Shadows of tall, slender trees rise from the darkness. A subtle ray of moonlight illuminates the landscape, casting a delicate glow that contrasts against the...
Oil
Provence : Relaxing in the Countryside - Original Lithograph, Signed
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre AMBROGIANI (1907-1985) Relaxing in the Countryside, 1974 Original Lithograph (Gourdon Workshop) Signed with the artist's stamp On vellum 38 x 28 cm (c. 14.9 x 11 in) Excelle...
Lithograph
Mid-Century French Oil on Panel. 'The Arrival', Sailboats at Monte Carlo.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid 20th Century oil on panel view of sailboats in the port of Monte Carlo. The painting carries a monogram of the peace symbol and a date to the back of the panel. The artist has c...
Oil, Wood Panel
$10,202
If Only I Could - original abstract figurative landscape painting-contemporary
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
1950's French Expressionist Oil Green Woodland Forest Landscape Oil on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Green Landscape French School, mid 20th century oil painting on canvas, unframed painting: 9.5 x 12.5 inches condition: overall very good
Canvas, Oil
$4,489
In the park
Located in Genève, GE
Work on cardboard Dimensions with frame :52.5 x 60.5 x 7 cm This work depicts an outdoor scene, probably in a lively park or garden, where bourgeois life in the early 20th century s...
Oil
Multicolored Tulips 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sold and sent unframed -VIRTUAL FRAME. You'll receive it rolled, in a tube. "Multicolored Tulips 1" is a vibrant floral painting rendered in oil stick on paper. The artist's abstrac...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Adriatica
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I was drawn to the interplay between nature and the human spirit. The rocky shore and majestic seascape reflect life's constant motions, while the solitary fi...
Canvas, Oil
Nocturnal, Original Painting
By Autumn Rose
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Autumn Rose paints delicate pastel flowers and foliage in striking contrast to a dark background. The artwork emulates luscious plants kissed by soft m...
Acrylic
$468Sale Price|20% Off
Sunset over the Sea, French Expressionist Original Painting
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
AKOS BIRO (HUNGARIAN 1911-2002) watercolour/gouache size: 7.75 x 11 inches Beautifully colourful, original painting by the very popular and highly regarded Hungarian/ French painter...
Oil Pastel, Gouache
Heavenly Irises
Located in Zofingen, AG
FLOWERS (Large Format Thick Paper) Art - Work on Paper In this artwork, I've infused vibrant expressions, using acrylic and oil pastel, capturing the ethereal beauty of irises as the...
Oil, Acrylic, Satin Paper
Misty Morning in Vietnam, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soft mist drapes over the narrow streets of a traditional Vietnamese town, muting the colors of weathered buildings with faded shutters and moss-covered tiles...
Acrylic
Anniversary, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The sun sets on a rocky mountaintop, casting warm colors on a jagged ridge below. The contrast between light and shadow captures the fleeting beauty of twilig...
Mixed Media
Man of Honor - Offset and Lithograph by George Grosz - 1923
By George Grosz
Located in Roma, IT
Man of honor from Ecce Homo is a vintage offset and lithograph, realized by George Grosz. The artwork is the plate n. 59 from the porfolio Ecce Homo published between 1922/1923,edit...
Lithograph
$2,000
Bronze Judaica Expressionist Sculpture Russian Jewish Shtetl Goose Peddler
Located in Surfside, FL
A cast bronze sculpture depicting an elderly jewish peddler carrying a basket of geese going to the shtetl market. Signed on base. This is not editioned...
Bronze
$520Sale Price|20% Off
“Grizzly Stare II” - Original Figurative Expressionist Painting (2013)
Located in Soquel, CA
“Grizzly Stare II” - Original Figurative Expressionist Painting (2013) This striking painting of the Grizzly Bear’s amber brown eye is penetrating, drawing the viewer’s eye to that ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Reclining Expressionist Nude Female Figure with Yellow, Blue, and Magenta
Located in Soquel, CA
Brightly colored expressionist nude figurative painting of a reclining nude female with bold yellow, blue, and magenta accents by Linda Goodman (American...
Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Graphite