Skip to main content

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.

to
1,350
1,659
1,065
1,095
859
979
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
47
2,522
3,095
101
136
254
118
74
194
368
272
243
177
1
116,936
65,347
55,667
26,664
14,782
9,370
5,986
4,160
3,011
2,524
2,240
2,232
707
2,969
1,987
619
2,742
1,706
1,700
1,053
772
499
477
431
371
355
299
299
275
265
189
165
139
113
113
110
3,617
2,180
1,915
1,841
1,273
141
79
69
54
47
1,129
446
2,854
2,072
Style: Expressionist
Venice 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've merged the vibrancy of acrylics with the depth of oils to capture the tranquil essence of Venice. The interplay of light and shadow, realism and impressionism,...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard

"Barbara" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
"Barbara" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Bold abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). Titled "Barbara" per...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Roses in a blue vase 50X70 oil painting.
Located in Zofingen, AG
As the creator of this piece, I immersed myself in the beauty of nature's transience, capturing the ephemeral grace of roses in a dance with light and shadow. Through my oil paints, I embraced impressionistic touches that convey the delicate interplay of petals with the serene blue of the vase, evoking a moment of...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract Expressionist Watercolor Portrait
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract expressionist portrait of a colorful face by Berkeley artist Howard Margolis (American, 1927-2015). Unsigned, with “Howard Margolis” on verso. Presented unframed, in a paste...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

20th century Tuscan expressionist oil on canvas painting
Located in Florence, IT
The painting (oil on canvas, 40 x 29.8 cm; with wooden frame 61 x 51 cm) depicts two figures, a woman with a smiling gaze and a man with a mustache, of which only the head is visible...
Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Mill
Located in London, GB
'The Mill', oil on paper mounted on canvas, by Louis Latapie (circa 1930s). A colourful wintery scene, the bare trees are like wireless telephone poles along ...
Category

1930s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Paper, Oil

Raventos 10 Vertical Big Sunset Orange original abstract acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"Sunset" original abstract acrylic painting Raventos spectacular work. mixed media in very good condition. RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic

Sweet was the Walk, Rachael Dalzell, Acrylic on canvas with tray frame
Located in Coltishall, GB
Sweet was the walk depicts the low sunlight, long shadows and warm colours of a winter morning walk along the hedgerows of Norfolk. Rachael’s paintings are large, colourful and expr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Field of lupines
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I sought to capture the vibrant yet transient essence of a field of lupines. Employing oil as my medium, I blended expressionism with touches of impressionism, real...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Bridge in Venice 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this acrylic canvas, I've poured my soul into capturing the dance of light on Venice's waters. The brushstrokes marry realism with a dreamy impressionism, expressing the city's he...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard

Modernist Encaustic Painting Portrait Boston Expressionist
Located in Surfside, FL
Bears old label verso from Raydon Gallery in New York city. Aronson, David 1923- David Aronson, son of a rabbi, was born in Lithuania in 1923 and immigrated to America at the age of ...
Category

20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Encaustic

Wreck THE THISTLEGORM Created Underwater at 18 meters
Located in Zofingen, AG
Underwater Painting by Olga Nikitina The Thistlegorm, wreck of The Second World War in The Red Sea. Underwater painting is a new very unique fast growing direction in contemporary ar...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

Chagall, Composition (Cramer 26; Mourlot 153), Derrière le Miroir (after)
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Lithograph on vélin paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered. Good condition, with centerfold, as issued. Notes: From Derrière le miroir, N° 92-93. Published by Aimé Maeght, Édite...
Category

1950s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

La commode, 1986, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned
Located in Les Acacias GE, GE
Jean Jansem (1920-2013) La commode, 1986 Lithographie sur papier Arches Signée en bas à droite et justifiée en bas à gauche 51 x 70 cm / 54 x 76 cm D'une édition à 30 exemplaires d...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Colorful houses by M. Keller - Oil on canvas 24x34 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on canvas sold with frame Total size with frame 36x46 cm Signed M. Keller, Swiss artist from the XXth century
Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Japanese meadow daisies 40X30
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In this oil painting, I've melded expressionism with touches of impressionism to capture the vibrant spirit of a meadow in full bloom. Each brushstroke is a testament to the serene ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Marc Jesus 40 Red Blue Table original expressionist acrylic paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
MARC JESUS ​​VIVES - Ibiza 1966 Since 1984, he lives and works in Ciudadela de Menorca. (Balearic Islands) Between 1985 and 1988 he studied design in Ciudadela and the Mahon Costume...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Raventos 7 Trumpet Violin Red Black original expressionist mixed media
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Raventos. trumpet. violin .score. red. black Fiddle music sheet" original expressionist mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Book: Francis Bacon von [with] John Russell (hand signed and inscribed twice)
Located in New York, NY
Highly collectible and coveted item: Francis Bacon von [with] John Russell (Monograph, hand signed and inscribed twice by Francis Bacon), 1972 Hardback monograph with dust jacket (ha...
Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset

