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.
$2,657Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
$2,448
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
Portrait of a Man - Early 20th Century Antique French Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A superb large early 20th century French expressionist oil on canvas depicting a seated man. Very similar to the work of Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943). Excellent quality depiction of th...
Oil, Canvas
$900
Chagall-The Lovers II 1929-House Collect GSY Studio circa 2005-MoMa discontinue
By Marc Chagall
Located in London, GB
It is the One of One edition in our collection. measurement including the frame is 84.5 H x 64 W x 4.8D CM, this special frame is a limited production of premium hard wood frame; it ...
Wood, Adhesive, Ink, Varnish, Giclée
Mediterranean Village of Mallorca oil on canvas painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Bernat Sanjuan i Tarré (Barcelona, 1915 – Deià, Mallorca, 1979) Title: Mediterranean Village of Mallorca Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 × 92 cm (25.6 × 36.2 in) Framed:...
Canvas, Oil
$850
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
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
$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
"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...
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
Horsewoman" is a free copy from K.Bryulov's painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Horsewoman" is a free copy from K.Bryulov's painting "landscape of the Volsky Lily. A beautiful and amazing painting is painted according to all the canons of painting. 8 layers of ...
Canvas, Oil
$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
Sun through flowers
Located in Oslo, NO
This vibrant artwork captures the warmth of a sunlit interior where tulips dominate the scene. Rich hues of red and purple tulips burst from a textured glass vase, their petals softl...
Paper, Oil
"Sunset" (2025), Original Expressionist Impasto Landscape, Oil Painting
By Sandra Pratt
Located in Denver, CO
"Serene House" (2025) is a beautiful original impasto oil painting, created on linen panel by American artist Sandra Pratt, which depicts a vast plain at dusk, captured in an express...
Canvas, Oil
"Whisked Away" (2025), Nude Female Portrait, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Kirsten Savage is one of Colorado’s top representational artists. As an avid world traveler and experienced mountaineer, Kirsten spends her time seeking out beautiful spaces where th...
Panel, Oil
$4,500
"Serene House" (2025), Original Expressionist Impasto Landscape, Oil Painting
By Sandra Pratt
Located in Denver, CO
"Serene House" (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...
Canvas, Oil
"Peaches" (2025) Still Life of Fruit and Ceramic, Acrylic/Charcoal Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Peaches" is a charming acrylic and charcoal painting, created on canvas, which depicts peaches resting on a plate near a pitcher of sweet cream. Van Fossan w...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
$543Sale Price|20% Off
1940's French Signed Oil Expressionist Landscape Riverside Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Riverside Scene By Alex Levrat, French 1941 signed & dated oil on board, framed Framed: 15 x 18 inches Board : 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very g...
Oil
$4,000
Don't Rush Life 3 - 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
$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
$3,350
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
Tulips Blue
Located in Zofingen, AG
I poured vibrant energy into this piece, blending acrylic, oil pastel, and colored pencil to create bold, expressive tulips that burst with life. The fusion of expressionism, impress...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$2,600
Love and Bond 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Whites, Black
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A better society is not built solely by wealth or power, but by shared values. By the courage to love without condition, the strength to treat all as equals, and the wisdom to honor ...
Canvas, Oil
$850
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
"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
$2,550
Angelic -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman, Nature, 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
$3,130
Eventide by Richard K Blades. Oil painting of the sea at sunset after a storm.
Located in Coltishall, GB
Richard K Blades is an expressive landscape painter working in the English Romantic tradition. He follows in a long line of artists such as Turner, Constable, Seago, Daubigney and C...
Oil, Board
Voices that aren't mine. Intuition, inner world, birds, red, whimsy, psychology
Located in Oslo, NO
“Voices That Aren’t Mine” is an oil painting from Alter Ego series, inspired by Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. The series explores the inner landscape of the self — the quiet ten...
Canvas, Oil
$4,521
Last by Richard K Blades. Moody seascape with setting sun. Turner influence
Located in Coltishall, GB
Sunset over the sea after a storm rolls by... portrays a mesmerizing seascape at dusk, where the horizon blurs in a harmonious blend of colors. Blades skillfully manipulates light a...
Oil, Board
$790
Vivid Lush Leaves Sketch, Botanic Drawing, Expressionist Style, Watercolor Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This expressionist botanical drawing on paper captures the raw vitality of exotic flowers through fresh, vigorous gestures. Milano's drawings abandon precise realism in favor of emot...
