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.
Happy corner. Calm, blue, village, landscape, small, framed, gift, houses, rural
Located in Oslo, NO
A silent landscape lies in blue, mint and orange, as if dusk has softly drifted into a dream. The hills melt into each other like a slow breath, and the air feels light and the life ...
Canvas, Oil
La Mer à Cassis, Expressionist Oil on Paper, Late 20th Century
By Armand Avril
Located in Cotignac, FR
Late 20th century oil on paper view of the Mediterranean sea at the port of Cassis in the south of France by French artist Armand Avril. The painting is initial signed bottom right a...
Oil, Acrylic, Paper
Colorful Spanish Village Landscape with Thick Impasto and Yellow Fields Oil Art
By Ulpiano Carrasco
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Colorful Spanish Village Landscape with Thick Impasto and Yellow Fields Artist: Ulpiano Carrasco Title: Pozoseco, Cuenca Year: 1999 / 2000 Medium: Oil on canvas Canvas dimensions: 7...
Oil
$3,000
Expectancy - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, 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 Ola...
Canvas, Acrylic
$949
Expressive Pink Floral Still Life Catalan Modernist Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Expressive Pink Floral Still Life, Catalan Modernist Oil Painting TECHNICAL DETAILS Artist: Ramon Calsina Baró (Barcelona, 1901–1992) Title: Pink Floral Still Life with White Vase ...
Oil
$3,132
The human. Philosophy, meditation, spiritual, self awareness, mindfulness, God
Located in Oslo, NO
This work captures the full spectrum of human emotions, from pain and fear to hope and the belief in healing. "The Human" is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, our capacity ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,850
Who Cares If I'm Waiting -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Horse
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; it is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Arti...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$3,287
The Last Sun. Richard K Blades. Painting of sea at sunset. Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
A moody sunset over the sea captured in oil paint. The Last Sun captures a breathtaking sunset over a tranquil seascape. The composition is dominated by a brilliant display of warm ...
Oil, Board
$337Sale Price|25% Off
Your Life's Matter 2 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, 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 Eli...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$337Sale Price|25% Off
Your Life's Matter 1 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, 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 Eli...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$337Sale Price|25% Off
Trying to Leave Myself 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, People
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 Emma...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,850
Displaced Beauty - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Displaced Beauty challenges the shifting standards of beauty shaped by social media and societal expectations. The figure stands as a quiet resistance, embracing natural African feat...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Aurora over a Northern Lake, 1916
Located in Stockholm, Stockholm
Aurora over a Northern Lake, signed and dated “G Claeson 1916”, oil on canvas. This evocative landscape, executed in an expressionist manner, and on the same time almost modern, cap...
Canvas, Oil
$3,322
Large contemporary expressionist figurative still life painting "Floral pause"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Floral Pause" is a contemporary still life painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, celebrated for her colorful floral art and expressive compositions that capture the simple poe...
Canvas, Acrylic, Linen
Portrait of a Lady - Antque French Expressionist Ecole de Paris Oil Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A beautiful early 20th century French expressionist Ecole de Paris oil on panel portrait of a standing lady wearing a yellow jacket and fur stole. This excellent quality depiction o...
Oil, Panel
Original VINTAGE EXPRESSIONIST Oil Painting LANDSCAPE WITH HORSES Devon English
Located in Cirencester, GB
ARTIST: Barbara Vincent (1921-) English TITLE: "Landscape With Horses" SIGNED: lower right and dated 1969 MEDIUM: oil on board SIZE: 48cm x 39cm inclusive of frame CONDITION: very...
Oil
$3,350
Don't Rush Life 2 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Where am from Bandana was once a common style, we called it Big Boy Style, then it's seem to me like a style or fashion only, because our elder brothers only allowed to used it but n...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Expressionist 20th Century Colourful English Landscape Oil Painting EAST ANGLIA
Located in Cirencester, GB
ARTIST: Ronald Ronaldson (1919-2015) British TITLE: "East Anglian Landscape" SIGNED: lower right MEDIUM: oil on board SIZE: 63cm x 48cm inclusive of frame CONDITION: very good DETA...
Oil
$3,000
Still Blooming - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Still Blooming is a meditation on restoration, not as a finished state but as an ongoing condition, resting in a moment between breaking and becoming. Her eyes are closed in inward a...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$637Sale Price|25% Off
African Woman 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black
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
$637Sale Price|25% Off
African Woman 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, People, Black
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
$4,000
Aduke and Her Pets - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Animal
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
$8,544Sale Price|20% Off
Lovers
Located in London, London
artist: Anastasia Aureum oil on canvas one-of-a-kind hand signed the painting will be shipped rolled Aureum’s language is characterized by freedom of the sign, soft chromatism ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,464
Shadow marshes. Richard K Blades. Painting of sea at sunset. Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
A warm sunset over Norfolk's Cromer beach. Between Thoughts is a sublime oil painting that captures the mesmerizing tranquility of a sunset over thw North Sea. The horizon is ablaze...
