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.
$1,192Sale Price|20% Off
Vue sur la Ville au Toit Rouge / View Over the City of Red Roofs
Located in London, GB
Vue sur la Ville au Toit Rouge (View Over the City of Red Roofs), oil on canvas, by Guy Le Péqueux (circa late 1960s). The artist channels his expressionist sensibility into a vivid,...
Canvas, Oil
Fantasy with Flowers 25
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
Sakura 2 Colorful Abstract Interior Painting by Iryna Kastsova
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sakura 2. Japanese tree. Acrylic paints in soft pink, pastel pink, cream, burgundy, yellow, peach, cream, opal white, magenta, and creamy pink splattered and splattered, creating a s...
Acrylic
"In Flight" (Auf der Flucht) original lithograph
By Alfred Kubin
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1920 on smooth wove paper for the Deutsche Graphiker der Gegenwart portfolio, and published in Leipzig by Klinkhardt & Biermann in an edit...
Lithograph
$1,788Sale Price|40% Off
'The Park' by M. Phidias (circa 1920s)
Located in London, GB
'The Park', oil on canvas, by M. Phidias (circa 1920s). Painted using this artist's trademark impasto, the effect is to add depth and texture to the exuberant display of hues and ref...
Canvas, Oil
Nude Figure in Red
Located in Soquel, CA
Nude in Red, a collotype figure study by Patricia A. Pearce (American, b. 1948). Unframed. Signed "PP" on verso. Image: 8.5"H x 7.75"W. Patricia Pearce was a California artist and a...
Paper, Ink, Color
Oil painting on board "Rough sea with steamer on the horizon" by S.A.Vinogradoff
Located in Gavere, BE
Sergey VINOGRADOV ( 1869 - 1938 ) Rough sea with steamer on the horizon Sergei Arsenievich Vinogradov ( Russian: 1869–1938 ) was a Russian-Soviet Impressionist painter; known for l...
Gold Leaf
$425Sale Price|50% Off
Refreshing Gelato, Yellow & Blue Modern Painting, Diptych, Stripped Cabin Beach
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Refreshing Gelato Grid" is an abstract painting by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful series of rhythmic brushstrokes combined with subtle tones and unique shapes that is both classy and fresh. The use of vivid colors on a white background reminds the beautiful vintage beach cabins...
Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Archival Paper
$655Sale Price|30% Off
Le coffre et la lanterne, 1986, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned
By Jean Jansem
Located in Les Acacias GE, GE
Jean Jansem (1920-2013) Le coffre et la lanterne, 1986 Lithographie sur papier Arches Signée en bas à droite et justifiée en bas à gauche 67 x 51 cm / 76 x 54 cm D'une édition à 30...
Lithograph
$380Sale Price|20% Off
"Ohne Titel (Untitled, 1987)" Signed and Dated Oil on Paper
Located in Chesterfield, MI
"Ohne Titel (Untitled, 1987)" is an Original Oil on Paper. The work is pencil-signed and dated by the artist. The image size is 21 x 15 in. and the full size is 23 x 17 in. The piece...
Oil
$273Sale Price|20% Off
20th Paris School Collage Cutout Artwork Wonderful Interior Design Options
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Collage" by Bernard Herzog (French, b.1935) signed and stamped verso with catalogue number photo collage cut outs on paper, unframed overall paper: 25.5 x 20 inches Highly unique ...
Acrylic
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Fractured Innocence - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa
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 Ola...
Canvas, Acrylic
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...
Canvas, Oil
"Couple Making Love" by Gustav Klimt - Original Print from Courtesans Folio
By Gustav Klimt
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Plate #4 from Gustav Klimt's 1907 "Dialogues of the Courtesans" portfolio, consisting of 15 collotypes on cream japon paper. The drawings in this folio are said to be studies for Kli...
Paper
Frau in der Wanne (Woman in Tub) /// German Expressionism Schmidt-Rottluff Nude
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (German, 1884-1976) Title: "Frau in der Wanne (Woman in Tub)" Series: Die Aktion *Unsigned edition Year: 1915 Medium: Original Woodcut Engraving on crea...
