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.
$514
"Twin cacti" Contemporary expressionist acrylic botanical painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Twin Cacti" is an original contemporary botanical acrylic painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created in her expressive language of color, authenticity, and emotional truth....
Paper, Acrylic
$2,500
1950's Expressionist Judaica Painting "I Lit All My Candles" Hanukkah Menorah
By Hildegard Rath
Located in Surfside, FL
Hildegard Rath, (1909-1994) painter, author, teacher, and lecturer, Born in Wurttemberg, Germany, in the Black Forest region of Germany. Hildegard Rath became a painter of landscape, portraits, still lifes, and marine subjects and also a muralist. Her father was a bank president, her mother a sculptor, writer, and illustrator of children's books. At the age of 15, Miss Rath painted her first portrait in oil as a birthday present for her father and thereafter every opportunity for study was given to her. She went to art school at the Atelier House in Stuttgart, Germany and at the Akademie der Bildenden Kunste in Berlin. She studied with Lotte Laserstein...
Canvas, Oil
$2,284
"Eternal Bond" Contemporary figurative expressionist oil painting of two women
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Eternal Bond" is a contemporary figurative painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, measuring 80 x 60 x 1.5 cm / 31.5 x 23.6 x 0.6 in. Created in her expressive and intuitive s...
Canvas, Oil
Three Rabbis at The Torah, Expressionist Judaica Painting
By Andre Elbaz
Located in Surfside, FL
In this painting the artist uses gestural brushstrokes, which causes distortion and exaggeration for emotional effect. Andre Elbaz uses as his subject three male figures with tefilin...
Paper, Gouache
$3,084
Peacocks 36. Figurative Oil Painting, Colorful, Pop art, Animals, Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
RAFAŁ GADOWSKI (born in 1973) Studied at The European Academy of Arts in Warsaw Faculty of Painting, as well as at the Faculty of Graphic Art at the Cracow Academy of Fine Arts. He...
Canvas, Oil
Snowman with a flashlight 30X25
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my painting, I've poured my soul into capturing the whimsical joy and innocent warmth of winter's magic. Brushstrokes of oil dance across the canvas, framing a cheerful snowman as...
Oil
Olja Ivanjicki "Florence or Hell of l'Inconnue De La Seine" Oil Painting c.1965
Located in San Francisco, CA
Olja Ivanjicki "Florence or Hell of l'Inconnue De La Seine" original oil circa 1965 Original oil on board. Dimensions 26" wide x 42" high. The frame m...
Oil
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Adesewa - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, African Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This artwork was born from my reflection on the quiet resilience of the African woman, how she carries her identity with grace even when life feels heavy. I painted Adésẹwà standing ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,950
Post Soviet Avant Garde Judaica Rabbi Playing Violin (the Klezmer Fiddler)
Located in Surfside, FL
Genre: Contemporary Subject: People Medium: Oil Surface: Canvas Dimensions: 24" x 18" Yuri Yefimovitch Brusovany was born on November, 15th 1949 in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Russi...
Canvas, Oil
"Secret Garden" (2023) by Leigh Ann Van Fossan, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Leigh Ann Van Fossan's "Secret Garden" (2023) is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a path surrounded by colorful flowers and trees arching over. Van Fossan was born in...
Canvas, Oil
$360Sale Price|20% 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
Vintage Modernist Beach Sunset Vibrantly Toned Seascape Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage French expressionist beach scene. Framed. Measuring: 10 by 15 inches overall and 4 by 9 painting alone. Signed. Excellent condition, ready to hang and enjoy.
