1/ 100
Василий Кандински 1866–1944
Руски b. Москва ['Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно живопис', 'Der Blaue Reiter'] Wikipedia 32/32
The Expressionist shortlist
Василий Кандински (1866–1944) is the most famous Expressionist художник, best known for Композиция VIII и Няколко кръга, Соломон Р. Г. Then Едвард Мунк, Жан-Мишел Баския, Паул Клее и Джаксън Полък. The list covers 100 художници born between 1849 and 1960 in 39 countries, from Християн Ролфс to Жан-Мишел Баския.
Method. Scope: artists filed under Expressionist in our catalogue. Order: our artist fame ranking. Excluded: artists born after 1955 without a Wikidata identifier. Wikipedia figure: languages with an article, out of our 32.
Key data
Ranked list
1/ 100
Руски b. Москва ['Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно живопис', 'Der Blaue Reiter'] Wikipedia 32/32
3/ 100
Американски b. Бруклин Неоекспресионизъм Wikipedia 29/32
By the early 1980s, Basquiat transitioned from graffiti to canvas, rapidly gaining recognition within the New York art world. Here are some defining works that encapsulate Basquiat’s artistic vision: Untitled (Skull): A powerful representation of mortality and the African diaspora, achieving record-breaking auction prices.
4/ 100
Германска и швейцарска b. Мюнхенбухзее Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia 31/32
Angel Applicant (1939). За да откриете следите от неговото изключително богато творчество, трябва да пътувате до Берн, Швейцария.
5/ 100
Американец b. Коуди Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia 31/32
By 1947, a profound shift had taken hold in the way he approached the canvas. This approach is evident in Number 1, 1949, a work that captures a raw outpouring of energy, and in Lavender Mist, Number 1, 1950, which remains a significant piece of his output.
Location 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.
8/ 100
Ирландец b. Дъблин Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia 30/32
Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (1944).
9/ 100
Германец b. Дрезден ['Фотореализъм', 'Абстракция'] Wikipedia 28/32
From 1957 to 1961, he remains within the academy's structure, working as a master trainee. In 2015, his 1986 work Abstraktes Bild sold for over $44.5 million.
Location The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.
10/ 100
Dutch-American b. Ротердам Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 30/32
From his teenage years until 1924, he attends these classes in Rotterdam, balancing the demands of work with the study of formal art. Around 1938, he produces Two Standing Men, a work that captures a sense of the figure before the total dismantling of form takes hold.
12/ 100
Американски b. Дъгавпилс Цветово полево изкуство
No. 10 (Brown Black Sienna on Dark Wine).
14/ 100
Австрийска, чешка, британска b. Пьохларн Експресионизъм, Виенска авангарда Wikipedia 29/32
He developed a nervously animated style, using bold lines and imagery that drew inspiration from Medieval compositions. In his early years, this manifested in works like The Dreaming Boys, painted about 1908, which showed a departure from the polished realism of his contemporaries.
15/ 100
Германец b. Ашафенбург Германски експресионизъм Wikipedia 32/32
16/ 100
Армениско-американска b. Ван Абстрактен експресионизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia 24/32
18/ 100
Германец b. Унтерхаус ['Нова обективност', 'Дадаизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] Wikipedia 28/32
19/ 100
Белгийска b. Остенде ['Символизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] Wikipedia 25/32
21/ 100
Германец b. Лайпциг Експресионизъм, Нова обективност Wikipedia 27/32
Сред най-известните му произведения са „Дървото“ (придобито от Националната галерия в Берлин) и „Автопортрет в тъпа костюм“. Тези картини демонстрират уменията на Бесо като художник и изразяват неговите философски размишления за човешката същност и мястото му във Вселената.
22/ 100
Австрийски и Нова Зеландия b. Виена Свободен стил Wikipedia 29/32
Роден: 15 декември 1928 г., Виена, Австрия. Починал: 19 февруари 2000 г.
25/ 100
Германец b. Кьонигсберг Експресионизъм Wikipedia 28/32
Käthe Kollwitz, born Käthe Schmidt on July 8, 1867, in Kaliningrad, Russia, emerged from a family deeply rooted in both intellectual ferment and social conscience.