Paper, Wax Crayon, Acrylic
Flowers n°2
Located in Genève, GE
Signed and dated "Fleurs Genève 1941 n°2", inscription on the verso. Dimensions with frame: 59 x 46 x 5 cm This expressive still life depicts a bouquet of flowers arranged in an orn...
Oil, Wood Panel
Life with Beagle Figurative Art Animal Painting 24" x 24" Women in Art
Located in Houston, TX
Jeanie Tomanek: I don’t intentionally set out to make a calming painting, no, but I do try to have a sense of hope in my stories. I’m an optimist who believes there’s always some way...
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Night Lights, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Simplified shapes and colors form a fragmented image of a village and night sky. Accents of warm colors from the moon and houses balance the dominant blue and g...
Acrylic
$5,413Sale Price|23% 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...
Oil, Canvas
Finding Solace - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, 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 Ola...
Canvas, 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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Still-life by Frank Chabry - Oil on cardboard
Located in Geneva, CH
Artwork sold with frame (46 x 40 cm) Frank Chabry (also spelled Franck Chabry) (1916–1979) was a Swiss painter and art educator born in Lausanne on April 25, 1916, and passed away i...
Oil
$650
"Carrying the Fire Within" (2025), Nude Female Portrait, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Kirsten Savage is one of Colorado’s top representational artists. As an avid world traveler and experienced mountaineer, Kirsten spends her time seeking out beautiful spaces where th...
Panel, Oil
Julien Meunie Almond original acrylic painting
By Julen Meunie
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
" ALMOND original acrylic painting. framed 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 Fren...
Canvas, Oil
$141Sale Price|20% Off
Crazy Face Acrylic Painting, Expressionist Style, 2010s
By Angel Rivas
Located in CÓRDOBA, ES
Original hand painting, acrylic on canvas on board
Acrylic
$7,040Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,750
Togetherness - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa, Love
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
Colourful French Expressionist Landscape, Promeneur au Pigeonnier
Located in Cotignac, FR
French landscape, Expressionist oil on board by Jean Arene. The painting is signed bottom left, titled dated and signed to the back and is presented in the original 'Arene' frame sup...
Oil
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
Be Bold
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Be Bold" is a striking piece that demands attention from the moment one sets eyes on it. The central figure, a woman with flowing blue hair, exudes an air of confidence and resilience. The blue hue not only serves as an aesthetic choice but also carries deeper significance, representing the freedom to break societal norms and embrace personal identity without fear. The composition is masterfully crafted, with bold brushstrokes and intricate details that draw the viewer into the artwork. The woman's piercing gaze locks with the observer, inviting them to explore their own journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Each stroke of Theophilus's brush seems to radiate energy and passion, capturing the spirit of the subject and infusing the artwork with a powerful presence. "Be Bold" serves as a powerful symbol of embracing individuality and embracing one's true self. The woman with blue hair stands as a representation of those who dare to be different, challenging societal expectations and norms. The vibrant blue color symbolizes freedom, confidence, and the courage to break free from conformity. In a world that often pressures individuals to fit into predefined molds, Theophilus's artwork is a reminder of the beauty and strength found in embracing one's unique qualities. "Be Bold" calls on viewers to celebrate their differences, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and express their true selves without hesitation or fear of judgment. The power of "Be Bold" lies in its ability to evoke a strong emotional response in those who experience it. The artwork serves as a catalyst for introspection, urging viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. The confident and defiant gaze of the woman with blue hair prompts individuals to question their own limitations and seek the courage to break free from them. By inspiring viewers to be bold, Theophilus encourages self-empowerment and personal growth. Through his art, he instills a sense of pride and confidence, reminding us that our uniqueness is a strength to be celebrated, not hidden away. The artwork's impact extends beyond the confines of the gallery walls, inspiring individuals to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. "Be Bold" by Adewuyi Theophilus...
Canvas, Oil
Light and Stone in Harmony Sway, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft light hits two peaks, casting soft, blue shadows on the cliffs below. In the foreground, a meadow lights up with small, dancing trees. The composition and ...
Oil
Hoopoe bird
Located in Zofingen, AG
In painting this hoopoe, I poured my fascination for nature's intricate designs into every stroke of oil paint. With a blend of realism and expressionism, I sought to capture not jus...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
“The Horse Race" #50 A Pierre Bosco (Italy/France, 1909-1993) circa 1950s
By Pierre Bosco
Located in SANTA FE, NM
“The Horse Race" #50 A Pierre Bosco, (1909-1993) Oil n canvas Signed lower right 12 x 15 inches “The savage art of Bosco bears its rudeness and its mystery. It is an art of pure ex...
