Reference list · Expressionist
Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) is the most famous Expressionist painter in this list; notable works include Several Circles, Solomon R. G and Composition VIII. Ranks 2 to 5: Edvard Munch, Jean Michel Basquiat, Paul Klee and Jackson Pollock. The list records 100 painters born between 1849 (Christian Rohlfs) and 1960 (Jean Michel Basquiat) in 31 countries.
Method. Scope: artists whose works the encyclopedia records under Expressionist. Ranking: the encyclopedia's fame ranking of artists. Artists born after 1955 without a Wikidata identifier are excluded pending verification. Wikipedia: number of the encyclopedia's 32 languages with an article on the artist.
Summary
Entries
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Russian Born: Moscow ['Expressionism', 'Abstract painting', 'Der Blaue Reiter'] Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
He sought out the Anton Ažbe School and the Academy of Fine Arts to learn the mechanics of his chosen craft.
Collections His canvases are scattered across several major institutions, inviting a close look at how his use of color and form evolved.
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Norwegian Born: Ådalsbruk ['Expressionism', 'Symbolism']
Munch did not aim to replicate the physical world as it appeared to the eye. It was there that he met the Swedish dramatist August Strindberg.
Collections The Munch Museum is the primary guardian of his legacy, housing a vast collection that spans the full range of his artistic output.
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American Born: Park Slope Neo-Expressionism Wikipedia: 29/32 languages
Paintings like Piscine versus the Best Hotels (or various loin) exemplify his ability to juxtapose seemingly disparate elements—luxury and deprivation, beauty and decay—creating a powerful commentary on social inequalities. In the years since his death, Basquiat’s reputation has only grown.
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German and Swiss Born: Münchenbuchsee Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
His approach to a canvas was rarely about simple imitation; instead, he built his compositions through a highly individual style influenced by expressionism, cubism, and surrealism.
Collections To find the traces of his prolific output, one might travel to Bern, Switzerland.
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American Born: Cody Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
By 1947, a profound shift had taken hold in the way he approached the canvas. He was among the first American painters to be recognized as a peer of the great 20th-century European masters, proving that a new, visceral language could emerge from the soil of the United States.
Collections In New York City, the Museum of Modern Art holds several of his canvases, allowing viewers to stand before the sprawling, uncentered compositions that defined his era.
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Italian Born: Livorno Expressionism Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
In 1907, he also attended the Paul Gauguin retrospective at the Salon d'Automne, an event that left a mark on his developing vision.
Collections In the United States, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York holds significant pieces, including a portrait of Jeanne Hebuterne from 1918.
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Austrian Born: Tulln an der Donau Austrian Expressionism Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
By 1909, he is actively challenging the established order, co-founding the Neues Wiener Kunstgruppe and the Neukunstgruppe. Schiele emerges from the early 20th century as a leading figure in Austrian Expressionism.
Collections The weight of Schiele’s output is felt most heavily in Vienna.
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Irish Born: Dublin Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
Bacon’s approach to the canvas was physical and direct.
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German Born: Dresden Wikipedia: 28/32 languages
From 1957 to 1961, he remains within the academy's structure, working as a master trainee. His canvases have moved from the experimental spaces of Düsseldorf to the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Collections The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.
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Dutch-American Born: Rotterdam Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
From his teenage years until 1924, he attends these classes in Rotterdam, balancing the demands of work with the study of formal art. He moves through a landscape of ideas, absorbing the influence of Stuart Davis and John Graham, whose presence helps steer his vocabulary away from literal depiction.
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American Born: Augusta Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
The surface of a Johns painting often feels heavy and built up. Later, in 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Collections To see his paintings and sculptures in person, one might travel to New York City.
Notable works · 100 notable works
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American Born: Daugavpils ['Color Field painting', 'Abstract Expressionism']
By 1940, he made the decision to change his name to Mark Rothko. His paintings are recognized as some of the most significant works of 20th-century art, often found in the permanent collections of major institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.
Collections To stand before his canvases is to experience the weight of color in a quiet room.
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German Born: Kreuzstraße German Expressionism Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
It was in Paris that he encountered the work of Vincent van Gogh. His time in France, specifically during visits to Paris in 1903 and 1907, acted as a catalyst for this departure.
Collections The Franz Marc Museum in Kochel am See, Germany, functions as a primary site for his legacy, housing over 150 of his works.
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Austrian, Czech, British Born: Pöchlarn Expressionism, Viennese Avant-Garde Wikipedia: 29/32 languages
He was a leading figure of the Expressionist movement, moving away from simple visual accuracy to capture something much deeper. In 1909, he wrote the short play Murderer, the Hope of Women, which is often recognized as one of the first Expressionist dramas.