27/ 100
Scottish-American b. Абердин Architectural sculpture Wikipedia 28/32
Alexander Milne Calder (MILL-nee) was a Scottish-American sculptor born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on August 23, 1846. He is best known for his monumental architectural sculpture of Philadelphia City Hall and as the father of renowned sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder, alongside whose grandson, Alexander ‘Sandy’ Calder, achieved considerable acclaim in the 20th century.
28/ 100
Мексикански b. Чиуауа Социален реализъм, Мурализъм Wikipedia 24/32
The rejection of traditional academic methods – symbolized by the “open-air academy” – represented a deliberate defiance of convention and signaled Siqueiros’s determination to forge his own path as an artist, prioritizing experimentation and social engagement above all else.
29/ 100
Американка b. Манхатън Абстрактен експресионизъм, Color Field Wikipedia 19/32
32/ 100
Американски b. Ню Йорк Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia 23/32
Vir Heroicus Sublimis (1958-60), монументална творба, допълнително затвърди този подход, с множество zips, създаващи усещане за пространствена дълбочина и предизвикващи чувства на възхищение и копнеж. "Zip"-ът не беше просто естетичен елемент; той беше структурна единица, същевременно разделяща и обединяваща платното, действайки като символичен маркер на човешко присъствие в безкрайното.
33/ 100
Чешка b. Опатово ['Реализъм', 'Символизъм', 'Орфизъм', 'Кубизъм', 'Абстракция'] Wikipedia 24/32
Amorpha, Fugue en deux couleurs, субектът вече не е човек или място, а самото взаимодействие на цвета. Тази творба често се цитира като един от първите случаи на напълно нерепрезентативна живопис. Слоистовете пигмент не описват сцена; те създават ритъм от светлина и движение, който съществува независимо от всеки физически модел. Disks of Newton, Study for Fugue in Two Colors, около 1911 г.
38/ 100
Германец b. Ротенфлут Изразяване Wikipedia 25/32
Bold Lines & Stark Contrasts: Particularly evident in his woodcuts, these elements create a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity.
39/ 100
Германо-френска b. Лайпциг Жестов абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia 15/32
42/ 100
Американски b. Уиксь-Бар Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia 17/32
Recognizing his burgeoning talent for drawing and painting, he enrolled at Girard College, where he received a rigorous education focused on technical proficiency—a crucial element in preparing him for the challenges of formal artistic training.
43/ 100
Scottish b. Единбург Figurative painting
Doig's breakthrough as a painter began in 1990, while pursuing his MA at Chelsea School of Art.
44/ 100
Индийска b. Пандхарпур Кубистични повествователни картини Wikipedia 14/32
Husain extends far beyond the borders of India, marking him as a true global ambassador of modernism.
45/ 100
Германска b. Мешеде Експресионизъм, Фовизъм, Орфизъм, Кубизъм Wikipedia 28/32
50/ 100
b. Пекин ['Арт деко от 1920-те', 'Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно изкуство'] Wikipedia 12/32
52/ 100
Полски b. Варшава Символизъм, сюрреализм Wikipedia 27/32
54/ 100
Австро-американска b. Виена Дванадесеттонова техника; Експресионизъм Wikipedia 31/32
58/ 100
Сръбска b. Чачак Експресионизъм и Фовизъм Wikipedia 27/32
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. Among her most celebrated works are “ Ksenija Atanasijević,” a portrait imbued with melancholic beauty and psychological depth, and “ Gračanica Monastery,” which exemplifies her masterful use of color and texture to depict Serbian Orthodox spirituality.
60/ 100
Белгийски b. Антверпен Фламандска експресионистка изкуство Wikipedia 16/32
Constant Permeke (1886-1952) stands as one of the most prominent figures in Flemish Expressionism, a movement that profoundly impacted Belgian art and culture during its formative years. Early Life & Influences: Born in Antwerp, Permeke’s upbringing was shaped by his father's dedication to landscape painting – a tradition that instilled in him an appreciation for observation and tonal subtlety.