Engraving, Woodcut
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Nude in Venice: Large Oil Painting, Contemporary Expressionism
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Nude in Venice" - original large art by Paula Craioveanu - Contemporary Expressionism Original, large, unique painting, oil on canvas, 55x40in / 140x102cm. Shipped rolled in a tube...
Canvas, Oil
Forgotten but Not Gone, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr presents a derelict structure forgotten in the woods in a bold expressionist style. A blue underpainting and high-energy palette bring the...
Acrylic
Fantasy with Flowers 4
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 ...
Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Archival Paper
Woman with a chef's Hat Belle Epoque
By René Guinand
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 81 x 68 x 3 cm Woman with a chef's hat This striking portrait, typical of Expressionism, depicts a woman in an introspective pose. Vigorous brushst...
Oil
Bouquet of Roses
Located in New York, NY
Suggest a phone conversation with the potential collector/ investor.
Oil
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Boubou - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Plants, Women, Africa
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 Josue M Pierre ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,200
Long Brown Hair Lying Nude Study Oil on Canvas Painting by Robert Roujas
Located in Atlanta, GA
An intimate and lyrical study by Robert Roujas (France, 1908-2000), this evocative oil on marouflé canvas painting captures a reclining nude seen from behind—serene, weary, and imbue...
Canvas, Board, Paint
Funfair Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Circa 1940s
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas
Oil
$4,199Sale Price|50% Off
Landscape
Located in London, GB
'Landscape', oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (1928). The artist, Kvapil, has scores of tremendous artworks which depict scenes in nature such as this one. Here, a bit of Mediterrane...
Canvas, Oil
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
The Family, Alice Neel
By Alice Neel
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alice Neel (1900-1984) Title: The Family Year: 1982 Medium: Lithograph on Arches paper Edition: 57/175, plus proofs Size: 31.25 x 27 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: ...
Lithograph
Copons original acrylic
By Joan Copons
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work of the Spanish artist Joan COPONS. -Barcelona-jardin. original acrylic painting
Canvas, Oil
Spring poppies 50X50
Located in Zofingen, AG
In creating this piece, I've poured my soul into the vivid crimson blooms, contrasting against the subdued greens and blues, evoking life's vibrancy. Each stroke is a breath, blendin...
Canvas, Oil
The toilet - Young woman with a red scarf
Located in Genève, GE
Work on wood Dimension with frame :80 x 61 x 3 cm This work of art is a striking painting that captures an intimate moment with remarkable skill. The image depicts a woman seen from ...
Oil
In Solitude by the Sea, Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas, 2010-
Located in Zofingen, AG
"In solitude by the sea" is an original oil painting on canvas that captures a quiet moment on the beach. Soft brushstrokes and a delicate expression evoke solitude and introspection...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Death and Life by Gustav Klimt, Das Werk lifetime collotype, 1908-1912
By Gustav Klimt
Located in Chicago, IL
Original collotype created from Gustav Klimt’s Death and Life, painted in 1908. Published and edited by Verlag H.O. Miethke and printed by k.k. Hof- und St...
Paper
Copons Flower Park original acrylic
By Joan Copons
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work of the Spanish artist Joan COPONS. -Barcelona-jardin. original acrylic painting
Canvas, Oil
$11,853Sale Price|30% Off
Piazza di Spagna Roma
By Yves Brayer
Located in London, GB
'Piazza di Spagna, Roma' oil on canvas, by Yves Brayer (1933). At the bottom of the Spanish Steps, is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It owes ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Echoes Within - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, 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. About Artist Bey...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Bay of Angels, from The Lithographs of Chagall, 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled La Baie des Anges (The Bay of Angels), from the album The Lithographs of Chagall, Volume I, originates from the 1960 edi...
Lithograph
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Dracaena, Botanical Garden Plant Still-Life
Located in Soquel, CA
Fun and expressive botanical still-life painting of a Dracaena plant in front of a window by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957), 1976. The bright green leaves are depi...