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German Born: Aschaffenburg German Expressionism Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was born on 6 May 1880 in Aschaffenburg, Germany. Kirchner remains a central figure of the German Expressionist movement, a presence that helped define the visual language of a transformative era.
Collections The physical presence of Kirchner’s vision is scattered across several major institutions, reflecting the international reach of his influence.
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Armenian-American Born: Dilkaya Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
Seeking a different path, he enrolled in classes at the New England School of Art. The weight of Gorky's influence on Abstract Expressionism remains heavy.
Collections To see the physical traces of his hand, one might travel to Washington, D.C.
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German-Danish Born: Nolde German Expressionism Wikipedia: 28/32 languages
His parents were Danish and Frisian peasants, and the rhythms of rural life shaped his early years. He looked toward the work of Paul Gauguin and found a way to move beyond simple representation.
Collections Tracing his presence in public collections reveals a scattered but significant trail.
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German Born: Untermhaus ['Neue Sachlichkeit', 'Dadaism', 'Expressionism'] Wikipedia: 28/32 languages
Dix enters an apprenticeship under the painter Carl Senff, a period of study that lasts until 1910. His presence in the permanent collections of major institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, confirms his lasting importance.
Collections The physical presence of Dix’s vision remains scattered across major international institutions.
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Belgian Born: Ostend ['Symbolism', 'Expressionism'] Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
From 1877 to 1880, he attended the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels.
Collections Ensor’s presence in major international collections confirms his lasting impact on the development of modernism.
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French Born: Smilavičy Expressionism Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
His style was profoundly individual, a compelling synthesis of traditional European painting —particularly the Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Chardin, and the Realism of Courbet—filtered through a lens of raw emotional intensity. While often categorized as an Expressionist, to label Soutine solely within this framework feels limiting.
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German Born: Leipzig Expressionism, New Objectivity Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
Born into a middle-class family in Leipzig, Germany, Max Beckmann showed an early inclination toward drawing. Even as he navigated the difficult years of exile in Amsterdam and his eventual move to the United States, his voice remained distinct.
Collections Finding the physical traces of Beckmann's life requires traveling through the cities that shaped his exile and his later years.
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Austrian Born: Vienna Organic architecture, Spiral art Wikipedia: 29/32 languages
Artistic Training & Rejection of Convention: He briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna but quickly rejected its rigid academic style. Champion of Ecological Causes: Hundertwasser was a passionate environmental activist who campaigned tirelessly for ecological awareness and sustainable practices.
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German Born: Donaueschingen Neo-Expressionism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
As his career progressed, Kiefer’s international recognition grew through works that challenged the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and installation.
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British Born: Berlin Realism, Figurative art Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Freud’s technical approach was integral to the emotional impact of his paintings. His paintings are held in major museums globally—the Tate in London, the Freud Museum London, and Goldsmiths’ College, University of London—enduring testaments to his artistic genius.
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German Born: Königsberg Expressionism Wikipedia: 28/32 languages
Käthe Kollwitz, born Käthe Schmidt on July 8, 1867, in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia), emerged from a family deeply rooted in both intellectual ferment and social conscience. She died near Dresden in 1945, during the final days of World War II, a poignant end for an artist who had dedicated her life to bearing witness to human suffering.
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French Born: 19th arrondissement of Paris Expressionism, Fauvism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
In later life, he received commissions for religious works, including designs for Sergei Diaghilev’s ballet The Prodigal Son, further cementing his reputation as a uniquely devout artist.
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Scottish-American Born: Lawnton Architectural sculpture Wikipedia: 28/32 languages
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Mexican Born: Chihuahua City Social Realism, Muralism Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
As one of the “big three” Mexican muralists – alongside Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco – he played an instrumental role in establishing Mexican muralism as a significant artistic movement, transforming public spaces into canvases for social commentary.
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American Born: Manhattan Abstract Expressionism, Color Field Wikipedia: 19/32 languages
She even ventured into theatrical design, creating sets and costumes for the Royal Ballet. Frankenthaler’s impact on the art world was recognized early in her career with inclusion in the influential “Fifteen Unknowns” exhibition in 1950 and her first solo show at Tibor de Nagy Gallery in 1951.
Student of Hans Hofmann #72
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American Born: Lexington Abstract Expressionism, Postmodern Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
His early works, such as the North African Sketchbooks (1953), already hinted at his unique blend of abstract forms and poetic references. He drew inspiration from a diverse range of sources—from the raw energy of Jean Dubuffet and Alberto Giacometti to the poetic sensibilities of Stéphane Mallarmé, Rainer Maria Rilke, and John Keats.
Student of Franz Kline #42, Robert Motherwell #41
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German-American Born: New York City Expressionism, Cubism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Notable Works: Some of his significant works include " Werder I " (watercolor), " Gaberndorf II " (paper), and " Boats " (cubism, oil on canvas). First Solo Exhibition: His first solo exhibition at the Sturm Gallery in Berlin (1917) was a pivotal moment, establishing him as a prominent figure in the art world.
