1of 100
فاسيلي كاندينسكي 1866–1944
روسي Born in موسكو ['التعبيرية', 'الرسم التجريدي', 'الرائد الأزرق'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Expressionist painters, ranked
The most famous Expressionist painter is فاسيلي كاندينسكي (1866–1944), known for تكوين الثامن and تكوين السابع. Next come إدفارد مونش, جان ميشيل باسكيات, بول كلي and جاكسون بولوك. This ranking of the 100 most famous Expressionist painters runs from كريستيان رولفس (born 1849) to جان ميشيل باسكيات (born 1960), across 37 countries.
How this list is ranked. Artists whose works our catalogue files under Expressionist, in the order of our fame ranking of artists. Artists without a Wikidata identifier born after 1955 are left out until verified. The Wikipedia figure next to each name is the number of our 32 languages in which Wikipedia has an article on the artist.
The essentials
Ranked, with their masterpieces
1of 100
روسي Born in موسكو ['التعبيرية', 'الرسم التجريدي', 'الرائد الأزرق'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
3of 100
Born in بروكلين Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
Piscine versus the Best Hotels (أو أجزاء مختلفة): يجسد تجميع باسكياط للثروة والفقر، ويعرض أسلوبه الفني الفريد. Portrait of the Artist as a Young Derelict: صورة ذاتية تجسد موضوعات الهوية والاغتراب والنقد الاجتماعي.
4of 100
ألماني وسويسري Born in ميونشنبوخزة التعبيرية، التكعيبية، السريالية Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
7of 100
نمساوي Born in تولن آن دير دوناو التعبيرية النمساوية Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
8of 100
أيرلندي Born in دبلن التعبيرية، التكعيبية، السريالية Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (1944).
10of 100
هولندي أمريكي Born in روتردام التعبيرية التجريدية Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
Key works · The 100 most famous works
15of 100
ألماني Born in أشافنبورغ التعبيرية الألمانية Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
16of 100
أرمني أمريكي Born in خورجوم التعبيرية التجريدية، السريالية Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
19of 100
Born in أوستند Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
James Ensor was born on April 13, 1860, in Ostend, Belgium. From 1877 to 1880, he attended the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels.
Where to see Ensor’s presence in major international collections confirms his lasting impact on the development of modernism.
21of 100
ألماني Born in لايبزيغ التعبيرية، الواقعية الجديدة Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
29of 100
أمريكي Born in مانهاتن التعبيرية التجريدية، حقل اللون Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
32of 100
Born in نيويورك Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
Key Themes: Spirituality, The Sublime, Human Existence, Post-War Anxiety. Notable Works: Onement VI, Vir Heroicus Sublimis, “Rothko by Newman”, The Song of Orpheus. Artistic Style: Abstract Expressionism, Color Field Painting, characterized by large fields of color and vertical "zips".
33of 100
تشيكي Born in أوبوتشنو ['الواقعية', 'الرمزية', 'الأورفية', 'التكعيبية', 'التجريد'] Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
Disks of Newton, Study for Fugue in Two Colors ، حوالي عام 1911.
34of 100
Born in درسدن Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
Paula Modersohn-Becker, a name that resonates with quiet power in the annals of early modern art, was an artist who dared to look inward. 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.
36of 100
ألماني Born in دويتشبازيليتز التعبيرية الجديدة Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
Key works · The 100 most famous works
39of 100
ألماني فرنسي Born in لايبزيغ التعبيرية التجريدية الإيمائية Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
41of 100
أمريكي Born in أبردين التعبيرية التجريدية Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
42of 100
أمريكي Born in ويلكس بار التعبيرية التجريدية Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
44of 100
هندي Born in بانهاربور لوحات تكعيبية سردية Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
Key works · The 100 most famous works
48of 100
ألماني Born in غفارديسك الطباعة والتعبيرية Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
49of 100
أمريكية Born in ميريون سكوير التعبيرية، الواقعية Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
51of 100
سويسري Born in واكسيلدورن التعبيرية، باوهاوس Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
53of 100
ألماني Born in دوبيلن التعبيرية الألمانية Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
54of 100
نمساوي أمريكي Born in فيينا تقنية الاثني عشر نغمة؛ التعبيرية Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
56of 100
إسباني Born in تسفيكاو التكعيبية، السريالية Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
57of 100
مجري Born in بودابست الفن المجري الحديث Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
58of 100
Serbian Born in Čačak Expressionism & Fauvism Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Nadežda Petrović (Serbian Cyrillic: Надежда Петровић; 11/12 October 1873 – 3 April 1915) was a Serbian painter and one of the women war photography pioneers in the region. Graduating in 1891, she taught there for a period beginning in 1893 before moving to Munich to study with Slovenian artist Anton Ažbe. Petrović’s relocation to Munich in 1901 proved transformative, exposing her to the burgeoning avant-garde movements of Expressionism and Fauvism.