The Fiery Leaves of the Forest. By Rachael Dalzell acrylic on canvas, tray frame
Located in Coltishall, GB
A large scale artwork filled with the colours of autumn and painted with a free and expressive use of acrylic paint. Rachael’s paintings are large, colourful and expressive. Her fr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Let Peace Reign (Life Within) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Nature
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Let Peace Reign symbolize a call for harmony within and around us. The painting blends a serene landscape with a figurative image, merging nature’s tranquillity with humanity’s longi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

signed original etching - Artist's Proof
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original soft ground etching. Signed in pencil and annotated "Artist's Proof". Printed in 1967 for the Dreigroschen Film portfolio and published by Touchstone Publishers. Thi...
Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Ben Alexander - Etching by Erich Heckel - 1927
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on laid paper realized by Heckel in 1927. Signed and dated in pencil lower right. Hand numbered 11/20 lower left. Provenance: Galerie Vayhinger, Radolfzell, Private Col...
Category

1740s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Carpet of Bluebells, Rachael Dalzell, Acrylic on Canvas with Tray Frame
Located in Coltishall, GB
The colours of spring as bluebells carpet the woods at Blickling Rachael’s paintings are large, colourful and expressive. Her free and lively use of paint through various technique...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Codorniu 14 Majorca expressionist acrylic painting
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

Raventos 9 Buildings City Litle original expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Raventos. buildings. city. original expressionist acrylic painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of F...
Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

JULIEN MEUNIE.15 COAST. MAJORCA original watercolor painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
COAST. MAJORCA original watercolor painting. Julien was born in 1948 in Vichy, France. He studied art and theater in Clermont-Ferrand at the same time as finishing his degree in Fr...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Watercolor, Cardboard

Reflection -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion, Women
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, Oil

Morning at Canyonlands, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A morning scene unfolds at the Canyonlands National Park in Utah. The rising sun lights up the landscape, creating purple shadows on the cliffs with beautiful...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Der Mord II (Liebespaar II)
Located in New York, NY
A superb, richly-inked impression of this very scarce, important German Expressionist lithograph on smooth, cream wove paper. Edition of approximately only 20. Signed in pencil. Publ...
Category

1910s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Snow White and Redhead 80X80 oil
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I strove to capture the essence of companionship and the gentle intimacy shared between two majestic beings. The warm, soft hues and delicate brushwork express ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

From Les Reincarnations du Pere Ubu, Surrealist Etching by Georges Rouault
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Georges Rouault, French (1871 - 1958) Title: Frontispiece from the portfolio Les Reincarnations du Pere Ubu Year: 1929 Medium: Etching and aquatint on cream wove paper, signe...
Category

1920s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Lady with a Bird on Bank of a Lake
Located in Zofingen, AG
The work is inspired by the tenderness and purity of the girl on the shore, in whose hands is a white dove. Another moment and the dove will fly in the sky. In this oil painting, I ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Ethereal Refuge - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Nude, Black and White
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 Sayeed Momoh is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

signed original etching - Artist's Proof
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original soft ground etching. Signed in pencil and annotated "Artist's Proof". Printed in 1967 for the Dreigroschen Film portfolio and published by Touchstone Publishers. Thi...
Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

William Goliasch "Bretagne" - Oil on cardboard 17x27 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
William Goliasch (1922-1986) Geneva Artist Oil work on canvas with frame Total size with frame is 45x34 cm
Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Abstract Expressionist Embrace Earth Figurative
Located in Soquel, CA
Compelling abstract expressionist painting "Embrace" figurative by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 20th Century). From a collection of his works. Un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Bronze Sculpture Relief Troubadour Figurative American Modernist David Aronson
Located in Surfside, FL
Guitar or Mandolin playing musician. Music themed bronze sculpture Signed and numbered Aronson, David 1923- David Aronson, son of a rabbi, was born in Lithuania in 1923 and immigra...
Category

20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Bronze

Sigura Bank
Located in OPOLE, PL
Bernard Buffet (1928-1999) - Sigura Bank Lithograph from 1981. Artsit's edition. On Arches paper. Dimensions of work: 71 x 53.5 cm. Hand signed. The work is in Excellent condit...
Category

1980s Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

"Arroyo Between Nambe & Pojoaque on #113" (1985) By Joellyn Duesberry
Located in Denver, CO
"Arroyo Between Nambe & Pojoaque on #113" (1985) By Joellyn Duesberry is an original handmade oil painting on linen that depicts an expressionist landscape with an arid riverbed. A ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

L'église Saint Séverin, Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
Student at the Jules Marinist Christmas, Edme Emile Laborne was a refined painter of cityscapes and landscapes. Paris, the Loire Valley, southern Spain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Walk under the street lights
Located in Genève, GE
Work on wood Gray frame Dimensions with frame 40 x 40 x 5.5 cm This painting masterfully captures a nighttime street scene, where passers-by cross a space bathed in the soft glow o...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Kuluso (Ant-Lion Larvae)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artwork titled "Kuluso (Ant-Lion Larvae)" is a captivating piece that portrays a man standing beside a woman carrying a child who is breastfeeding. The artwork was created by Nigerian artist Adegbenro Adeola...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Light in the forest
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil on canvas, I've poured my soul into capturing the ethereal play of light amidst the trees. I intertwine expressionism with realism to weave a dance of colors that evoke a...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