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American Born: New York City Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Barnett Newman’s impact on the development of Abstract Expressionism —alongside contemporaries like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock —is undeniable.
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Czech Born: Opočno ['Realism', 'Symbolism', 'Orphism', 'Cubism', 'Abstraction'] Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
By 1906, he had settled in Puteaux, a suburb of Paris. His creative output is often viewed alongside the works of Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky, marking a shift toward a visual language that prioritized the interaction of color and shape over the depiction of the physical world.
Collections To see his canvases in person, one might travel to New York City.
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German Born: Dresden Expressionism Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
Born Minna Hermine Paula Becker on February 8, 1876, in Dresden, Germany, her life was tragically short – she passed away November 30, 1907, in Worpswede – yet within those three decades, she forged a path of remarkable artistic innovation and personal courage. Immersing herself in the vibrant art scene of the French capital, she encountered the works of Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and other Post-Impressionist masters.
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American Born: Brooklyn Neo-Expressionism
Yet, Schnabel persevered, participating in pivotal exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale in 1980 and ‘A New Spirit in Painting’ at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1981, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the resurgence of painting. His works are now held in major museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Whitney Museum, Tate Modern, and the Centre Pompidou—a testament to his enduring impact on contemporary art.
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German Born: Deutschbaselitz Neo-Expressionism Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
Throughout his prolific career, Baselitz’s artistic language has been a complex tapestry woven from myriad influences, ranging from the starkness of Socialist Realism and the dramatic tension of Mannerism to the primal rhythms of African sculpture.
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American Born: Brooklyn Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
From her early days at Washington Irving High School for Girls, where a focused course in visual arts first ignited her creative spirit, to her rigorous training at Cooper Union’s Women's Art School, Krasner possessed a foundational discipline that would later serve as the bedrock for her most radical experiments.
Notable works · 100 notable works
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German Born: Rottluff Expressionism Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
Bold Lines & Stark Contrasts: Particularly evident in his woodcuts, these elements create a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity. His paintings, woodcuts, lithographs, and etchings are held in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Neue Galerie (New York), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
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German-French Born: Leipzig Gestural Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Born in 1904 in the historic city of Leipzig, Germany, Hartung’s early consciousness was shaped by a deep reverence for the masters of light and shadow. His debut exhibition in Dresden in 1931 had already signaled the arrival of a major talent, but it was his later ability to bridge the gap between European abstraction and the burgeoning American lyrical abstraction movement that cemented his historical importance.
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British Born: Berlin School of London Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
The 1950s saw Auerbach establishing his presence through exhibitions at the Beaux Arts Gallery in London. He represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1986, sharing the Golden Lion with Sigmar Polke —a testament to his international standing.
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American Born: Aberdeen Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
The Surrealist Encounter: A pivotal moment arrived in 1940 when Motherwell relocated to New York City and enrolled at Columbia University under Meyer Shapiro’s guidance.
Teacher of Cy Twombly #30
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American Born: Wilkes-Barre Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
De Kooning suggested projecting one of Kline’s sketches onto a wall using a Bell-Opticon projector – an act that dramatically enlarged and transformed the image, reducing it to its essential strokes. By the 1950s, Franz Kline had achieved significant recognition within the New York School—an informal group of artists including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, and Lee Krasner who were redefining American art.
Teacher of Cy Twombly #30
Notable works · 100 notable works
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Scottish Born: Edinburgh Figurative painting
Westermann, the romantic sublimity of Caspar David Friedrich, the shimmering light of Claude Monet, and the decorative richness of Gustav Klimt all find resonance in his canvases.
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Indian Born: Pandharpur Cubist narrative paintings Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
His ability to synthesize the structural rigor of Western abstraction with the emotive richness of Eastern storytelling created a unique visual dialect that resonated across continents. Born in 1915 in the small town of Pandharpur, Maharashtra, his early years were steeped in the vibrant cultural textures of rural India.
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German Born: Meschede Expressionism, Fauvism, Orphism, Cubism Wikipedia: 28/32 languages
He found a way to weave the dynamism of Italian Futurism into his compositions, imbuing his scenes with a sense of movement and modern energy. This was no passing interest; he returned to Paris frequently between 1907 and 1912, allowing the atmosphere of the French capital to reshape his perception of the canvas.
Collections To walk through the rooms where his spirit remains, one might travel to Bonn, Germany.
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Russian Born: Torzhok Expressionism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
The move to Munich in 1894 changed everything for Jawlensky. Alexej von Jawlensky left behind a body of work that helped define the direction of Expressionism.
Collections Finding the traces of Jawlensky's life requires traveling through several European cities where his presence remains felt.