60of 100
Belgian Born in Antwerp Flemish Expressionism Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
He fundamentally altered the course of Belgian art, paving the way for subsequent generations of Expressionist artists.
63of 100
German Born in Duisburg Expressionism
Emotional Depth: A unique ability to capture the essence of human vulnerability and existential solitude.
67of 100
أمريكي Born in بورتلاند ['التعبيرية التجريدية', 'الأسلوب التصويري لمنطقة خليج سان فرانسيسكو', 'التجريد الغنائي'] Wikipedia in 9/32 languages
68of 100
أمريكي Born in روثرفورد الحداثة، الألوان المائية Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
73of 100
Romanian Born in Iași ['Expressionism', 'Dadaism']
Segal’s formative years were spent in Romania, absorbing the artistic traditions of the region while simultaneously encountering the burgeoning avant-garde currents emanating from Berlin. A subsequent period in Paris and Italy allowed him to immerse himself in the vibrant artistic scene of the time, encountering the innovations of Post-Impressionism and early Modernism.
75of 100
أمريكي Born in نيويورك التعبيرية التجريدية Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
76of 100
Canadian Born in Montreal Lyrical Abstraction Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
Les Automatistes: Riopelle was a member of Les Automatistes in the 1940s, embracing Surrealist principles and exploring spontaneous creation. Move to Paris (1947): His relocation to Paris proved transformative, leading to his first solo exhibition at Galerie La Dragonne in 1949. Riopelle was the first Canadian painter since James Wilson Morrice to achieve widespread international recognition.
77of 100
German Born in Berlin Expressionism Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
Gabriele Münter stands as a pivotal figure in the vibrant landscape of early 20th-century German art, a painter whose contributions to Expressionism were long overshadowed but are now rightfully celebrated. 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.
79of 100
Polish Born in Leorda Expressionism Wikipedia in 11/32 languages
Weiss's distinctive style is characterized by intense emotion conveyed through muted color palettes and dynamic brushstrokes—a hallmark of Expressionism. His canvases capture psychological states with remarkable sensitivity, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of his time. Furthermore, he engaged with Symbolist artists such as Edvard Munch and Gustav Klimt, incorporating evocative imagery and psychological depth into his compositions.
80of 100
أمريكي Born in بوفالو التعبيرية التجريدية، البساطة Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
82of 100
Austrian Born in Bzenec Vienna Secession Wikipedia in 13/32 languages
His relocation to Vienna in 1879 marked the beginning of a transformative era for both the artist and the city itself, as he moved from the quietude of his Czech origins toward the vibrant, pulsing energy of a burgeoning metropolis. While he achieved significant professional milestones—including being awarded the prestigious Villa Romana prize in 1905 and serving as a respected professor at the Frauenkunstschule —his personal existence was often shadowed by an innate sense of melancholy.
83of 100
French Born in Paris Expressionism
By the late 1950s, shifting artistic tides toward total abstraction and criticisms regarding his prolific output and lavish lifestyle led to a period of professional alienation. Nevertheless, Buffet’s dedication to his craft never wavered. Despite his immense success, Buffet’s journey was not without its tribulations.
84of 100
German/Dutch Born in Krefeld Der Blaue Reiter Wikipedia in 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.
85of 100
American Born in Centerville Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
Thompson introduced Tobey to the tenets of the Baháʼí Faith, a religion emphasizing the unity of all religions and humanity’s spiritual evolution. Tobey’s travels became increasingly frequent and purposeful, taking him across Europe, Palestine, Turkey, Lebanon, China, and Japan. He represented the United States at the Venice Biennale in 1958, further solidifying his position as a major figure in the art world.