62/ 100
Германия b. Грос Ниendorf Изразяване Wikipedia 15/32
Notable works like “Hilly Landscape in Late Autumn” exemplify this stylistic evolution, demonstrating an acute sensitivity to atmospheric conditions and a willingness to depart from strict realism.
63/ 100
German b. Duisburg Expressionism
Wilhelm Lehmbruck (1881-1919) stands as a pivotal figure in German sculpture, embodying the spirit of Expressionism while retaining an undeniable connection to Naturalistic principles. Lehmbruck’s journey into art began with studies at the School of Applied Arts in Düsseldorf, fueled by a generous municipal stipend, allowing him to pursue his passion for sculpture alongside broader artistic explorations.
Key works · Top 100 works
73/ 100
Romanian b. Iași ['Expressionism', 'Dadaism']
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.
76/ 100
Canadian b. Montreal Lyrical Abstraction Wikipedia 14/32
Move to Paris (1947): His relocation to Paris proved transformative, leading to his first solo exhibition at Galerie La Dragonne in 1949. La Joute: A significant sculptural work featuring a fountain with alternating water jets and fire elements, originally installed at the Olympic Park in Montreal.
77/ 100
German b. Berlin Expressionism Wikipedia 18/32
From early training to her pivotal role in Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), Münter’s life was inextricably linked with artistic exploration and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what painting could be.
Key works · Top 100 works
79/ 100
Polish b. Leorda Expressionism Wikipedia 11/32
His canvases capture psychological states with remarkable sensitivity, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of his time.
80/ 100
Американски b. Бъфало Абстрактен експресионизъм, Минимализъм Wikipedia 12/32
He insisted they were devoid of any representational content—no trees, no figures, no landscapes—simply pure abstraction.
82/ 100
Austrian b. Bzenec Vienna Secession Wikipedia 13/32
Born amidst the evocative landscapes of Bisenz, Bohemia, Maximilian Franz Viktor Zdenko Marie Kurzweil carried the romantic sensibilities of his youth into the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
83/ 100
French b. Paris Expressionism
Nevertheless, Buffet’s dedication to his craft never wavered.
84/ 100
German/Dutch b. Krefeld Der Blaue Reiter Wikipedia 13/32
Born in Krefeld, Germany, in 1889, into a family connected to the textile industry – a world of intricate patterns and vibrant hues – Campendonk’s artistic journey began not with formal training but with an apprenticeship, a grounding in craft that would later inform his deeply symbolic approach.
85/ 100
Американски b. Центървил Абстрактна живопис Wikipedia 14/32
There, he encountered Teng Kuei, a Chinese painter who initiated him into the art of Eastern penmanship – a revelation that would become central to his artistic identity.
86/ 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.
87/ 100
Нидерландска b. 'c-Хертогенбос Експресионизъм, Люминизъм Wikipedia 8/32
88/ 100
German b. Soest Expressionism Wikipedia 11/32
Born on January 27, 1891, in the Westphalian town of Soest, Morgner’s life was a short but brilliant arc of creative evolution, cut tragically short by the ravages of war. Morgner’s journey into the heart of the avant-garde began in 1908, when, guided by the wisdom of Otto Modersohn, he moved to the renowned artists' colony of Worpswede.
90/ 100
Американец b. Биърмингам Неоекспресионизъм Wikipedia 8/32
Chalk Up Another One: Мощно произведение от 1992 г., което прославя чернокожия живот, като същевременно директно се противопоставя на расовите стереотипи. Scout (Girl): Неоекспресионистичен портрет, който използва смели цветове и графична дълбочина, за да улови същността на младостта и идентичността.
92/ 100
French Cubism
Armand Schonberger (1885–1974) stands as a captivating figure in the tapestry of early 20th-century modernism, a painter whose brush bridged the delicate light of Impressionism with the fractured, rhythmic energy of Cubism. Born in Galgóc and later finding his artistic soul within the vibrant bohemian circles of Munich and Budapest, Schonberger’s life was a continuous dialogue between tradition and the avant-garde.
