Famous Expressionist Painters — Top 100 List

11/ 100

Jasper Johns born 1930

American b. Augusta Wikipedia 24/32

The surface of a Johns painting often feels heavy and built up. In the mid-1950s, the painting Flag (1954–55) used a collage of the Stars and Stripes, layering newspaper with pigment.

Location To see his paintings and sculptures in person, one might travel to New York City.

12/ 100

Mark Rothko 1903–1970

American b. Daugavpils ['Color Field painting', 'Abstract Expressionism']

By 1940, he made the decision to change his name to Mark Rothko.

Location To stand before his canvases is to experience the weight of color in a quiet room.

13/ 100

Franz Marc 1880–1916

German b. Kreuzstraße German Expressionism Wikipedia 31/32

His time in France, specifically during visits to Paris in 1903 and 1907, acted as a catalyst for this departure. In 1911, he produced The Large Blue Horses, a work that established his preference for non-naturalistic color.

Location The Franz Marc Museum in Kochel am See, Germany, functions as a primary site for his legacy, housing over 150 of his works.

14/ 100

Oskar Kokoschka 1886–1980

Austrian, Czech, British b. Pöchlarn Expressionism, Viennese Avant-Garde 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

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner 1880–1938

German b. Aschaffenburg German Expressionism Wikipedia 32/32

This transient existence saw the family living in Frankfurt/Main from 1886, following a period spent in Perlen near Lucerne, Switzerland, between 1887 and 1889. This piece, along with his 1919 oil painting Der Maler, Selbstporträt, reveals a man confronting his own vulnerability through a piercing, intense gaze.

Location The physical presence of Kirchner’s vision is scattered across several major institutions, reflecting the international reach of his influence.

16/ 100

Arshile Gorky 1904–1948

Armenian-American b. Dilkaya Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia 24/32

His practice was not confined to the classroom; he spent much of his time at the Museums of Fine Arts, Boston, studying the old masters. This tendency to pull from the past is evident in the Nighttime, Enigma, and Nostalgia series, created between 1930 and 1934.

Location To see the physical traces of his hand, one might travel to Washington, D.C.

17/ 100

Emil Nolde 1867–1956

German-Danish b. Nolde German Expressionism Wikipedia 28/32

His parents were Danish and Frisian peasants, and the rhythms of rural life shaped his early years. In 1912, he produced Man, Woman and Cat, a work that reflects his interest in the forms of objects and figures.

Location Tracing his presence in public collections reveals a scattered but significant trail.

18/ 100

Otto Dix 1891–1969

German b. Untermhaus ['Neue Sachlichkeit', 'Dadaism', 'Expressionism'] Wikipedia 28/32

Dix enters an apprenticeship under the painter Carl Senff, a period of study that lasts until 1910. Portrait of the Journalist Sylvia Von Harden, painted in 1926, captures the specific character of the era.

Location The physical presence of Dix’s vision remains scattered across major international institutions.

19/ 100

James Ensor 1860–1949

Belgian b. Ostend ['Symbolism', 'Expressionism'] Wikipedia 25/32

His identity was shaped by a specific cultural intersection: his father, James Frederic Ensor, was born in Brussels to English parents, while his mother, Maria Catherina Haegheman, was Belgian. His 1882 work The Oyster Eater demonstrates a different facet of his ability to handle light and color, depicting his sister Mitche in a scene that challenged the conservative sensibilities of the Antwerp Salon.

Location Ensor’s presence in major international collections confirms his lasting impact on the development of modernism.

20/ 100

Chaim Soutine 1893–1943

French b. Smilavičy Expressionism Wikipedia 26/32

While often categorized as an Expressionist, to label Soutine solely within this framework feels limiting.

21/ 100

Max Beckmann 1884–1950

German b. Leipzig Expressionism, New Objectivity Wikipedia 27/32

As he matured, Beckmann found himself drawn to the Old Masters.

Location Finding the physical traces of Beckmann's life requires traveling through the cities that shaped his exile and his later years.

22/ 100

Friedensreich Hundertwasser 1928–2000

Austrian b. Vienna Organic architecture, Spiral art Wikipedia 29/32

Artistic Training & Rejection of Convention: He briefly attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna but quickly rejected its rigid academic style.