Oil, Board
$360Sale Price|20% Off
One More Shot 3 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Sport, Football, Green
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
"The Quiet Resonance of Roses" Oil Painting – Contemporary Impressionism
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting, representing a central part of the series "The Silent Pulse of Decadence", focuses on the narrative dialogue between silent objects and the fleeting moments of nature. The composition captures delicate pink rose petals interacting with the deep vibration of a rounded blue vase, transforming a classical motif into a psychological mirror. Executed in a complex technique through multiple fluid layers directly on premium linen canvas, the artwork features a rich texture with a signature optical haze and a soft atmospheric glow across the surface. Designed with a sense of spatial balance, the painting organically complements high-end modern interior styling, architectural design projects, and private fine art collections. Infused with the conceptual sound frequency of 432 Hz resonance, the rich, textured surface functions as a vehicle for meditative calm and structured silence. For premium space visualization, this vertical oil painting is perfectly scaled above a white or marble classic fireplace, a luxury gold console table, and looks exceptional paired with a modern white sofa, a luxury leather armchair...
Canvas, Oil
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Melanin - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion
By Gobe Joseph
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 Gob...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media
$2,500
“Crossroads, c. 1940” WPA Polish-American Expressionist Modernist Oil Signed
By Sol Wilson
Located in Yardley, PA
“Crossroads, c. 1940” by Sol Wilson (Polish-American, 1896-1974). This expressive painting by Wilson depicts a moody village crossroads rendered with his signature textured brushwor...
Oil, Board
Benavente Solis Vertical. . green. Bull- original expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Bull- original expressionist acrylic painting During its first exhibition in Paris, the French press catalogs it like "The Catalan Sorolla". Honorary Member of the MECOART (Mediter...
Wood, Acrylic
Staircase in Taormina Sicily Expressionist Oil Painting, Signed, 1967
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Staircase in Taormina Sicily 1967 Artist signed lower right corner, canvas size (36x 40). Original vintage frame. Nicola Simbari was born in Italy and grow up in Rome. He studied a...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Fractured Innocence - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Africa
By Olajide Kuti
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
Light the Christmas Tree! 30X30
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my creation, I've captured the essence of holiday delight. Through the vibrant strokes of oil, I've woven a tale of innocence and joy. The snowman, adorned with a playful red scar...
Oil
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Gaze 1 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Fashion
By Gobe Joseph
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 Gob...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Nude in the Shadow Original Painting, Oil on Oval Canvas, 27.5x19.6 in
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Original painting representing a female nude in afternoon light . Female nude seen by a female artist - female gaze. Painted on oval canvas. Size is 65 x46 cm / 25.5 x18in. Ready fo...
Canvas, Acrylic
$536
"Red blooms" Contemporary expressionist still life floral acrylic painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Original Contemporary Floral Still Life Painting, 29.7 × 42 cm (11.7 × 16.5 inches), Acrylic Paint and Acrylic Pen on Heavyweight Professional Acid-Free Paper, Varnished, by French A...
Paper, Acrylic
Mujer en reposo - Óleo sobre tela - Año 2005 - Sin enmarcar
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Firmado en la parte trasera y fechado del año 2005 Se presenta sin enmarcar la pintura Buen estado de conservación Medidas obra: 97 cm. de altura x 91 cm. de ancho ::::::::::::::...
Oil
$3,840Sale Price|39% Off
20th Century Bucks County Colorful Landscape Painting, Italian artist
By Louis Bosa
Located in Beachwood, OH
Louis Bosa (American, 1905–1981) Bucks County, 1934 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right 17.5 x 21.5 inches 25.5 x 29 inches, framed Born in Codroipo, a small village only a f...
Oil
$1,800
Gouache Watercolor Painting, Nantucket Harbor Boats American Deaf Modernist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
Abstract harbor scene with boats, in bold, vivid colors on heavy mould made paper. Hand signed and dated, 1980 22 X 30 not frame Robert Freiman, deaf from birth, was born in March 1917 in New York City. He attended an oral program near his home and later transferred to the Lexington School for the Deaf when he was six. Early in his childhood, his love for drawing, painting and studying became apparent, and as an adult, he continued his studies in New York at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League and the Parsons School of Design. In Paris, France he studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Bob Freiman was especially focused on painting portraits and figures in motion in various mediums, especially the mixed-media combination of watercolor, acrylic and pen. Among his subjects were acrobats, ballet dancers, cyclists and other athletes. He as well focused on abstracts for a time, discovering new media in his works with quick brushwork and expressive movements. In the latter part of his career, his style became abstract and surreal with images of metaphysical landscapes with architectural elements such as arches, towers, pyramids and castles floating in the air. The famed art critic Pierre Rouve wrote: “It is therefore refreshing to see them revitalized by the colourist wealth and virile handwriting of Robert Freiman, probably the best American water-colorist since John Marin. He worked in Provincetown and Nantucket and regularly exhibited there. He showed at Doll & Richards gallery of Boston alongside John Chetcuti, Lloyd Goodrich, Tod Lindenmuth, William Meyerowitz, Dwight Shepler...
Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Woman with Red Hair
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Baron Robert Heinrich Freiherr von Doblhoff (1880 Vienna - 1960 ibid.) Woman with Red Hair Ink and watercolor on paper, image measures 6.25 x 7.25 inc...
Ink, Watercolor
Saul Raskin “The Binding of Isaac”
By Saul Raskin
Located in San Francisco, CA
Saul Raskin: 1878-1966. Well, listed Russian American artist who has auction results as high as $8750. He’s most famous for painting biblical scenes such as this beautiful piece. I’v...
Oil
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Always and Forever: Expressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Always and Forever" is a captivating artwork that features a man and a woman, tenderly intertwined in an embrace that evokes a sense of timeless affection. The woman is positioned b...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
My Mind: Expressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Unframed
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, Acrylic
Sakura in the city park – Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting Wall Art
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This vibrant oil painting is an evocative landscape painting titled Sakura in the city park created by the internationally registered artist Elena Lukina in 2022.As a comforting land...
Canvas, Oil
"Tender embrace" Contemporary figurative expressionist oil painting of two women
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Tender Embrace" — Original Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting Depicting Two Women by French Artist Natalya Mougenot "Tender Embrace" is an original contemporary figurative oil pa...
Canvas, Oil
$1,130
Arms like a swan's wings Original impasto Miniature oil painting for living room
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Arms like a swan's wings" captures the ethereal beauty of the Swan Lake Ballet. I poured my passion into this original oil painting, expressing moti...
Canvas, Oil
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ray of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Floral, Women
By Olajide Kuti
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
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Hope Not Lost - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstraction, Balloon
By Olajide Kuti
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
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 ...
Encaustic
$1,500
Teal Abstract Figurative Painting, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 21st Century
Located in Soquel, CA
Dynamic teal figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 1978-2016). From a collection of his works. Signed "Daniel Fuentes" on verso. Unf...
Canvas, Oil
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Away From The Lens 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, 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
Falling Together, Large-Scale Contemporary Multi-Color Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Falling Together, Large-Scale Contemporary Multi-Color Abstract Beautiful and compelling large-scale contemporary abstract by an unknown San Francisco bay area artist (American, 20t...
Canvas, Oil
Anima and Animus. Carl Jung, psychology, man and a woman, couple, bird
Located in Oslo, NO
"Anima and Animus" is an oil painting from Alter Ego series, inspired by Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. The series explores the inner world of the self — the tension between diff...
Canvas, Oil
Large Scale Abstracted Still Life with Fish, in the Style Of Henri Matisse
By D.S. Silver
Located in Soquel, CA
Large Scale Abstracted Still Life with Fish, in the Style Of Henri Matisse Bright, ocean-like, tropical colors in this abstract with fish in the style of Henri Matisse by D.S. Silve...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
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
Amedee de La PATELLIERE, Eclipse with 4 Characters, 1928
Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR
Oil on canvas by Amedee de La PATELLIERE, France, 1928. Eclipse with four characters. With frame: 63x54 cm - 24.8x21.25 inches ; without frame: 41x33 cm - 16.15x13 inches. Format 6F....
Canvas, Oil
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow Ambitions -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Surrealism Women
By Elisha Nyong
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
“Thus wrote I, since my One Love was torn from me. I cannot work: I cannot think: I seek distraction here: I seek distraction there: but this is all my truth, that I Who love have lo...
Linen, Oil
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Raw of Anxiety 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Landscape, Art Deco
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
My art speaks of humanity's struggles, pain, love, and success. This piece speaks of a passionate, persevering woman who believes in her handwork; she vows to succeed even when no on...