Canvas, Oil
H.O. Miethke Das Werk folio "Water Snakes II" collotype print
By Gustav Klimt & K.K. Hof-und Staatsdruckerei
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Water Snakes II, no. 9 from the fourth installment of Das Werk Gustav Klimts The last painting Klimt exhibited with the Secession before resigning, Water ...
Paper
Shadow Dance, Original
Located in Deddington, GB
Shadow Dance is an Original Oil painting by Eleanor Woolley. The artists inspiration for this painting is the play of light on figures in urban settings. The contrast of backlit figu...
Canvas, Oil
$12,000
Max Eisler Eine Nachlese folio “The Embrace (Fulfillment)” collotype print
Located in Palm Beach, FL
After Gustav Klimt, Max Eisler #17, Aus dem Stoclet-Fries: Die Umarmung; multi-color collotype after the cartoon for the 1910-1911 mosaic frieze on the east wall of the dining hall o...
Paper
$13,500
Gerlach's Allegorien Folio, plate #58: "Sculpture" Lithograph, Gustav Klimt.
By Gustav Klimt
Located in Palm Beach, FL
As an artist trained in the applied arts, Gustav Klimt valued all forms of art, including the graphic arts. This final design from 1896 for inclusion in Allegorien published by Gerlach & Schenk demonstrates respect for artistic precedent and for a wide range of media and technique. The publication was printed in an unknown number of copies. Klimt’s rendering in latin of the title, “SCVLPTVR.,” with three-dimensional effect on the wall, is a figurative allusion to this medium as well as a literal reference to Ancient Rome. By doing the same with his signature and date in roman numerals on the right hand side of the image, Klimt places himself, The Artist, firmly in this linear and legitimizing context of art history and as its modern standard-bearer. Playing on Classical mythology and the story of Pygmalion, in which a statue comes to life, Klimt presents his modern Venus holding an apple. Klimt’s Venus exhibits a curvilinear softness; there are no angles. Klimt deftly shows the possibilities in a graphic image to give life to dark, wavy hair and tenderness to swelling breasts and belly. To further emphasize the allegory of thriving modern art, he contrasts his Venus with the cold, hard ancient classical head whose eyes are vacuous and whose hair is but a stylized mass of curls. Klimt’s living Venus stands in front of the large bust and large classical pillar upon which is a sculpture of a Sphinx and a Greek Attic bust. As if a gallery to represent sculpture’s “best of” through the ages, the upper horizontal panel includes bust depictions in marble, cast metal and wood...
Lithograph
Interior With Red Flowers On The Table Still Life
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Interior With Red Flowers On The Table Large oil on canvas, signed lower right, title on verso. Born in 1952, Jean-Pierre Mocci arrived in Provence at the age of 8. Self-taught artist, he was interested in the visual arts from a very young age. Participating in many craft fairs, he exhibits paintings and art crafts. He is a complete artist who can be described as a "jack of all trades": oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, bronzes and ceramics. But it is by painting his adopted Provence that Jean Pierre Mocci...
Oil, Canvas
$351Sale Price|60% Off
La commode, 1986, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned
By Jean Jansem
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...
Lithograph
$1,244Sale Price|30% Off
The Mill
Located in London, GB
'The Mill', watercolour and graphite on paper, adhered on canvas, by Louis Latapie (circa 1930s). A colourful wintery scene, the bare trees are like wireless ...
Canvas, Paper, Watercolor, Graphite
$226Sale Price|20% Off
Model in the studio .Nudes across mediums
Located in Oslo, NO
This artwork is an exquisite study of the human form, capturing a moment of introspective vulnerability. The subject is portrayed in a kneeling position on a stool, her back facing t...
Paper, Gouache
$795Sale Price|20% Off
Village. Oil on cardboard, 79. 5 x 100. 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Village. Oil on cardboard, 79.5 x 100.5 cm Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, S...
Oil, Cardboard
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Table Laden with Food, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled La table chargee de victuailles (The Table Laden with Food), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames m...