23/ 100

Anselm Kiefer born 1945

German b. Donaueschingen Neo-Expressionism Wikipedia 23/32

Anselm Kiefer stands as one of the most profound and distinctive voices within Neo-Expressionism, an artistic movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a powerful reaction against the austerity of Minimalism and Conceptual Art. Born in Donaueschingen, Germany, in 1945, Kiefer’s very existence is inextricably linked to the aftermath of World War II.

24/ 100

Lucian Freud 1922–2011

British b. Berlin Realism, Figurative art Wikipedia 23/32

Works like Girl with a Kitten (1947) demonstrate this early development, while later pieces such as Benefits Supervisor Sleeping (1995) exemplify his mature style—an unflinching gaze upon the human condition.

25/ 100

Käthe Kollwitz 1867–1945

German b. Königsberg Expressionism Wikipedia 28/32

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.

26/ 100

Georges Rouault 1871–1958

French b. 19th arrondissement of Paris Expressionism, Fauvism Wikipedia 23/32

Georges Rouault, born in Paris in 1871 amidst the turmoil of the Commune, lived a life deeply etched by hardship and spiritual seeking. He simultaneously pursued formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he became a devoted pupil of Gustave Moreau, whose Symbolist leanings further nurtured Rouault's inclination towards emotionally charged subject matter.

27/ 100

Alexander Calder 1898–1976

Scottish-American b. Lawnton Architectural sculpture Wikipedia 28/32

28/ 100

David Alfaro Siqueiros 1896–1974

Mexican b. Chihuahua City Social Realism, Muralism Wikipedia 24/32

"The New Democracy" (1940s), considered one of his most important works, exemplifies this approach.

29/ 100

Helen Frankenthaler 1928–2011

American b. Manhattan Abstract Expressionism, Color Field Wikipedia 19/32

While celebrated for her pioneering work with stain painting, Helen Frankenthaler was an artist of relentless experimentation.

Trained by Hans Hofmann #72

30/ 100

Cy Twombly 1928–2011

American b. Lexington Abstract Expressionism, Postmodern Wikipedia 21/32

Works like the Ferragosto series (1961) and The Italians (1961) exemplify this period—paintings that seem to exist between calligraphy and chaos, evoking both ancient inscriptions and the immediacy of graffiti.

Trained by Franz Kline #42, Robert Motherwell #41

31/ 100

Lyonel Feininger 1871–1956

German-American b. New York City Expressionism, Cubism Wikipedia 23/32

Notable Works: Some of his significant works include " Werder I " (watercolor), " Gaberndorf II " (paper), and " Boats " (cubism, oil on canvas). Early Marine Paintings: During summer vacations on the island of Usedom (1909-1918), Feininger created numerous marine paintings depicting the Baltic Sea, showcasing his evolving style.

32/ 100

Barnett Newman 1905–1970

American b. New York City Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 23/32

Barnett Newman, born in 1905 in New York City to Jewish immigrant parents from Poland, emerged as a pivotal figure in the landscape of American art. Initially studying at the Art Students League and later at the City College of New York, Newman absorbed the influences of his time – the burgeoning Cubism of Picasso and the vibrant color palettes of Matisse were early touchstones.

33/ 100

František Kupka 1871–1957

Czech b. Opočno ['Realism', 'Symbolism', 'Orphism', 'Cubism', 'Abstraction'] Wikipedia 24/32

By 1906, he had settled in Puteaux, a suburb of Paris. His 1911 work, Disks of Newton, Study for Fugue in Two Colors, shows an interest in the intersection of scientific observation and musical rhythm.

Location To see his canvases in person, one might travel to New York City.

34/ 100

Paula Modersohn-Becker 1876–1907

German b. Dresden Expressionism Wikipedia 24/32

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.

35/ 100

Julian Schnabel born 1951

American b. Brooklyn Neo-Expressionism

Ornamental Despair, The Student of Prague, and Fakires exemplify this early period, showcasing a bold rejection of minimalist austerity in favor of maximalist expression.

36/ 100

Georg Baselitz 1938–2026

German b. Deutschbaselitz Neo-Expressionism Wikipedia 26/32

Born Hans-Georg Bruno Kern on January 23, 1938, in the small German village of Deutschbaselitz, the artist who would become known to the world as Georg Baselitz was a child of profound transition and upheaval.

37/ 100

Lee Krasner 1908–1984

American b. Brooklyn Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 17/32

Born Lena Krassner on October 27, 1908, in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York, the woman who would become Lee Krasner emerged as a transformative force within the landscape of American modernism.