Oil, Board
$1,780
Bouquet with Japanese roses in Provence style" still life of Volskya Liliya.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Bouquet with Japanese rose in Provence style" still life of Volsky Lily. The warm spring has given us a lot of pleasure. The magnificent weather, the delicate foliage of flowers and...
Canvas, Varnish, Oil
$2,512Sale Price|25% Off
Aimasiko - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Yoruba proverb says, "Adániwáyè ò gbagbé enikan; àimàsikò lóndààmú edá", meaning "The Creator does not forget anyone; ignorance of divine timing troubles humans". Difficult times may...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,250Sale Price|25% Off
Ray of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, 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 Ola...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,580
No Ordinary Winter's Tale: Resilience, the War 1943, German Expressionist oil
Located in Norwich, GB
This is no ordinary winter scene. It is the story of prosecution and survival; of resolve and resilience during World War 2, as it was experienced by German Expressionist Heinz Lohma...
Oil, Board
$1,800
Echoes of the Mind 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Floral
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
$337Sale Price|25% Off
Waiting for My Name to Return - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, People
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 Emma...
Canvas, Acrylic
$494Sale Price|60% Off
Sailors in the Port of Nice
Located in London, GB
'Sailors in the Port of Nice', mixed media - gouache, pastel and oil on paper, by Alfred Salvignol (circa 1950s). The Port of Nice is one of the key hubs of Nice and, in fact, of the entire French Riviera, standing out as one of the main harbours for the boats which sail across the Mediterranean Sea. It accommodates both the ships operated by ferry companies and the private yachts of visitors who come to Nice by sea. The artist here depicts a group of crusty sailors watching...
Paper, Pastel, Oil, Gouache
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Expressive woman's portrait acrylic on paper "What she holds within"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait "What she holds within "was created by the French artist Natalya Mougenot. With her hand gently resting against her chin and...
Paper, Acrylic
"Canyon River" (2025), Original Expressionist Impasto Landscape, Oil Painting
By Sandra Pratt
Located in Denver, CO
"Canyon River" (2025) is a beautiful original impasto oil painting, created on linen panel by American artist Sandra Pratt, which depicts a vast forest, captured in an expressionisti...
Oil, Canvas
$771Sale Price|35% Off
19th Century Torero and Bull Oil Painting, Figurative Expressionism
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Torero and Bull Artist: José María Tuser Vázquez (1919-1986) Technique: Oil on canvas mounted on board Dimensions: 18.9 x 15 inches Framing: Unframed Art Movement: Costumbrismo, Figurative Expressionism Theme: Bullfighting Date of Creation: Second half of the 20th century DESCRIPTION The painting Torero and Bull depicts a classic bullfighting scene, where a matador, elegantly dressed in a golden and violet traje de luces, performs a pass with the cape while the bull, wounded with banderillas, bows toward the ground. The composition conveys dynamism and tension, emphasizing the drama of the moment with loose and expressive brushstrokes. The background is rendered in warm, diffused tones, contrasting with the deep black of the bull and the vivid hues of the cape. The thick brushwork and vibrant oil application enhance the sense of movement and emotion in the scene, a distinctive feature of Tuser Vázquez’s bullfighting paintings. ARTIST'S BIOGRAPHY José María Tuser Vázquez (Barcelona, 1919 - 1986) was a Spanish painter specializing in bullfighting themes. He trained at the School of Arts and Crafts in Barcelona, where he developed a strong foundation in drawing and painting. From 1947 onwards, he dedicated his artistic production to tauromaquia, creating posters, illustrations, and paintings that captured the intensity of the bullfighting spectacle. He was a regular contributor to the magazine El Ruedo and designed a series of postcards featuring traditional Spanish costumes for Editorial Artigas in the 1940s. His work has been auctioned numerous times and is highly valued by collectors of bullfighting art...
Board, Oil, Canvas
Between Thoughts. Richard K Blades. Painting of sea at sunset. Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
A warm sunset over Norfolk's Cromer beach. Between Thoughts is a sublime oil painting that captures the mesmerizing tranquility of a sunset over thw North Sea. The horizon is ablaze...
Oil, Board
$975Sale Price|35% Off
Abstract Figurative Expressionist painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Amazing Figurative Expressionism painting with exceptional color and movement. Oil on canvas, ca. 1960s. Measures 40 x 52 inches. Unsigned and unattributed. Excellent condition.
Oil
Hoopoe Bird Oil Painting on Canvas, Expressionist Style, Unframed
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Hoopoe: The Crowned Messenger" is a definitive masterpiece by Elena Lukina, capturing the regal and ancient essence of one of nature’s most enigmatic archetypes. Part of the artist’...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Evening lights of Prague. The Charles Bridge.