Etching
"Mexican Landscape Water Scene with Figures and Boat" Expressionistic Style
Located in New York, NY
A strong modernist oil painting depicted in the Mid Century by Russian painter Michael Baxte. Mostly known for his abstracted figures on canvas or street scenes, this piece is a wond...
Oil, Masonite
$1,060
Peonies in the evening garden" oil on canvas.Landscape of Liliуа Volskayaya
Located in Zofingen, AG
SHIPPED IN ROLL "Peonies in the evening garden" oil on canvas.Landscape of Lilia Volskaya. To paint this landscape, I used several techniques of oil painting on canvas. 1. The main p...
Canvas, Oil
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, The Red Horse, from XXe Siecle, 1970
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Le Cheval Rouge (The Red Horse), from the album XXe Siecle, XXXIIe Annee, Nouvelle serie, No. 34, Juin 1970, originates ...
Lithograph
JOY. Cats original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this vibrant artwork, I channel the whimsy of expressionism with touches of impressionism and pop art to create a playful scene that bursts with joy and curiosity. Using acrylics ...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Cardboard
$4,796Sale Price|20% Off
Faith Ringgold, Four Little Girls Bombed in a Church, 2007
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Faith Ringgold (1930–2024), titled Four Little Girls Bombed in a Church, from the folio Letter from Birmingham City Jail, originates from the 2007 editio...
Screen
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Gathering -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, People, Expressionism, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In every culture, there is a circle where wisdom gathers — a space where stories are not simply told, but lived. The Gathering captures this timeless communion of hearts and minds, w...
Canvas, Coffee, Mixed Media
Portrait of a Young Boy
By Cuno Amiet 1
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Portrait of a Young Boy" 1949 is an original lithograph by Swiss artist Cuno Amiet, 1868-1961. It is hand signed and numbered 12/200 in...
Lithograph
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Moses III, from Drawings for the Bible, 1956 Bible
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...
Lithograph
"In Freiheit (In Freedom)", White Porcelain Horses
Located in Detroit, MI
This gorgeous porcelain sculpture from Hutschenreuther porcelain is of two galloping horses, sculpted in exquisite detail and signed by the sculptor, Max Hermann Fritz...
Porcelain
"Life Is Just A Shell Game" contemporary expressionist Serigraph
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
"Life Is Just A Shell Game" is from Sandra Jones Campbell's series inspired by her unique social observations. It features her unique blend of modernism and expressionistic style, al...
Screen
Ballerine sur fond vert, 1995, original lithograph by Jean Jansem, handsigned
By Jean Jansem
Located in Les Acacias GE, GE
Jean Jansem (1920-2013) Ballerine sur fond vert, 1995 Lithographie sur papier Arches, justifiée et numérotée 48/100 Signée en bas à droite 22 x 17 cm / 32 x 26 cm Bibliographie: ...
Lithograph
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Lady In White 2 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
She holds on to her integrity and purity. Lady in white captures a desire to be hidden, but her presence is revealed through her unquenched innermost beauty. Lady in white captures h...
Canvas, Acrylic
A Set of Circus Paintings
Located in San Francisco, CA
There’s the balloon vendor, confident, straightforward and approaching the viewer to make his sale. But there’s also a shadow figure, boldly executed, perhaps a glimpse of the inner ...
Canvas, Oil
$218Sale Price|52% Off
Original English Yorkshire Dales Expressionist Oil Painting FLOWERS MOONLIGHT
Located in Cirencester, GB
ARTIST: Jacquie Denby (1939-) British TITLE: "Flowers Under Moonlight" (Yorkshire Dales) SIGNED: gallery labelled verso MEDIUM: oil on board SIZE: 79cm x 69cm inc frame CONDITION: ...
Oil
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Marc Chagall, Meal at the Inn, from Dead Souls, 1923–1927
By Marc Chagall
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite etching by Marc Chagall (1887–1985), titled Repas dans le traktir (Meal at the Inn), originates from the celebrated folio Nicolas Gogol, Les Ames mortes, Eaux-fortes o...
Etching