38/ 100

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff 1884–1976

German b. Rottluff Expressionism Wikipedia 25/32

Bold Lines & Stark Contrasts: Particularly evident in his woodcuts, these elements create a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity.

39/ 100

Hans Hartung 1904–1989

German-French b. Leipzig Gestural Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 15/32

His formative years were steeped in the emotive power of European Expressionism, drawing strength from the works of Rembrandt and the raw, visceral energy of German painters such as Lovis Corinth and Emil Nolde.

40/ 100

Frank Auerbach 1931–2024

British b. Berlin School of London Wikipedia 17/32

The 1950s saw Auerbach establishing his presence through exhibitions at the Beaux Arts Gallery in London.

41/ 100

Robert Motherwell 1915–1991

American b. Aberdeen Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 16/32

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.

Trained Cy Twombly #30

42/ 100

Franz Kline 1910–1962

American b. Wilkes-Barre Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 17/32

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.

Trained Cy Twombly #30

43/ 100

Peter Doig born 1959

Scottish b. 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.

44/ 100

M.F. Husain 1915–2011

Indian b. Pandharpur Cubist narrative paintings Wikipedia 14/32

Husain extends far beyond the borders of India, marking him as a true global ambassador of modernism.

45/ 100

August Macke 1887–1914

German b. Meschede Expressionism, Fauvism, Orphism, Cubism Wikipedia 28/32

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. In 1913, he produced Woman in a Green Jacket, a work that radiates a certain vitality through its bold palette and confident brushwork.

Location To walk through the rooms where his spirit remains, one might travel to Bonn, Germany.

46/ 100

Alexej von Jawlensky 1864–1941

Russian b. Torzhok Expressionism Wikipedia 23/32

He began to strip away the unnecessary, focusing on the essential shapes and colors that define his unique visual language. 1908: View of Murnau Village. 1909: The Yellow House.

Location Finding the traces of Jawlensky's life requires traveling through several European cities where his presence remains felt.

47/ 100

Philip Guston 1913–1980

Canadian-American b. Montreal ['Abstract Expressionism', 'Neo-Expressionism'] Wikipedia 15/32

He later embraced abstraction, becoming a prominent figure in the New York School alongside artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.

48/ 100

Lovis Corinth 1858–1925

German b. Gvardeysk Impressionism & Expressionism Wikipedia 24/32

Paintings like “In the Slaughterhouse” (1878), with its unflinching depiction of animal carcasses, demonstrate this commitment to realistic representation, yet even here, a nascent emotional intensity begins to surface. Female Semi-Nude with Hat (1906): Demonstrates Corinth’s ability to blend classical motifs with impressionistic techniques, creating a sensuous and psychologically compelling portrait.

49/ 100

Alice Neel 1900–1984

American b. Gladwyne Expressionism, Realism Wikipedia 16/32

Notable works include "Well Baby Clinic," a bleak portrayal of mothers and babies in a maternity clinic.

50/ 100

Zao Wou-Ki 1920–2013

b. Beijing ['1920s Art Deco', 'Expressionism', 'Abstract art'] Wikipedia 12/32

Furthermore, the burgeoning interest in psychology, spearheaded by figures like Sigmund Freud, fueled explorations into the hidden depths of the human psyche—a theme that would become increasingly prominent in their work.

51/ 100

Johannes Itten 1888–1967

Swiss b. Wachseldorn Expressionism, Bauhaus Wikipedia 21/32

Even after the rise of Nazism forced its closure in 1934, Itten remained committed to artistic exploration and education, eventually relocating to Switzerland in 1938.

52/ 100

Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz 1885–1939

Polish b. Warsaw Symbolism, Surrealism Wikipedia 27/32

Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, known to most as Witkacy, remains a pivotal yet often enigmatic figure in the landscape of 20th-century art. His tragic death in 1939, upon learning of the Soviet invasion of Poland, cemented his status as a symbol of artistic integrity and resistance against oppressive forces.

53/ 100

Erich Heckel 1883–1970

German b. Döbeln German Expressionism Wikipedia 22/32

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.

54/ 100

Arnold Schoenberg 1874–1951

Austrian-American b. Vienna Twelve-tone technique; Expressionism Wikipedia 31/32

55/ 100

Marianne von Werefkin 1860–1938

Russian-German-Swiss b. Tula Expressionism, Symbolism Wikipedia 21/32

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. Fantastic Night (circa 1906-1907): A tempera painting that blends reality with fantasy, demonstrating her move towards Expressionism.