86of 100
Scottish Expressionism; Surrealism
During his formative years at the Edinburgh College of Art, he forged lasting bonds with contemporaries such as Alan Bold and Alexander Moffat, contributing to a movement dedicated to revitalizing Scottish art through a blend of local heritage and international influence. John Bellany’s contribution to British art history is marked by his ability to elevate regional Scottish identity to a universal stage.
88of 100
German Born in Soest Expressionism Wikipedia in 11/32 languages
His service, which earned him the Iron Cross, ultimately led to his untimely death near Langemark, Belgium, in August 1917, at the age of only twenty-six.
90of 100
أمريكي Born in برمنغهام التعبيرية الجديدة Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
92of 100
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.
93of 100
German Born in 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.
94of 100
British Biblical scenes, female figures
Her use of light and shadow was particularly masterful, imbuing her figures with a sense of depth and psychological complexity. Beyond the technical aspects, Ascher’s process involved a deep engagement with the source material. Her influence can be seen in later generations of artists who sought to infuse their work with personal meaning and social commentary.
95of 100
Belgian Born in Ghent Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 10/32 languages
Notably, he collaborated on a comic strip series with Jean Ray, further demonstrating his versatility as an artist. His legacy endures as one of the most significant figures of the Belgian Expressionist movement. Van Hecke’s unwavering support provided Van den Berghe with crucial exposure and access to the artistic circles of Brussels and Ghent.
96of 100
A pivotal trip to Russia in 1906 profoundly influenced his artistic direction, exposing him to new perspectives and a more expressive aesthetic. Financial support from art dealer Paul Cassirer allowed Barlach to develop his unique style, focusing on the emotional intensity of human figures.
97of 100
أمريكي Born in بيروت ['تجميع (Assemblage)', 'فن البوب (Pop Art)', 'النيو-دادا (Neo-Dada)'] Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
100of 100
German Born in Krefeld Expressionism Wikipedia in 10/32 languages
Unlike many artists who sought grand urban centers, Nauen found his creative haven in the Rhineland, a region steeped in folklore, rural beauty, and a deep connection to the land – influences that would irrevocably shape his distinctive style. Nauen’s formal training began at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf in 1898, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of established masters. While Nauen’s work predates the formal establishment of German Expressionism, it undeniably shares many key characteristics with the movement.
The paintings behind the names
Through time
In figures
| الولايات المتحدة | 18 |
|---|---|
| ألمانيا | 18 |
| النمسا | 6 |
| Germany | 6 |
| روسيا | 5 |
| الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية | 4 |
| سويسرا | 2 |
| هولندا | 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 |
All of them, in order
Your questions, answered
First place goes to فاسيلي كاندينسكي (#1); إدفارد مونش (#2) and جان ميشيل باسكيات (#3) complete the podium.
فاسيلي كاندينسكي (#1), إدفارد مونش (#2), جان ميشيل باسكيات (#3), بول كلي (#4) and جاكسون بولوك (#5).
The highest-ranked painters born in ألمانيا are جيرارد ريختر (#9), فرانتس مارك (#13), إرنست لودفيغ كيرشنر (#15), أوتو ديكس (#18) and ماكس بكمان (#21).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are متحف الفن الحديث (MoMA) (6), Museum Folkwang (4) and Städel Museum (3).
نيويورك: 4 of the painters in this list were born there.
Most painters in this list were born in the 1880s (22 of 100), between 1849 and 1960 overall.
The earliest-born painter in this list is كريستيان رولفس (#62), born in 1849.
The highest-ranked living painters in this list are جيرارد ريختر (#9), جاسبر جونز (#11), أنسليم كييفر (#23), جوليان شنابل (#35), بيتر دوغ (#43) and كيري جيمس مارشال (#90).
“This sense of existential struggle is furthered in The Man of Sorrows (1891), an oil painting that combines the suffering of Christ with the jarring imagery of a Japanese Noh theatre mask.” — from our biography of جيمس إنسور (#19).
The highest-ranked painters born in الولايات المتحدة are جان ميشيل باسكيات (#3), جاكسون بولوك (#5), جاسبر جونز (#11), ألكسندر كالدر (#27) and هيلين فرانكينثالر (#29).
الولايات المتحدة: 18 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then ألمانيا (18) and النمسا (6).
Our catalogue holds 16,739 works by these painters.
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