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
Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Copons LANDSCAPE OF MALLORCA original realist acrylic almond trees
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work by the Spanish artist Joan COPONS. Oil on canvas . Perfect state
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Art

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

"Le Bal Masque" Giuseppe Verdi Opera (Variant)
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Le Bal Masque" Giuseppe Verdi Opera, (Variant) 1967 is an original color lithograph on Japan paper by renown Austrian expressionist artist Oskar Kokoschka, 1886-...
Category

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Soul Sisters -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women Love, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The presence of sisters in their community adds a beautiful dimension to life itself. They are not just vibrant hues that enrich the tapestry of existence; they also embody grace, co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Mère et enfant, 1986, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned
Located in Les Acacias GE, GE
Jean Jansem (1920-2013) Mère et enfant, 1986, état noir Lithographie sur papier Arches Signée en bas à droite et justifiée en bas à gauche 67,5 x 51 cm / 76 x 54 cm Très rare exemplaire D'une édition à 30 exemplaires sur Arches de l'état noir. Bibliographie: Imprimeur: Mourlot, Paris Editeur: Galerie Matignon, Paris Bibliographie: Jansem Lithographe, 1984-1993, Flora Jansem, Paris, n. 50, reproduit p. 56, référencé p. 109. "Ma première lithographie date de 1954. Elle représente un enfant en haillons portant deux seaux d'eau, d'après un croquis rapporté de Cordoue lors de mon voyage en Espagne en 1952. Je l'exécutai sur pierre, au pinceau et à l'encre lithographique. Je fus déçu du résultat et n'en tirai qu'un essai et une épreuve. Quatre ans plus tard, je réalisai une dizaine de nouvelles lithographies, toujours sur pierre, la plupart en noir. Au lieu d'employer l'encre et le crayon...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Autumn inspiration
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I sought to capture the ephemeral beauty of autumn by the lakeside. Using expressionistic brush strokes and an impressionistic palette, I've emulated the fleeting, ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Le couple au bouquet vert, 1974, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned
Located in Les Acacias GE, GE
Jean Jansem (1920-2013) Le couple au bouquet vert, 1974 Lithographie sur papier Arches Signée en bas à droite et justifiée en bas à gauche 69 x 51,5 cm ...
Category

Late 20th Century Expressionist Art

Materials

Lithograph

1001 Afternoons in New York - Rare Book illustrated by George Grosz - 1941
Located in Roma, IT
1001 Afternoons in New York is an original modern rare book written by Ben Hecht (New York,1894 – New York, 1964) and illustrated by George Grosz (Berlin, 18...
Category

1940s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Offset

"Etude de nu" original etching
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original etching. Printed in 1908 and published in Paris by Revue de l'art ancien et moderne. Plate size: 7 x 5 1/2 inches (180 x 140 mm). A rich, dark impression on laid pap...
Category

Early 1900s Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Fly! 40X40 oil on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I captured the ephemeral moment of release and liberation. It's a dance between reality and interpretation, where feathered grace meets the human desire for fre...
Category

2010s Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Lac de Joux" by William GOLIASCH - Oil on wood 16x28 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Oil on wood sold with frame Total size with frame 35x48 cm William GOLIASCH is a Swiss artist born in 1922 and died in 1986. His works have been sold at public auction 100 times, ma...
Category

1970s Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Modernist Avant-Gard Figurative Abstract, Large-Scale Primary Colors Pastel
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning modernist avant-garde figurative abstract pastel in deep royal blue, with red and yellow accents by Henry Elinson (Californian/Russian 1935-2010), 1996. Signed and dated "H....
Category

1960s Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Pastel

Nakedness of Truth
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Nakedness of Truth is an original painting by Abifola Olorunlana. Olorunlana created Nakedness of Truth with Acrylic on a 36W by 48H inches primed canvas. Nakedness of Truth was made over a painting Abifola Olorunlana did and didn't like (an underlying painting depicting four figures fetching water from a river and gossiping about someone they didn't like). The Nakedness of Truth is a painting that advocates for people who belong to the LGBTQ community and salutes their unity in making the movement impactful globally. For years many have stayed reclusive about their true identity due to religious beliefs, societal constructs, and government laws which have left many depressed till their last days, many were even killed for courageously coming out to state their true identity. This is depicted in the painting: dark yellow eyes sticking out of the woods to portray a sense of public rejection, yet my subject boldly stands out of the green woods and leaves to express courage, strength, and power. 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

Golden season
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I sought to capture the ethereal beauty of autumn using expressive oil brushstrokes that blend realism with a touch of impressionism. The serene water mirroring the fi...
Category

2010s 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.

Recently Viewed

View All