93/ 100
German b. Dusseldorf New Objectivity & Realism
Werner Peiner (20 July 1897 – 19 August 1984) was a German painter whose artistic journey spanned from the expressive currents of early Expressionism to the increasingly formalized aesthetic dictated by the Third Reich, ultimately cementing his position as one of its most prominent official artists.
94/ 100
British Biblical scenes, female figures
Beyond the technical aspects, Ascher’s process involved a deep engagement with the source material.
95/ 100
Belgian b. Ghent Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia 10/32
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.
96/ 100
Financial support from art dealer Paul Cassirer allowed Barlach to develop his unique style, focusing on the emotional intensity of human figures.
97/ 100
Американец b. Бейрут ['Асамблайж', 'Поп арт', 'Нео-дадаизъм'] Wikipedia 17/32
98/ 100
American b. Чикаго Wood engraving, Graphic novel
Lynd Kendall Ward (June 26, 1905 – June 28, 1985) was an American artist and novelist, known for his series of wordless novels using woodcuts, and his illustrations for juvenile and adult books. Ward's formal training at Teachers College, Columbia University, culminated in graduation in 1926 and marriage to May Yonge McNeer—a partnership that would prove creatively fertile, yielding some of the most beloved children’s books of their era.
100/ 100
German b. Krefeld Expressionism Wikipedia 10/32
However, it was his subsequent studies at the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart from 1900 to 1902 that truly ignited his artistic fire.
Best-known works
Chronology
Statistics
| САЩ | 18 |
|---|---|
| Германия | 17 |
| Австрия | 6 |
| Germany | 6 |
| Русия | 5 |
| Белгия | 3 |
| Съединени американски щати | 3 |
| Швейцария | 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 |
| Музей Фолкванг | 5 |
|---|---|
| Баварски държавни списъци с произведения на изкуството | 5 |
| MoMA - Музеят на модерното изкуство | 4 |
| Музей „Соломон Р. Гугенхайм“ | 4 |
| Lenbachhaus | 3 |
| Метрополитън Музей на изкуствата | 2 |
| Leopold Museum | 2 |
| Австрийска галерия Белеведе | 2 |
Index
FAQ
Василий Кандински (#1) comes first, ahead of Едвард Мунк (#2) and Жан-Мишел Баския (#3).
Василий Кандински (#1), Едвард Мунк (#2), Жан-Мишел Баския (#3), Паул Клее (#4) и Джаксън Полък (#5).
Ню Йорк: 4 of the художници in this list were born there.
The earliest-born художник in this list is Християн Ролфс (#62), born in 1849.
САЩ: 18 of the 100 художници in this list were born there, then Германия (17) и Австрия (6).
The highest-ranked художници born in САЩ are Жан-Мишел Баския (#3), Джаксън Полък (#5), Джаспър Джонс (#11), Александър Калдер (#27) и Хелен Франкenthalер (#29).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Музей Фолкванг (5), Баварски държавни списъци с произведения на изкуството (5) и MoMA - Музеят на модерното изкуство (4).
“This process was less about controlled brushwork and more about a rhythmic, almost primal release of energy onto the surface.” — from our biography of Джаксън Полък (#5).
The highest-ranked художници born in Германия are Герхард Рихтер (#9), Франц Марк (#13), Ернст Лудвиг Кирхнер (#15), Ото Дикс (#18) и Макс Бекман (#21).
10 women are in this ranking: Кете Колвиц (#25), Хелен Франкenthalер (#29), Паула Модерсон-Бекерова (#34), Ли Краснър (#37), Алис Нил (#49), Мариа́нна Верёвкина (#55), Надежда Петрович (#58) и Gabriele Münter (#77).
The highest-ranked living художници in this list are Герхард Рихтер (#9), Джаспър Джонс (#11), Анселм Кифер (#23), Юлиан Шнайбель (#35), Петър Дойг (#43) и Къри Джеймс Маршъл (#90).
Our catalogue holds 16,739 works by these художници.
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