Canvas, Oil
Alvar Suñol – Large Figurative Oil, Museum Presence, c.2000
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Alvar Suñol Title: Figurative Composition Date: c.2000 Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (canvas): 81 x 100 cm (31.9 x 39.3 in) Framed: Yes Condition: Excellent Alvar Suñol –...
Canvas, Oil
$541Sale Price|23% Off
Fruit Market in Haiti oil on canvas painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Fruit Market in Haiti Artist: JM Gary Delly Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (unframed): 9.8 x 7.9 in Dimensions (framed): 15 x 13 in Period: Approx. 1990-1999 Origin: Haiti Condition: Good, with frame included Description of the Artwork This painting captures a lively Haitian market scene, embodying the essence of Haitian primitivist art with its vibrant colors and thick impasto brushstrokes. The scene depicts a bustling marketplace where vendors and buyers interact, surrounded by piles of tropical fruits arranged in baskets. The figures are dressed in bright, contrasting tones, enhancing the painting’s dynamic and energetic atmosphere. The artist’s expressive, thick strokes and saturated colors create a sense of movement and liveliness. The composition is carefully balanced, with figures arranged in different planes, providing depth and perspective in an intuitive manner. The lush vegetation in the background and the bright blue sky add further context to the scene, situating it in the Caribbean setting. Haitian art, influenced by its African and Caribbean heritage, is known for its naïve style and depictions of everyday life. JM Gary Delly follows this tradition, celebrating the vibrancy of Haitian culture in his work. Comparable Artists This artwork shares stylistic similarities with renowned Haitian artists, including: Wilson Bigaud (1931-2010): A master of Haitian art, famous for his detailed depictions of everyday life and folklore. André Normil (1934-2015): Known for his naïve style and colorful representations of Haitian life. Laurent Casimir...
Canvas, Oil
Woman posing nude
By Henry Meylan
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas 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, from de...
Oil
$1,250
This is One not Two - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,350
Don't Rush Life 1 - 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
Star Gazing, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman lies under a vibrant night sky, the stars and planets illuminating her form. Bold colors and energetic directional brushwork add a hypnotizing energy to the composition. This piece is artist Diana Elena Chelaru's personal interpretation of the vast space.
About the Artist
Artist Diana Elena Chelaru creates vibrant expressionist works that explore human emotion and the cosmos. “Art is a means of communication, a way to express my thoughts, hopes, and joys,†says Diana. She uses form, lines, and color to bring her imaginative compositions to life, with inspiration drawn from Byzantine mosaics and Gustav Klimt’s decorative patterns. Diana received her BFA in Painting from George Enescu Art University and an MA in Art History from Queens College. Diana’s creative process is fluid and intuitive, guided by her emotions in the moment, with music as a constant companion. Her studio, located in the basement of her home, is kept clean and organized. When she’s not creating, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Words that describe this painting: Universe, stars, sky, night, meditation, celestial, space, flow, movement, planets, reclining, expressionism, nature, people, acrylic painting, blue
Star Gazing...
Acrylic
$2,942Sale Price|50% Off
Young Woman Fetching Water, Oil on Canvas, Signed, Circa 2000, Spain
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Young Woman Fetching Water Artist: Jesús Villar (1930–2015) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 39.4 x 20.1 in Estimated date: c. 2000 Signature: Signed lower left: "Villar...
Canvas, Oil
$2,625Sale Price|25% Off
'Port-Vendres' Côte Vermeille, France, California, Large Post-Impressionist Oil
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed verso, 'Ant McNaught', (American, born 1952), titled 'Port de Vendres', dated 2022 and inscribed '(After Derain, 1905)'. This California Post-Impressionist and Abstract Expre...
Canvas, Oil
Gravity of Light: Marine Chronicles
Located in Zofingen, AG
A cornerstone of the 'Gravity of Light: Marine Chronicles' collection, this 2012 masterpiece marks the origins of Elena Lukina’s signature philosophy: "The Turquoise Silence." Painte...
Canvas, Oil
Mid Century Expressionist Landscape, Oil on Canvas. The Countryside
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid Century oil on canvas landscape painting by Franco Hungarian artist Elemer Vagh Weinmann. The painting is signed bottom right and is presented in a custom gilt frame with a white...
Canvas, Oil
$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