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Василий Кандински 1866–1944
Руски Born in Москва ['Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно живопис', 'Der Blaue Reiter'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Expressionist, one artist at a time
Василий Кандински (1866–1944) is the most famous Expressionist художник, whose singular vision gave us Композиция VIII и Качулката със син кон. Next stand Едвард Мунк, Жан-Мишел Баския, Паул Клее и Джаксън Полък. These 100 художници, from Християн Ролфс (born 1849) to Жан-Мишел Баския (born 1960), came from 39 countries.
Our selection. Artists whose works our catalogue attaches to Expressionist, in the order of our fame ranking. Artists born after 1955 with no Wikidata identifier stay out until verified. The Wikipedia figure counts our 32 languages with an article on the artist.
In brief
One artist at a time
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Руски Born in Москва ['Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно живопис', 'Der Blaue Reiter'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Американски Born in Бруклин Неоекспресионизъм Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
By the early 1980s, Basquiat transitioned from graffiti to canvas, rapidly gaining recognition within the New York art world. The crown, perhaps his most iconic symbol, has been interpreted as a representation of aspiration, self-mythologization, and the complexities of Black identity in America. In the years since his death, Basquiat’s reputation has only grown.
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Германска и швейцарска Born in Мюнхенбухзее Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
Angel Applicant (1939). За да откриете следите от неговото изключително богато творчество, трябва да пътувате до Берн, Швейцария.
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Американец Born in Коуди Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
He moved away from the traditional easel, choosing instead to lay his canvases directly upon the floor. He did not merely apply paint; he dripped, splashed, and flung it from above, letting the liquid fall in unpredictable patterns. 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.
Where to see 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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Италианец Born in Ливорно Експресионизъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Австрийска Born in Тулн на Дунав Австрийски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Ирландец Born in Дъблин Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (1944).
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Германец Born in Дрезден ['Фотореализъм', 'Абстракция'] Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
After dropping out of school at age fifteen, Richter enters the industrial landscape of post-war Germany. From 1957 to 1961, he remains within the academy's structure, working as a master trainee. In 1972, he represented West Germany at the Venice Biennale, a moment that solidified his standing on the international stage.
Where to see The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.
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Dutch-American Born in Ротердам Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
The evenings belong to the Academie van Beeldende Kunsten en Technische Wetenschappen. 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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Американски Born in Дъгавпилс Цветово полево изкуство
No. 10 (Brown Black Sienna on Dark Wine).
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Германец Born in Мюнхен Немски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Австрийска, чешка, британска Born in Пьохларн Експресионизъм, Виенска авангарда Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
He developed a nervously animated style, using bold lines and imagery that drew inspiration from Medieval compositions. He was a leading figure of the Expressionist movement, moving away from simple visual accuracy to capture something much deeper. He believed that art should maintain a connection to the concrete world, a philosophy that helped shape the development of Expressionism in Vienna and across Europe.
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Германец Born in Ашафенбург Германски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Армениско-американска Born in Ван Абстрактен експресионизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Германско-датска Born in Нолде Германски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Германец Born in Унтерхаус ['Нова обективност', 'Дадаизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Белгийска Born in Остенде ['Символизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Германец Born in Лайпциг Експресионизъм, Нова обективност Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Бесо е известен със своите смели цветове и сложни текстури, които създават въздействие върху зрителя и предава истинската същност на творбите му. Той използва различни техники за рисуване и инкрустация, като например маслени бои и акварели, за да постигне желаните ефекти.
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Австрийски и Нова Зеландия Born in Виена Свободен стил Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
Роден: 15 декември 1928 г., Виена, Австрия. Починал: 19 февруари 2000 г.
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Германец Born in Донауешинген Неоекспресионизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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британски художник Born in Берлин Реализъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Германец Born in Кьонигсберг Експресионизъм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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. She continued her studies in Berlin and Munich, immersing herself in the artistic currents of the late 19th century, but always returning to the human condition as her central subject. In 1919, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts—a testament to her artistic achievements and growing influence.
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Френски Born in Париж Експресионизъм, Фавизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Scottish-American Born in Абердин Architectural sculpture Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
His son, Alexander Stirling Calder, followed in his father’s footsteps as a sculptor, perpetuating the Calder family tradition of artistic excellence.
