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.
Approach to Berthoud Pass, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Seen from a car traveling along Route 40 West in Colorado, the landscape rises toward the Continental Divide, bringing the snow-covered peaks of the high countr...
Acrylic
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
Pacific Seaside Sunset, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An oversized abstract seascape, inspired by the incredible sunsets along the California coast., The transient beauty of a sunset by the sea is expressed with vigorous brushstrokes an...
Acrylic
Ventana con vistas al mediterráneo - Óleo sobre tela - Firmado y enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Firmado por el autor en la parte inferior "Royo" Se presenta enmarcada la obra (el marco tiene algunos signos de uso) El estado es bueno Medidas de la obra: 60 cm. De altura x 73 ...
Oil
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Illustration Style, Exotic Flamingo Bouquet, Tropical Flowers in Red on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This vibrant painting captures the striking beauty and elegant forms of Flamingo flowers. Sweeping brushstrokes and vivid colors bring these flowers to life, highlighting their styli...
India Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor
Crane kiss 40X80 oil painting
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've captured an intimate dance of grace and elegance. The natural fluidity of movement and the tender connection between these creatures embody harmony and ser...
Canvas, Oil
Feathered Curators, Impressionist Animal Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2026
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Feathered Curators. Two feathered observers seem frozen amidst thick strokes of color, intently watching the scene around them. A palette knife transforms their silhouettes into a bl...
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
Zimbeaux's Garden by Graydon Foulger, Original Oil 30x36"
Located in Loveland, CO
Zimbeaux's Garden by Graydon Foulger 30x35" image size (37x43" including the frame) Original Oil on Canvas, Signed lower right as pictured. The painting demonstrates the artist's hig...
Oil
Jamaica II, Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas by Robert Bengtsson
By Robert Bengtsson
Located in Long Island City, NY
An oil painting by Robert Bengtsson from 1966. An abstract expressionist style painting of amorphous shapes in shades of yellow, faint recognition of the word 'Jamaica' in background...
Canvas, Oil
Cascading Waves of the Caribbean, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Elena Lukina
Located in Yardley, PA
In this dynamic oil painting, I've captured the power and grace of the sea, blending impressionism with touches of realism to evoke the raw beauty of nature. The vibrant hues and exp...
Oil
Le Jockey - Expressionist Animal & Figurative Oil Painting by Gen Paul
By Gen Paul
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed expressionist oil on board portrait circa 1950 by French painter and engraver Gen Paul. This charming work depicts a jockey wearing a white and black jacket and breeches seate...
Oil, Board
Majestic Lion, Impressionist Animal Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2026
By Oksana 5
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Original oil painting captures the ultimate power, dignity, and raw emotion of the King of the Jungle. Created with high-quality oil paints on canvas using an expressive impasto tech...
Oil
Barbara Kur Green "Ahab Repenting" 1992 Monotype
Located in Glenford, NY
Barbara Green’s monotype with pastel, “Ahab Repenting”, presents a solitary figure emerging from a shadowed field of burgundy, russet, and near-black. Delicate highlights draw attent...
Pastel, Monotype
$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
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
Abstract III, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
New work by Ludmila in abstract style. The artist works in two styles - the first is more feminine, with smooth lines reminiscent of underwater plants, and the second is completely o...
Oil
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
Synchronized Traces of the Wind, Impasto Botanical Oil Painting, Fine Art
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Synchronized Traces of the Wind" by Elena Lukina (2022), from the series "The Architecture of Fragility". This authentic Alla prima oil painting on stretched canvas is calibrated to...
Canvas, Oil
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Identity in Transformation - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Art Deco
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.
Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Paper
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
$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
Portrait of a Woman in a Fur Coat, Signed and Dated, French Expressionist School
Located in Pistoia, IT
"Portrait of a Woman in a Fur Coat"—French Expressionism, signed and dated. The painting, an oil on canvas, depicts a portrait of a young woman in the figurative style of the early 2...