56/ 100

Max Pechstein 1881–1955

Spanish b. Zwickau Cubism, Surrealism Wikipedia 21/32

Born in the industrial heart of Zwickau in 1881, Hermann Max Pechstein emerged from a working-class background to become one of the most commanding figures of the early twentieth-century avant-garde.

57/ 100

Vilmos Aba-Novak 1894–1941

Hungarian b. Budapest Modern Hungarian art Wikipedia 18/32

Born in Budapest on March 15th, 1894, Vilmos Aba-Novák’s early life was marked by an exposure to the visual arts.

58/ 100

Nadežda Petrović 1873–1915

Serbian b. Čačak Expressionism & Fauvism 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.

59/ 100

Otto Mueller 1874–1930

German b. Lubawka Expressionism Wikipedia 19/32

Mueller’s artistic process was as distinctive as his vision.

60/ 100

Constant Permeke 1886–1952

Belgian b. Antwerp Flemish Expressionism Wikipedia 16/32

Constant Permeke, born in Antwerp in 1886, stands as a monumental figure in Belgian art history – not merely as a painter and sculptor, but as the very embodiment of Flemish Expressionism. He initially pursued formal studies at the Bruges Academy (1903-1906) and later at the Ghent Academy (1906-1908), but found himself increasingly stifled by traditional methods.

61/ 100

Jules Pascin 1885–1930

b. Vidin Wikipedia 18/32

Arrival in Paris: In 1905, Pascin moved to Paris, becoming part of the vibrant artistic community. Portrait of Hermine David (1918): A notable portrait held at the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Centre Pompidou in Paris.

62/ 100

Christian Rohlfs 1849–1938

German b. Groß Niendorf Expressionism Wikipedia 15/32

Patroclus in Soest ” (1912) reveal his fascination with architectural forms and their symbolic weight, while " The Temptation of Christ " (1914) showcases his exploration of religious narratives through an Expressionist lens.

63/ 100

Wilhelm Lehmbruck 1881–1919

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.

64/ 100

Ossip Zadkine 1888–1967

Russian-French b. Vitebsk Cubism, Modernism Wikipedia 23/32

Initially, Zadkine embraced Cubism from 1914 to 1925, demonstrating a clear understanding of its principles in his early works. The Destroyed City (1951-1953): Arguably Zadkine’s most famous work, this powerful sculpture serves as a memorial to the devastation of Rotterdam during World War II.

65/ 100

Clyfford Still 1904–1980

American b. Grandin Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 12/32

Early works like PH-616 (1929) offer a glimpse into this transitional period, showcasing his initial exploration of rural life rendered with a muted palette and evocative symbolism.

66/ 100

Richard Gerstl 1883–1908

Austrian b. Vienna Expressionism Wikipedia 15/32

In 1898, at fifteen, he entered the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna under the demanding Christian Griepenkerl.

67/ 100

Richard Diebenkorn 1922–1993

American b. Portland ['Abstract Expressionism', 'Bay Area Figurative', 'Lyrical Abstraction'] Wikipedia 9/32

This innate passion led him to Stanford University in 1940, where he encountered pivotal mentors like Victor Arnautoff, who instilled a rigorous classical discipline with oil paint, and Daniel Mendelowitz, who shared his admiration for the evocative realism of Edward Hopper.

68/ 100

John Marin 1870–1953

American b. Rutherford Modernism, Watercolor Wikipedia 16/32

John Marin, born in Rutherford, New Jersey, on December 23, 1870, experienced a childhood marked by early loss.

69/ 100

Charles Henry Sims 1873–1928

British b. 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.

70/ 100

Yannis Tsarouchis 1910–1989

Greek b. 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.

71/ 100

Aaron Siskind 1903–1991

American b. 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.

72/ 100

Hans Hofmann 1880–1966

German-American b. Weißenburg in Bayern Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 14/32

Arriving in 1904, Hofmann immersed himself in the vibrant avant-garde scene, forging friendships with luminaries like Matisse, Picasso, Braque, and Delaunay. However, with the rise of political unrest in Europe, Hofmann made a pivotal decision in 1932: he emigrated to the United States, permanently settling and bringing his European modernist sensibility to American shores.