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Canadian-American Born: Montreal ['Abstract Expressionism', 'Neo-Expressionism'] Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Initially, his work was figurative and representational, showcasing early influences from Renaissance masters like Piero della Francesca. His father, a Ukrainian Jewish immigrant, took his own life in 1923.
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German Born: Gvardeysk Impressionism & Expressionism Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
His time spent studying the Old Masters, particularly Rubens, instilled in him a love of dynamic composition and expressive brushwork. He served as president of the Berlin Secession from 1915 until his death in 1925, championing progressive artistic ideas and fostering a vibrant creative community.
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American Born: Gladwyne Expressionism, Realism Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
Subject Matter: Primarily portraits of friends, family, lovers, poets, artists, and strangers. Called "one of the greatest portrait artists of the 20th century" by Barry Walker, curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
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Born: Beijing ['1920s Art Deco', 'Expressionism', 'Abstract art'] Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
The influence of earlier movements such as Impressionism and Post-Impressionism is also likely present, providing a foundation upon which to build more radical departures.
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Swiss Born: Wachseldorn Expressionism, Bauhaus Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
Undeterred, Itten established the “ontos weaving workshops” near Zurich in 1924, collaborating with Bauhaus weaver Gunta Stölzl. Johannes Itten, born in 1888 in the tranquil Swiss village of Südern-Linden, was more than just a painter; he was a visionary educator who fundamentally reshaped the landscape of modern art instruction.
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Polish Born: Warsaw Symbolism, Surrealism Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, known to most as Witkacy, remains a pivotal yet often enigmatic figure in the landscape of 20th-century art. Returning to Poland after the war, he settled in Zakopane, a mountain resort town already steeped in artistic innovation thanks to his father’s pioneering “Zakopane Style” architecture which blended local traditions with Art Nouveau influences.
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German Born: Döbeln German Expressionism Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
Influences: Heckel and the other members of Die Brücke were heavily influenced by Edvard Munch's expressive style and African sculpture, which they saw as embodying a raw, primitive power. Expressionist Pioneer: Erich Heckel is recognized as a key figure in the Expressionist movement, particularly for his contributions to Die Brücke.
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Austrian-American Born: Vienna Twelve-tone technique; Expressionism Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
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Russian-German-Swiss Born: Tula Expressionism, Symbolism Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
It was in Munich that Werefkin truly came into her own, becoming a central figure in a vibrant circle of artists including Wassily Kandinsky, Alexej von Jawlensky, Gabriele Münter, and Franz Marc – individuals who would collectively shape the landscape of early Expressionism. She was not merely an associate of Kandinsky and Jawlensky; she was a driving force behind the movement’s intellectual and aesthetic innovations, a pioneering theorist who fostered artistic exchange through her influential salon in Munich.
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Spanish Born: Zwickau Cubism, Surrealism Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
As his reputation grew, Pechstein’s canvases became windows into the shifting spirit of post-WWI Germany.
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Hungarian Born: Budapest Modern Hungarian art Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Born in Budapest on March 15th, 1894, Vilmos Aba-Novák’s early life was marked by an exposure to the visual arts. His legacy extends beyond individual artworks; he helped to establish a distinctly Hungarian modern style that blended influences from Expressionism, the Italian Novecento, and his own unique artistic vision.
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Serbian Born: Čačak Expressionism & Fauvism Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
Graduating in 1891, she taught there for a period beginning in 1893 before moving to Munich to study with Slovenian artist Anton Ažbe. Studying under Anton Ažbe, a Slovenian artist who championed innovative techniques and stylistic experimentation, she absorbed influences from artists like Edvard Munch and Henri Matisse.
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German Born: Lubawka Expressionism Wikipedia: 19/32 languages
His subject matter consistently revolved around several key themes: serene landscapes often reminiscent of starry nights, expressive nudes embodying both sensuality and melancholy, and, most notably, depictions of Romani people. After the war, he accepted a professorship at the Academy of Fine Arts in Breslau, dedicating himself to teaching until his death in 1930.
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Belgian Born: Antwerp Flemish Expressionism Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
Key Characteristics: Heavy impasto, muted tonality in early works evolving to vibrant color, distorted forms, focus on working-class life.
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Born: Vidin Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Arrival in Paris: In 1905, Pascin moved to Paris, becoming part of the vibrant artistic community. School of Paris: Pascin was a prominent figure within the School of Paris – a collective of expatriate artists who shaped modern art in the early 20th century.
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German Born: Groß Niendorf Expressionism Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Notable works like “ Hilly Landscape in Late Autumn ” (1900) demonstrate an early sensitivity to atmospheric effects and a growing willingness to depart from strict realism. Christian Rohlfs occupies a significant position in the history of German Expressionism, though his journey to its core principles was gradual and deeply personal.