Canvas, Oil
$525
"Blooming cactus" Contemporary botanical expressive oil painting on canvas
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Blooming cactus" Contemporary Botanical Oil Painting on Canvas — 30 × 40 × 1.6 cm / 11.81 × 15.75 × 0.63 in This expressive contemporary botanical oil painting by French artist Na...
Canvas, Oil
$685
What are you dreaming about? Kind, warm, empathy, inner voice, friendship, pet
Located in Oslo, NO
A girl stands with her eyes closed, her deer beside her—two beings breathing in the same silence, bound by something older than words. This is an oil painting from "Alter Ego" seri...
Oil, Canvas
Night at the Fair Oil on Board, Mid-Century Modernist Scene
Located in Genève, GE
Dimension with frame : 43,8 x 58,8 x 3,4 cm. Signed "A. Carducci" in the lower right corner. This oil on board depicts a lively evening promenade at a brightly illuminated fairgroun...
Oil, Cardboard
$685
Tranquility. Blue, small, night, landscape, gift sized, village, quiet, calm
Located in Oslo, NO
A quiet landscape rests in shades of blue and soft carmine, as if evening has gently settled over a dream. The hills dissolve into one another like slow breathing, and the air feels ...
Oil, Canvas
$799
"Endless Blue" Contemporary figurative acrylic painting of a woman on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Endless Blue” is an original contemporary female figurative painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, an expressive woman-on-the-sea artwork painted in acrylic on heavyweight prof...
Paper, Acrylic
$685
Sunny corner. Small, framed, gift sized, landscape, happy, bright, sun, houses
Located in Oslo, NO
This painting is from the series "We and Our Mountains". Artwork is painted in the shades of orange, red, and gold evoking a sunlit landscape full of life and calmness. Nestled bet...
Canvas, Oil
German Expressionist Oil Painting Bruno Krauskopf Cubist Cafe Scene
By Bruno Krauskopf
Located in Surfside, FL
Bruno Krauskopf (Germany, 1892-1960) Outdoor Restaurant Bar Cafe Scene Oil on canvas Dimensions: Frame: H 34 in W 44 in. Canvas: H 30-1/2 in. W 40 in. ...
Canvas, Oil
$5,757
Grades of solitude. Blue, red, women, blue faces, contrast colors, strong
Located in Oslo, NO
“Grades of solitude” is an oil painting from Alter Ego series, inspired by Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. The series explores the inner world of the self — the tension between op...
Canvas, Oil
$514
"Cactus Glow" Contemporary impressionist botanical acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Cactus Glow" is an original contemporary botanical acrylic painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created in her expressive language of color, authenticity, and emotional truth...
Paper, Acrylic
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Signed Oil Painting French Cathedral City
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Raymond Besse (French 1899-1969) Born December 26, 1899 in Niort in Deux-Sèvres, died March 5, 1969 in Candé-sur-Beuvron in the Loir-et-Cher). Raymond Besse arrived ...
Oil, Canvas
Adam & Eve in Space: Oil Painting, oil on canvas and gold leaf FRAMED
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Adam and Eve in Space" - original large art by Paula Craioveanu part of Myths of the Future new project. Original, large, unique painting, oil on canvas, 31.5x31.5in / 80x80cm. Sh...
Canvas, Oil
$360Sale Price|20% 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
Woman in a Red Dress
By Béla Czóbel
Located in Chicago, IL
In an article published in Le Figaro (Paris, March 19, 1964), Raymond Cogniat comments on Czóbel’s unique artistic style. He writes: “...Czóbel, who arrived Paris in the first years...
Canvas, Oil
Seed of Joy - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, African
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 Dan...
Canvas, Oil
The Rhythm of Ethereal Structures, Impressionist Oil Painting, Canvas
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"The Rhythm of Ethereal Structures" by Elena Lukina (2022), from the series "The Architecture of Fragility". In this artwork, the artist transcends the traditional botanical subject,...
Canvas, Oil