Canvas, 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
$2,255Sale Price|20% Off
Expressionist Colorful Landscape Oil Paint : San Antonio
Located in Segovia, ES
San Antonio . Oil on canvas by Spanish artist Chico Montilla. Measurements: (H) 65 x (W) 81 x 2 (D) cm. Framed 85 x 101 x 5 cm. San Antonio, another expressionist view of the countr...
Canvas, Oil
Boho Style, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by Matisse's interior studies, artist Robert Hofherr transforms a bohemian-style living room into a study of decorative shapes and bold color. A vivid ...
Acrylic
Azalea and Dogwood, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In a vibrant yard, pink flowering trees and yellow bushes flourish, partially concealing a two-story house with their lush foliage. The bright morning sunlight ...
Acrylic
Mint Freshness. Flower and Butterfly"
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Mint Freshness. Flower and Butterfly" by Volskaya Lilia. 350 g thick cardboard. Pastart design. The back of the painting is reinforced with 3-layer cardboard. The painting has a han...
Oil, Mixed Media, 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 ...
Encaustic
$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
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
$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
$2,589
Summer
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
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
$5,365Sale Price|45% Off
¨Topiaria¨. Expressionist colorful garden. Big format Oil on canvas
Located in Segovia, ES
Topiaria. Big format Oil on canvas Beautiful garden by Chico Montilla. Measurements: (H) 130 x (W) 195 x 3 cm. Framed 142 x 207 x 5 cm. Colorful expressionist view of a garden with plants that have been given artistic form through the topiary art...
Canvas, Oil
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
$534
"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
$1,125
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
$2,200Sale 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
$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
$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
Marina Cyclists, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist James Hartman captures the meeting point of the Berkeley Marina and San Francisco Bay in this expressive California landscape. A favorite Bay Area spot t...
Oil
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
Villiers le Bel
Located in Paris, FR
PRESSEMANE Joseph 'Villiers le Bel'. Oil on board. Signed. 47 x 21 cm. Titled and signed on the back. Biography Born Jozef Presman in 1904 in Berestechko, Ukraine, he studied at th...
Oil
"Untitled"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Soul in bloom, A vibrant expressionist portrait that masterfully weaves human emotion with the vivid beauty of nature. Painted with bold, textured brushstrokes and dynamic palette ch...
Canvas, Acrylic
Allow Yourself to Bloom, Impressionist Still Life, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Edinburgh, GB
I have a special connection with chrysanthemums. Flowers with a rich, slightly bitter scent, their own rhythm, and a quiet sense of wholeness. They remind me of the right to take up ...
Acrylic
$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
"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
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
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
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
$1,200
Interspecies Communication, colorful mythological swirling pattern orange tones
By Janet Morgan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Watercolor, mixed media, using resists and metalic paints and old pastels. For Octopus and cephalopod fans. Janet Morgan’s explosive art captures the exu...
Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper
$431
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
Early Autumn, Expressionist Still Life Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2023
Located in Edinburgh, GB
For me, early fall is associated first and foremost with deep, vibrant colors—with the appearance of juicy fruits and colorful leaves… I was able to perfectly capture this very atmos...
Acrylic
$4,888
"Serenity in chaos" Large contemporary abstract expressionist nature painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Serenity in Chaos' is a large expressive contemporary abstract painting inspired by the raw energy of nature, combining vibrant color, dynamic movement, and richly layered textures ...
Canvas, Oil, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
$4,433Sale Price|35% Off
Abstract Expressionist Color-Field Landscape, Les Champs IV. 120cm x 120cm.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A large contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed to the back of the canvas. Inspired by the wonderful countrysid...
Canvas, Acrylic
"The Fragile Rhythm of Petals" Horizontal Oil Painting – 2017
By Elena Lukina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original horizontal oil painting from the series "The Silent Pulse of Decadence" explores the tension between structure and fading life. The composition presents a sharp contras...
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
Avere non è possedere (Having is Not Possessing) - Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Manina's Avere non è possedere (1963) belongs to one of the most consequential periods of her career. Born Marianne Tischler in Paris in 1918 to Expressionist painter Viktor Tischler...
Canvas, Oil