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Мексикански Born in Чиуауа Социален реализъм, Мурализъм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
His studies at the Academy of San Carlos proved pivotal, not only honing his technical skills but also fostering a rebellious spirit that would soon find expression in his groundbreaking approach to mural painting. This rebellious impulse would continue throughout his life, driving him to confront injustice wherever he encountered it and advocating tirelessly for the rights of marginalized communities.
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Американка Born in Манхатън Абстрактен експресионизъм, Color Field Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Американски Born in Лексингтън Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
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Германец/Американски Born in Ню Йорк Изразяване Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Американски Born in Ню Йорк Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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.
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Чешка Born in Опатово ['Реализъм', 'Символизъм', 'Орфизъм', 'Кубизъм', 'Абстракция'] Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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.
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Германец Born in Дойчбазелниц Неоекспресионизъм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Американка Born in Бруклин Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Германец Born in Ротенфлут Изразяване Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
Bold Lines & Stark Contrasts: Particularly evident in his woodcuts, these elements create a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity. Landscape Focus: Throughout his career, he remained committed to depicting landscapes, often imbued with a sense of melancholy and isolation. His commitment to artistic innovation extended beyond his own practice; through an endowment established in 1964, he laid the foundation for the Brücke Museum in West Berlin, ensuring that the legacy of Die Brücke would endure for generations to come.
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Германо-френска Born in Лайпциг Жестов абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Британска Born in Берлин Лондонската школа Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Американски Born in Уиксь-Бар Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
Seeking refuge from this sorrow, he embarked on a restless journey across America, developing an independent spirit and honing his observational skills. Subsequent studies at Boston University solidified his grounding in Western art history, while his time at Heatherley School of Fine Art in London exposed him to the grandeur and stylistic diversity of European painting traditions. His participation in the Venice Biennale in 1960 earned him the Italian Ministry of Public Instruction Prize – a testament to his recognition as a leading figure within the international art community.
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Scottish Born in Единбург Figurative painting
His canvases frequently depict snowy forests and frozen lakes—scenes reminiscent of his childhood in Canada—infused with an unsettling quality—a hint of mystery that prevents them from becoming overly sentimental. Doig’s technique is characterized by complex layering of paint and color, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Doig’s artistic development was significantly shaped by exposure to the works of Edvard Munch, Caspar David Friedrich, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, and H.C.
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Индийска Born in Пандхарпур Кубистични повествователни картини Wikipedia in 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. To encounter a Husain masterpiece is to witness the heartbeat of a nation—a rhythmic, fragmented, and brilliantly colored celebration of life, struggle, and the eternal dance of the human soul. Born in 1915 in the small town of Pandharpur, Maharashtra, his early years were steeped in the vibrant cultural textures of rural India.
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Германска Born in Мешеде Експресионизъм, Фовизъм, Орфизъм, Кубизъм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Руски Born in Торжок Експресионизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Германец Born in Гвардейск Импресионизъм и експресионизъм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Born in Пекин ['Арт деко от 1920-те', 'Експресионизъм', 'Абстрактно изкуство'] Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Швейцария Born in Южна Линда Изразяване и Баухаус Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
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Полски Born in Варшава Символизъм, сюрреализм Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
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Германска Born in Дьобелн Германски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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Австро-американска Born in Виена Дванадесеттонова техника; Експресионизъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Рускиня Born in Тула Изразъмственизъм Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
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Испанец Born in Цвикау Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Унгарска Born in Будапеща Модерно унгарско изкуство Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Сръбска Born in Чачак Експресионизъм и Фовизъм Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Born in Čačak, Serbia, Petrović moved to Belgrade in her youth and attended the women's school of higher education there. Between 1901 and 1912, she exhibited her work in many cities throughout Europe. Petrović’s relocation to Munich in 1901 proved transformative, exposing her to the burgeoning avant-garde movements of Expressionism and Fauvism.
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Белгийски Born in Антверпен Фламандска експресионистка изкуство Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
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.
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Български Born in Видин Школа на Париж, Експресионизъм Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Германия Born in Грос Ниendorf Изразяване Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
Rohlfs’s artistic output is remarkably diverse, encompassing landscapes that resonate with psychological depth and spiritual contemplation alongside depictions of religious subjects imbued with solemn reverence. 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. Christian Rohlfs’s contribution to German Expressionism is undeniable, securing him a prominent place in art history.
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German Born in Duisburg Expressionism
Emotional Depth: A unique ability to capture the essence of human vulnerability and existential solitude.