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German Born: Duisburg Expressionism
Artistic Synthesis: The seamless blending of Rodin's expressive influence with a distinctly German Expressionist sensibility.
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Russian-French Born: Vitebsk Cubism, Modernism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Initially, Zadkine embraced Cubism from 1914 to 1925, demonstrating a clear understanding of its principles in his early works. The Musée Zadkine in Paris, housed in his former home and studio, and another in Les Arques, preserve and showcase his extensive body of work, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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American Born: Grandin Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
The transformation from representational work to the radical abstraction for which Still is celebrated occurred between 1938 and 1942, a period of intense experimentation and self-discovery. Perhaps one of his most significant legacies is The Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado, which houses an extraordinary collection of over 3,125 works – representing 93 percent of his lifetime output and complete archives.
Notable works · 100 notable works
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Austrian Born: Vienna Expressionism Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
After struggling in the traditional Viennese Piaristengymnasium and being expelled for disciplinary issues, Gerstl received private tutoring while pursuing his artistic ambitions. Summers spent under Simon Hollósy in Nagybánya exposed him to more liberal artistic approaches.
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American Born: Portland ['Abstract Expressionism', 'Bay Area Figurative', 'Lyrical Abstraction'] Wikipedia: 9/32 languages
Richard Diebenkorn, born in Portland, Oregon, in 1922, embarked on a journey that would establish him as one of the most significant American painters of the postwar era. A significant retrospective at the Pasadena Art Museum in 1960—later shown at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco—cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the art world.
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American Born: Rutherford Modernism, Watercolor Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
John Marin, born in Rutherford, New Jersey, on December 23, 1870, experienced a childhood marked by early loss. His travels extended beyond France, encompassing the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Italy, each locale contributing to a distinctive watercolor technique characterized by an interplay of abstract ambience, transparency, opacity, and dynamic linear elements.
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British Born: Islington Outsider art, Impressionism
He quickly gained recognition, exhibiting at the Royal Academy from 1894 onwards and becoming a sought-after portraitist among London society. Institutions like the Tate Gallery, the British Museum, and English Heritage hold examples of his work, ensuring his legacy endures.
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Greek Born: Piraeus Surrealism
He studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts, absorbing influences from Impressionism and Symbolism before gravitating towards Surrealism in the mid-1930s. Despite remaining largely outside the mainstream art world during his lifetime, Yiannis Tsaroychis’s work continues to inspire admiration for its imaginative vision and technical prowess.
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American Born: New York Abstract Expressionism
Aaron Siskind, born in the vibrant heart of New York City in 1903, stands as a pivotal figure in American photography—a bridge between the documentary impulse and the burgeoning world of Abstract Expressionism. He spent two decades at the Illinois Institute of Technology (1951-1970), shaping the minds of aspiring photographers at its Institute of Design, and continued his teaching career at the Rhode Island School of Design (1971-1976) alongside Harry Callahan.
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German-American Born: Weißenburg in Bayern Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
Major retrospectives at the Whitney Museum of American Art (1957) and the Museum of Modern Art (1963) cemented his reputation and showcased the evolution of his artistic journey.
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Romanian Born: Iași ['Expressionism', 'Dadaism']
His studies at the Academy of Art in Berlin provided a solid grounding in classical techniques, but it was his exposure to the works of artists like Schmid-Reutte and Hölzel that ignited his interest in exploring new modes of representation.
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Born: Stribach Wikipedia: 13/32 languages
Key Influence: The artist Ferdinand Hodler significantly impacted Egger-Lienz's style, leading to a monumental expressiveness characterized by heroic figures in stage-like spaces.
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American Born: New York City Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
A crucial moment arrived in 1935 when Gottlieb joined forces with artists like Mark Rothko and John D. His work is now represented in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and the Tate Modern in London—a testament to its enduring power and influence.
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Canadian Born: Montreal Lyrical Abstraction Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
Shift from Surrealism: After a brief association with the Surrealists, Riopelle moved towards Lyrical Abstraction, a style related to Abstract Expressionism. Riopelle was the first Canadian painter since James Wilson Morrice to achieve widespread international recognition.
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German Born: Berlin Expressionism Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Born in Berlin in 1877 into an upper-middle-class family, Münter navigated a world that presented significant obstacles for women pursuing artistic careers. She joined his Phalanx school in 1901, where she absorbed the principles of Post-Impressionism and experimented with innovative techniques like using palette knives to apply paint—a method that would become a hallmark of her style.
Student of Wassily Kandinsky #1
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Korean Born: Ulchin Abstract painting
Following his participation in the São Paulo Biennial in 1963, Yoo experienced a period of artistic consolidation, withdrawing from group activities to focus on solo exhibitions held every other year for two decades. Exploring Yoo Youngkuk's masterpieces – such as “ Mountain ” or “ Work ”– at platforms like AllPaintingsStore.com offers a glimpse into the mind of a true pioneer, an artist who dared to break with tradition and forge a new path for Korean art.
