Expressionist More Art
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.
Artist Comments
Artist Naoko Tadotsu demonstrates a colorful tree on a sunny summer afternoon. Reflections of bright sunlight from a nearby river pierce through the leaves of the lush foliage. A compelling display of blue and green marks intensifies in the warm background. "The lights and leaves together create an illusion of a large stained glass," says Naoko.
About the Artist
Brilliant prismatic trees radiate in artist Naoko Tadotsu’s expressionist compositions. “I am always in awe of nature, color, and light,†says Naoko. These three facets establish her vibrant works in fluid strokes of vivid hues. Roots of her influence trace back to growing up in Osaka, where these elements were abundant. Naoko migrated to New York where she was immersed and fell in love with the world of art. What was once unexpressed inspiration inevitably translated onto the canvas. Her work often crosses into abstraction, capturing her feelings towards nature and painting...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
In this lively and spirited painting, five figures revel in the music and each other's company. Tones of blue and orange embrace their forms as they hit the d...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles captures a solitary tree standing in the middle of a vast field. "This is a perspective of autumn in its splendor," says George. The viv...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Diana Elena Chelaru exhibits an expressionist portrait of a lady with her dog. She caresses the pup as it sleeps by her side. Geometric shapes adorn he...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Flowers in different colors, shapes, and sizes unfurl from a brown vase. Artist Robert Hofherr draws inspiration from the works of Fauvist master Raoul Dufy. Th...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
2010s Expressionist More Art
Wool, Cotton, Yarn
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Engraving
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Photogravure
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Photogravure
1930s Expressionist More Art
Paper
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Lithograph
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Tapestry, Wool
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Ceramic
1980s Expressionist More Art
Tapestry
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Photogravure
1930s Expressionist More Art
Paper
1930s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Photogravure
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper
1920s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Lithograph
1930s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Photogravure
1930s Expressionist More Art
Paper, Linocut
1930s Expressionist More Art
Woodcut
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
Artist Comments
An expansive blue sky meets the ocean in a quiet, seamless horizon, with a single cloud drifting gently above. Below, the shoreline is alive with wispy grasse...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
Artist Comments
This watercolor painting captures the charm and vitality of Portland’s historic Old Port district. City life hums with a balance of energy and ease—building...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Watercolor
Artist Comments
Deep blue tones envelop a blurred San Francisco cityscape, evoking a dreamlike memory of a fleeting moment. The triangular panel enhances the composition’s un...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Tapestry, Wool
Artist Comments
As the sun rises, golden yellows and oranges radiate against the blue sky. Colorful dots spread across the scene, conveying the movement and warmth of sunligh...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Vibrant, swirling sun rays fill the sky, creating a celestial panorama above a city. The windows of the stylized buildings below reflect the galaxy of geometr...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A row of slender trees lines a road in Provence, France. As artist Janet Dyer drove by, she was captivated by the configuration of the trunks against the pale...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
1980s Expressionist More Art
Etching
Artist Comments
A colorful tree stands alone in an open field under a clear blue sky. The orange, yellow, and red leaves create a focal point against the soft, expansive back...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Tall, wispy grasses sway in the foreground, leading to the blue-green water that extends towards the horizon. Gentle waves ripple across the surface, meeting ...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Dynamic shapes and colors carry a profound symbolism. A woman's silhouette lies among the stars, representing humanity's connection to the cosmos. The artwork...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
The artwork depicts an expressionist city landscape at night, emphasizing emotions and subjective experience over realism. A woman's figure lies among the sta...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
A cluster of trees stands in the middle of a vast field, their canopies merging to create a unified presence. Against the coolness of the blue sky, the orange...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A vibrant night sky stretches over the city. Ethereal blues mirror the celestial depths, while fiery oranges echo the birth of the stars. Geometric shapes and...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
The artwork portrays an abstract depiction of the moon emerging in the sky. It invites exploration of artistic interpretations of a cosmic landscape. Captivat...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
In awe of the images from the James Webb Telescope, artist Diana Elena Chelaru creates a series inspired by the depths of the universe. The mystery and vibran...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Four key elements define the composition. The expansive sky, the horizon with hazy tree silhouettes, the colorful orchard, and the chilly pond form a captivat...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A tranquil landscape welcomes the beginning of autumn. A cloudy sky stretches over the vast field and the ocean, adorned with scattered trees and a puddle. Th...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
September flourishes at its peak, with trees painted in vibrant autumn hues. A field of grass wraps around the foreground, with a small patch illuminated by s...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
This painting captures an abandoned house nearly concealed by overgrown bushes. The sunlit road extends endlessly into the hori...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
This painting shows a happy moment between friends dancing with each other. They close their eyes and lift their hands, fully immersing themselves in the expe...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Autumn Rose paints delicate pastel flowers and foliage in striking contrast to a dark background. The artwork emulates luscious plants kissed by soft m...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles presents an expressionist landscape shifting as autumn approaches. The green leaves turn a fiery red as the season changes. George paint...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Diana Elena Chelaru presents an expressionist portrait of a lady with her two cats. She communicates her love for them through gentle caresses as they sleep. Flowers and organic shapes decorate her beautiful rich plum dress...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Acrylic, Cardboard
1830s Expressionist More Art
Paper
Artist Comments
This painting captures the beauty of the French countryside. I was inspired by the peaceful and vivid colors found in this quaint French village. I depicted t...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
1930s Expressionist More Art
Woodcut
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
20th Century Expressionist More Art
Fabric, Textile, Thread