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Руско-френски Born in Витебск Кубизъм, Модернизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Американски Born in Грандин Абстракт изразяване Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Американски Born in Портланд Лирична абстракция Wikipedia in 9/32 languages
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Romanian Born in 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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Американски Born in Ню Йорк Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
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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. Shift from Surrealism: After a brief association with the Surrealists, Riopelle moved towards Lyrical Abstraction, a style related to Abstract Expressionism. He is considered a leading artist of French Lyrical Abstraction.
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German Born in Berlin Expressionism Wikipedia in 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. 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. Münter's artistic education began with private tutoring, followed by formal studies at the Düsseldorf studio of Ernst Bosch and later at the Damenschule (Women’s School) in Munich.
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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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. He absorbed inspiration from Impressionists like Monet and Sisley, adapting their techniques to convey emotion and atmosphere.
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Американски Born in Бъфало Абстрактен експресионизъм, Минимализъм Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
He insisted they were devoid of any representational content—no trees, no figures, no landscapes—simply pure abstraction. The paintings weren’t intended to evoke emotion or tell a story; rather, they were designed to be experienced as objects of pure aesthetic contemplation—a testament to Reinhardt's belief that art should exist for its own sake. 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.
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Austrian Born in Bzenec Vienna Secession Wikipedia in 13/32 languages
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. Yet, it was his immersion in the light-drenched ateliers of Paris, particularly the Académie Julian, that truly ignited his creative spirit. 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.
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French Born in Paris Expressionism
Despite his immense success, Buffet’s journey was not without its tribulations. The very qualities that had made him a star—his accessibility and his commitment to the figurative—became targets for a changing art establishment.
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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.
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Американски Born in Центървил Абстрактна живопис Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
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. 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
A pivotal moment in his development occurred during his travels to Europe, where the monumental war triptychs of Otto Dix in Dresden left an indelible mark on his psyche. 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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Нидерландска Born in 'c-Хертогенбос Експресионизъм, Люминизъм Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
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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.
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Американец Born in Биърмингам Неоекспресионизъм Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
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.
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Белгърска Born in Гент Фламандски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 10/32 languages
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French Cubism
Beyond his individual stylistic achievements, Armand Schonberger played a vital role in the collective movement of the European avant-garde.
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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.
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British Biblical scenes, female figures
She often worked directly on the support, layering charcoal and paint in multiple passes, building up textures and creating subtle gradations of tone. 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.
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Belgian Born in Ghent Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 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. His legacy endures as one of the most significant figures of the Belgian Expressionist movement. 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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Initially, Barlach worked in an Art Nouveau style, creating illustrations for the magazine Jugend and ceramic sculptures. A pivotal trip to Russia in 1906 profoundly influenced his artistic direction, exposing him to new perspectives and a more expressive aesthetic.
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Американец Born in Бейрут ['Асамблайж', 'Поп арт', 'Нео-дадаизъм'] Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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American Born in Чикаго Wood engraving, Graphic novel
Ward was born on June 26, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois—a city undergoing rapid industrialization and grappling with social tensions.
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Руско-литовски Born in Новгород Експресионизъм, Градски пейзажи
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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. While Nauen’s work predates the formal establishment of German Expressionism, it undeniably shares many key characteristics with the movement.
Signature works
A timeline
Figures
| 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 |
| Метрополитън Музей на изкуствата | 5 |
|---|---|
| Музей Фолкванг | 5 |
| MoMA - Музеят на модерното изкуство | 4 |
| Баварски държавни списъци с произведения на изкуството | 4 |
| Lenbachhaus | 3 |
| Музей „Соломон Р. Гугенхайм“ | 3 |
| Музеят на Израел | 3 |
| Център Помпиду | 2 |
Every name
Questions
First place goes to Василий Кандински (#1); Едвард Мунк (#2) and Жан-Мишел Баския (#3) complete the podium.
Василий Кандински (#1), Едвард Мунк (#2), Жан-Мишел Баския (#3), Паул Клее (#4) и Джаксън Полък (#5).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Метрополитън Музей на изкуствата (5), Музей Фолкванг (5) и MoMA - Музеят на модерното изкуство (4).
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).
This list includes 10 women: 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).
САЩ: 18 of the 100 художници in this list were born there, then Германия (17) и Австрия (6).
“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).
Ню Йорк: 4 of the художници in this list were born there.
Most художници in this list were born in the 1880s (22 of 100), between 1849 and 1960 overall.
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).
The earliest-born художник in this list is Християн Ролфс (#62), born in 1849.
Our catalogue holds 16,739 works by these художници.
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