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Polish Born: Leorda Expressionism Wikipedia: 11/32 languages
Weiss's distinctive style is characterized by intense emotion conveyed through muted color palettes and dynamic brushstrokes—a hallmark of Expressionism. Furthermore, he engaged with Symbolist artists such as Edvard Munch and Gustav Klimt, incorporating evocative imagery and psychological depth into his compositions.
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American Born: Buffalo Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
Even his involvement in protests – against MoMA in the 1940s, with “The Irascibles” against the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 1950s, and through a lithograph for Artists and Writers Protest Against the Vietnam War in 1967—demonstrated a commitment to artistic freedom and social responsibility.
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German Born: Schlēde German Expressionism
Blossfeldt’s meticulous attention to detail and his willingness to experiment with innovative methods cemented his place as one of the most influential artists of the Weimar Republic.
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Austrian Born: Bzenec Vienna Secession Wikipedia: 13/32 languages
Under the rigorous academic guidance of masters such as Christian Griepenkerl and Leopold Carl Müller at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Kurzweil mastered the classical foundations of his craft. This internal struggle reached its devastating conclusion in 1916, when he ended his life alongside his student and lover, Helene Heger.
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French Born: Paris Expressionism
Nevertheless, Buffet’s dedication to his craft never wavered.
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German/Dutch Born: Krefeld Der Blaue Reiter Wikipedia: 13/32 languages
The Blaue Reiter’s emphasis on symbolism, spirituality, and the connection between art and nature profoundly impacted Campendonk's work, leading him to incorporate elements of folklore, mythology, and dream imagery into his compositions.
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American Born: Centerville Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
Tobey’s travels became increasingly frequent and purposeful, taking him across Europe, Palestine, Turkey, Lebanon, China, and Japan. His work was exhibited widely in Europe and the United States, earning him numerous awards and accolades.
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Scottish Expressionism; Surrealism
Born in 1942 amidst the salt-sprayed fishing traditions of Port Seton, near Edinburgh, John Bellany CBE, RA emerged as one of Scotland’s most profound and evocative visual storytellers. John Bellany’s contribution to British art history is marked by his ability to elevate regional Scottish identity to a universal stage.
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Dutch Born: 's-Hertogenbosch Expressionism, Luminism Wikipedia: 8/32 languages
Beyond landscapes and portraits, Sluijters experimented with various other genres, including still lifes and genre scenes.
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German Born: Soest Expressionism Wikipedia: 11/32 languages
The trajectory of Morgner’s meteoric rise was violently interrupted by the onset of World War I.
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American Born: Kansas City Abstract Expressionism
His technique involved: Layered Pigmentation: The meticulous application of thin, translucent washes that create a sense of infinite depth. In the intellectual and creative crucible of both New York and Paris, Jenkins navigated the dynamic currents of mid-century modernism, establishing a studio practice that would redefine the boundaries of the medium through his revolutionary "phenomena" technique.
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American Born: Birmingham Neo-Expressionism Wikipedia: 8/32 languages
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, near the headquarters of the Black Panther Party, Marshall was immersed in an environment where social responsibility and visual identity were inextricably linked. The historical significance of Kerry James Marshall lies in his ability to disrupt visual hierarchies.
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Belgian Born: Ghent Flemish Expressionism Wikipedia: 10/32 languages
During his time in the Netherlands, his work was influenced by the Bergen School and the works of Henri Le Fauconnier.
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French Cubism
As a founding member of the Hetek painting group, he stood at the forefront of a generation that sought to redefine Hungarian and European art through a lens of radical modernity.
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German Born: Dusseldorf New Objectivity & Realism
His landscapes—particularly “ Early Morning in the Eifel Mountains ”—capture the serene beauty of the Rhineland region with remarkable precision and tonal subtlety.
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British Biblical scenes, female figures
Beyond the technical aspects, Ascher’s process involved a deep engagement with the source material. She challenged the traditional role of religious art, moving beyond mere illustration to create works that explored the psychological and emotional dimensions of faith.
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Belgian Born: Ghent Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia: 10/32 languages
Frits Van den Berghe died in Ghent in 1939, leaving behind a rich and complex body of work that continues to captivate viewers with its haunting beauty and psychological depth. Initially, he benefited from the rigorous training provided by Jean Delvin at the Royal Academy, grounding him in classical techniques and compositional principles.
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Financial support from art dealer Paul Cassirer allowed Barlach to develop his unique style, focusing on the emotional intensity of human figures.