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I've sought to capture the ethereal glow of twilight embracing the iconic architecture. The playful dance of light and shadow melds realism with a hint of impressionis...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
"Breathe in the Warm Salty Air" (2025) Original Acrylic Painting, Whimsical
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Breathe in the Warm Salty Air" is an original acrylic and charcoal painting depicting a blue vase with flowers next to a picturesque scene featuring a blue oc...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
$3,704Sale Price|40% Off
Potted Flowers
Located in London, GB
'Potted Flowers', oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (1933). Potted red geraniums symbolise happiness, good health, good wishes, and friendship. They are ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,512Sale Price|25% Off
One Mind With Many Thoughts - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Sometimes, our thoughts can be the enemy. We need to be careful about our thoughts because we can lose ourselves. Life can be tough, filled with challenges and difficulties, but it's...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
North West. Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea and sky Turner influence.
Located in Coltishall, GB
North West - a tumultuous seascape beneath a dramatic sky. Blades' textured brushstrokes that merge shades of deep indigo and soft pink, suggest an impending storm. The transition fr...
Oil, Board
$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
Amongst - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Oil, Women, Fashion
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...
Canvas, Oil
$337Sale Price|25% Off
Solitude - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Expressionism, 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 Emma...
Canvas, Acrylic
French Expressionism "A Vase of Flowers" Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975)
By Gen Paul
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"A Vase of Flowers" Eugene Paul aka Gen Paul (French, 1895-1975) Oil crayon on paper 20 1/2 x 14 (28 x 21 1/2 frame) inches "Gen Paul is undoubtedly the greatest representative, and...
Paper, Oil Crayon
Still Life with Wildflowers, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Vases and pots support an array of textured wildflowers, standing out against a rich, dark background. A freeform stripe pattern on the tablecloth adds rhythm a...
Oil
$337Sale Price|25% Off
Trying to Leave Myself 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, People
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 Emma...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,153Sale Price|40% Off
The Parade Ring at the Races
By Maurice EMPI
Located in London, GB
'The Parade Ring at the Races', gouache and pastel on art paper, by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s). The Parade Ring, otherwise known as the paddock, is the pla...
Paper, Pastel, Gouache
$4,746Sale Price|33% Off
Family Scene with Guitarist oil on canvas painting picasso Paris school
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Family Scene with Guitarist Artist: Pedro Creixams (Barcelona, 1893 - 1965) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 39.4 x 31.9 inches (unframed) Signature: Signed lower right "C...
Canvas, Oil
View of the Lake, Oil on Cardboard, Landscape Painting, 26x36.5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Janis Rikmanis (1901.5.IV – 1968.25.III) graduated Figurative painting studio of Latvia Art academy (1931). He took part in exhibitions since 1929. Self-exhibitions were made in Riga...
Oil, Cardboard
Reverte Albarracinoriginal painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
ANTONIO REVERTE OLIVA (Monteagua, Murcia, 1943 – Gavà, Barcelona, 2014). A self-taught artist, Antonio Reverte settled in Catalonia in 1961, in the Barcelona town of Viladecans. In ...
Acrylic
$1,471Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-20th Century Expressionist Oil Painting of Seated Nude Woman
By Henry Meylan
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas signed dimensions with frame : 101 x 86.5 x 3 cm This painting presents a seated nude woman, expressing a captivating presence. The rich, varied tones of the palette, ...
Oil
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
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Ballerina Nude Interior Painting, Original 15.7x15.7in, Unstretched
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Gracious ballerina, in a moment of silence and meditation. Part of my "Nude in Interior" series Original painting, one a kind. Shipped unstretched, rolled in a tube from Florida. T...
Canvas, Acrylic
$982Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Sludgy Green & Brown Landscape Very Thick Oil Impasto
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Green Landscape French artist, indistinctly signed, dated verso 1985 oil painting on canvas, in wooden frame canvas: 10 x 17 inches wooden frame: 9.5 x 16 inches provenance: private ...
Oil, Canvas
Meneses. MALLORCA. square. LANDSCAPE- original acrylic wodd painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
MAJORCA. LANDSCAPE- original acrylic wodd painting. This Catalan painter, settled for years in Mallorca, offers a series of landscapes in which the natural is treated in the impress...
Wood, Oil
Deserving More
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In "Deserving More," the central figure, a man, sits solemnly on a chair, his gaze piercing through the canvas to meet the audience's eyes. A subtle sadness etches his features, refl...
Fabric, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$450
Abstract expressive floral acrylic painting on canvas "Sweet morning blooms"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Sweet Morning Blooms" is a vibrant floral piece by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her Floral series. The artwork captures an exuberant bouquet in a strikingly impressionist...
Acrylic, Canvas
Purple evening and jasmine" floral still life in oil of Volskya Lily.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Purple evening and jasmine" floral still life in oil of Volsky Lily.When the energy starts flowing through me, I don't control the process - the brush moves by itself. The picture se...
Oil, Canvas