73/ 100

Arthur Segal 1875–1944

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.

74/ 100

Albin Egger-Lienz 1868–1926

b. Stribach Wikipedia 13/32

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. He participated in the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900, receiving a bronze medal for his painting "Feldsegen.".

75/ 100

Adolph Gottlieb 1903–1974

American b. New York City Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia 12/32

His time spent in Arizona in 1937-1938 proved transformative; the stark landscapes and ancient Native American cultures sparked a fascination with primal symbolism that would permeate his work.

76/ 100

Jean-Paul Riopelle 1923–2002

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

Gabriele Münter 1877–1962

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.

Trained by Wassily Kandinsky #1

78/ 100

Yoo Youngkuk 1916–2002

Korean b. 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.

79/ 100

Wojciech Weiss 1875–1950

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

Ad Reinhardt 1913–1967

American b. Buffalo Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism Wikipedia 12/32

Ad Reinhardt, born Adolph Friedrich Reinhardt in Buffalo, New York, on December 24, 1913, was a figure who dedicated his life not merely to creating art, but to defining what art could be.

81/ 100

Karl Blossfeldt 1865–1932

German b. 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.

82/ 100

Max Kurzweil 1867–1916

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

Bernard Buffet 1928–1999

French b. Paris Expressionism

Nevertheless, Buffet’s dedication to his craft never wavered.

84/ 100

Heinrich Campendonk 1889–1957

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

Mark Tobey 1890–1976

American b. Centerville Abstract Expressionism 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

John Bellany 1942–2013

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

Jan Sluijters 1881–1957

Dutch b. 's-Hertogenbosch Expressionism, Luminism Wikipedia 8/32

Beyond landscapes and portraits, Sluijters experimented with various other genres, including still lifes and genre scenes.

88/ 100

Wilhelm Morgner 1891–1917

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.

89/ 100

Paul Jenkins 1923–2012

American b. Kansas City Abstract Expressionism

In his works, such as the evocative Untitled (664) or the energetic Phenomena compass bearing, one can witness the breathtaking interplay of light and liquid.

90/ 100

Kerry James Marshall born 1955

American b. Birmingham Neo-Expressionism Wikipedia 8/32

Born on October 17, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama, Marshall’s early life was shaped by the profound social tremors of the American South and the subsequent migration to Los Angeles.

91/ 100

Gustave De Smet 1877–1943

Belgian b. Ghent Flemish Expressionism Wikipedia 10/32

Despite facing financial hardships during the Great Depression, which led to the bankruptcy of the Galerie Le Centaure and the sale of many of his works, he remained dedicated to his craft.

92/ 100

Armand Schonberger 1885–1974

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

Werner Peiner 1897–1984

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

Mary Ascher 1900–1988

British Biblical scenes, female figures

Beyond the technical aspects, Ascher’s process involved a deep engagement with the source material.

95/ 100

Frits Van Den Berghe 1883–1939

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

Ernst Barlach 1870–1938

Financial support from art dealer Paul Cassirer allowed Barlach to develop his unique style, focusing on the emotional intensity of human figures.

97/ 100

Etel Adnan 1925–2021

American b. Beirut ['Assemblage', 'Pop Art', 'Neo-Dada'] Wikipedia 17/32

al-hallaj, qasaid, a piece showcasing her experimentation with japanese paper, is a testament to her versatility. her visual art, often characterized by its abstract and introspective nature, reflects her poetic inclinations. view more of ethel n. adnan's works on AllPaintingsStore: [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/ethel-n-adnan](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/ethel-n-adnan).

98/ 100

Lynd Ward 1905–1985

American b. Chicago Wood engraving, Graphic novel

The Biggest Bear (1952): A Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book celebrating the importance of individuality and self-acceptance.

99/ 100

Mstislav Dobuzhinsky 1875–1957

Russian-Lithuanian b. Novgorod Expressionism, Cityscapes

Born in Novgorod and carrying Lithuanian heritage, he carved out a unique artistic voice defined by a haunting exploration of urban decay, industrial landscapes, and the psychological toll of modernity. “ October Idyll ” (1905) is a particularly striking example of his expressive style, depicting a brutal urban scene of violence and poverty rendered in bold lines and intense reds – a testament to the unsettling realities of industrial Russia.

100/ 100

Heinrich Nauen 1880–1940

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.