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American Born: Beirut ['Assemblage', 'Pop Art', 'Neo-Dada'] Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
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American Born: Chicago Wood engraving, Graphic novel
Lynd Ward's contribution to American art lies not just in his technical mastery—his exquisite wood engravings are renowned for their precision and expressive power—but also in his willingness to challenge conventional storytelling methods.
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Russian-Lithuanian Born: Novgorod Expressionism, Cityscapes
Mstislav Valerianovich Dobuzhinsky (1875-1957), a name perhaps less familiar than some of his contemporaries, remains a profoundly evocative figure in the history of Russian art. Mstislav Dobuzhinsky’s work holds significant historical importance as a document of early 20th-century Russia.
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German Born: Krefeld Expressionism Wikipedia: 10/32 languages
However, it was his subsequent studies at the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart from 1900 to 1902 that truly ignited his artistic fire. While Nauen’s work predates the formal establishment of German Expressionism, it undeniably shares many key characteristics with the movement.
Notable works
Chronology
Statistics
| Germany | 24 |
|---|---|
| United States | 19 |
| Austria | 6 |
| Russia | 5 |
| Belgium | 4 |
| United States of America | 4 |
| Switzerland | 2 |
| Netherlands | 2 |
| 1840s | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1850s | 1 |
| 1860s | 10 |
| 1870s | 16 |
| 1880s | 22 |
| 1890s | 9 |
| 1900s | 13 |
| 1910s | 8 |
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 4 |
| 1940s | 2 |
| 1950s | 3 |
| 1960s | 1 |
Index
Wassily KandinskyRussian · 1866–1944Edvard MunchNorwegian · 1863–1944Jean Michel BasquiatAmerican · 1960–1988Paul KleeGerman and Swiss · 1879–1940Jackson PollockAmerican · 1912–1956Amedeo ModiglianiItalian · 1884–1920Egon SchieleAustrian · 1890–1918Francis BaconIrish · 1909–1992Gerhard RichterGerman · born 1932Willem de KooningDutch-American · 1904–1997Jasper JohnsAmerican · born 1930Mark RothkoAmerican · 1903–1970Franz MarcGerman · 1880–1916Oskar KokoschkaAustrian, Czech, British · 1886–1980Ernst Ludwig KirchnerGerman · 1880–1938Arshile GorkyArmenian-American · 1904–1948Emil NoldeGerman-Danish · 1867–1956Otto DixGerman · 1891–1969James EnsorBelgian · 1860–1949Chaim SoutineFrench · 1893–1943Max BeckmannGerman · 1884–1950Friedensreich HundertwasserAustrian · 1928–2000Anselm KieferGerman · born 1945Lucian FreudBritish · 1922–2011Käthe KollwitzGerman · 1867–1945Georges RouaultFrench · 1871–1958Alexander CalderScottish-American · 1898–1976David Alfaro SiqueirosMexican · 1896–1974Helen FrankenthalerAmerican · 1928–2011Cy TwomblyAmerican · 1928–2011Lyonel FeiningerGerman-American · 1871–1956Barnett NewmanAmerican · 1905–1970František KupkaCzech · 1871–1957Paula Modersohn-BeckerGerman · 1876–1907Julian SchnabelAmerican · born 1951Georg BaselitzGerman · 1938–2026Lee KrasnerAmerican · 1908–1984Karl Schmidt-RottluffGerman · 1884–1976Hans HartungGerman-French · 1904–1989Frank AuerbachBritish · 1931–2024Robert MotherwellAmerican · 1915–1991Franz KlineAmerican · 1910–1962Peter DoigScottish · born 1959M.F. HusainIndian · 1915–2011August MackeGerman · 1887–1914Alexej von JawlenskyRussian · 1864–1941Philip GustonCanadian-American · 1913–1980Lovis CorinthGerman · 1858–1925Alice NeelAmerican · 1900–1984Zao Wou-Ki1920–2013Johannes IttenSwiss · 1888–1967Stanisław Ignacy WitkiewiczPolish · 1885–1939Erich HeckelGerman · 1883–1970Arnold SchoenbergAustrian-American · 1874–1951Marianne von WerefkinRussian-German-Swiss · 1860–1938Max PechsteinSpanish · 1881–1955Vilmos Aba-NovakHungarian · 1894–1941Nadežda PetrovićSerbian · 1873–1915Otto MuellerGerman · 1874–1930Constant PermekeBelgian · 1886–1952Jules Pascin1885–1930Christian RohlfsGerman · 1849–1938Wilhelm LehmbruckGerman · 1881–1919Ossip ZadkineRussian-French · 1888–1967Clyfford StillAmerican · 1904–1980Richard GerstlAustrian · 1883–1908Richard DiebenkornAmerican · 1922–1993John MarinAmerican · 1870–1953Charles Henry SimsBritish · 1873–1928Yannis TsarouchisGreek · 1910–1989Aaron SiskindAmerican · 1903–1991Hans HofmannGerman-American · 1880–1966Arthur SegalRomanian · 1875–1944Albin Egger-Lienz1868–1926Adolph GottliebAmerican · 1903–1974Jean-Paul RiopelleCanadian · 1923–2002Gabriele MünterGerman · 1877–1962Yoo YoungkukKorean · 1916–2002Wojciech WeissPolish · 1875–1950Ad ReinhardtAmerican · 1913–1967Karl BlossfeldtGerman · 1865–1932Max KurzweilAustrian · 1867–1916Bernard BuffetFrench · 1928–1999Heinrich CampendonkGerman/Dutch · 1889–1957Mark TobeyAmerican · 1890–1976John BellanyScottish · 1942–2013Jan SluijtersDutch · 1881–1957Wilhelm MorgnerGerman · 1891–1917Paul JenkinsAmerican · 1923–2012Kerry James MarshallAmerican · born 1955Gustave De SmetBelgian · 1877–1943Armand SchonbergerFrench · 1885–1974Werner PeinerGerman · 1897–1984Mary AscherBritish · 1900–1988Frits Van Den BergheBelgian · 1883–1939Ernst Barlach1870–1938Etel AdnanAmerican · 1925–2021Lynd WardAmerican · 1905–1985Mstislav DobuzhinskyRussian-Lithuanian · 1875–1957Heinrich NauenGerman · 1880–1940FAQ
Wassily Kandinsky (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Edvard Munch (#2) and Jean Michel Basquiat (#3).
Wassily Kandinsky (#1), Edvard Munch (#2), Jean Michel Basquiat (#3), Paul Klee (#4) and Jackson Pollock (#5).
“His final years were spent in this French landscape, continuing to work with the layered impasto techniques that gave his canvases a physical, textured presence.” — from our biography of Wassily Kandinsky (#1).
The earliest-born painter in this list is Christian Rohlfs (#62), born in 1849.
Germany: 24 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then United States (19) and Austria (6).
The highest-ranked living painters in this list are Gerhard Richter (#9), Jasper Johns (#11), Anselm Kiefer (#23), Julian Schnabel (#35), Peter Doig (#43) and Kerry James Marshall (#90).
Robert Motherwell (#41) taught Cy Twombly (#30); Franz Kline (#42) taught Cy Twombly (#30).
10 women are in this ranking: Käthe Kollwitz (#25), Helen Frankenthaler (#29), Paula Modersohn-Becker (#34), Lee Krasner (#37), Alice Neel (#49), Marianne von Werefkin (#55), Nadežda Petrović (#58) and Gabriele Münter (#77).
Most painters in this list were born in the 1880s (22 of 100), between 1849 and 1960 overall.
The museums holding the most key works of this list are MOMA - Museum of Modern Art (6), Bavarian State Painting Collections (4) and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (3).
Vienna: 3 of the painters in this list were born there.
The encyclopedia records 16,739 works by these painters.
Articles
See also
Famous Baroque artistsNight Watch · Rembrandt
Famous Contemporary Realist artistsThe Gleaners · Jean-François Millet
Famous Impressionist artistsStarry Night (New York, MoMA) · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Romanticist artistsSaturn Devouring His Son · Francisco Goya
Famous Neoclassicist artistsThe Death of Marat · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Realist artistsThe origin of the world · Gustave Courbet
Famous Renaissance artistsMona Lisa (La Gioconda) · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Dutch Golden Age artistsThe Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
Famous Rococo artistsThe Embarkation for Cythera · Jean-Antoine Watteau
Famous Pop Art artistsCampbell's soup cans · Andy WarholSee also
Famous Early Medieval artistsWinter Landscape · Wang Wei
Famous High Medieval artistsMadonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) · Giotto
Famous Late Medieval artistsThe Annunciation and Two Saints · Simone Martini
Famous Renaissance artistsThe Creation of Adam · Michelangelo
Famous Early Modern artistsThe Calling of Saint Matthew · Caravaggio
Famous 19th Century artistsWater Lilies (or Nympheas) · Claude Monet
Famous Modern artistsGuernica · Pablo Picasso
Famous Contemporary artistsWind Sculpture III (one in a series of nine) · Yinka ShonibareFamous paintings
Famous Impressionism paintingsWater Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Baroque paintingsLas Meninas · Diego Velázquez
Famous Romanticism paintingsLiberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintingsNighthawks · Edward HopperFamous Post-Impressionism paintingsStarry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Surrealism paintingsThe Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Neoclassicism paintingsNapoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis DavidFamous Renaissance paintingsMona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Symbolism paintingsThe Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintingsBurial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintingsThe Swing · Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Famous Art Nouveau paintingsThe kiss · Gustav KlimtSee also
