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Василий Васильевич Кандинский 1866–1944
Русский Born in Москва ['Экспрессионизм', 'Абстрактная живопись', 'Синий всадник'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Expressionist, one artist at a time
Василий Васильевич Кандинский (1866–1944) is the most famous Expressionist painter, whose singular vision gave us Композиция VIII and Синий всадник. Next stand Эдвард Мунк, Жан-Мишель Баския, Пауль Клее and Джексон Поллок. These 100 painters, from Кристиан Рольфс (born 1849) to Жан-Мишель Баския (born 1960), came from 37 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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Русский Born in Москва ['Экспрессионизм', 'Абстрактная живопись', 'Синий всадник'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Американский Born in Парк-Слоуп Неоэкспрессионизм 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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Немецко-швейцарская Born in Мюнхенбуксе Экспрессионизм, кубизм, сюрреализм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Американец Born in Коди Абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Итальянец Born in Ливорно Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Австриец Born in Тульн-ан-дер-Донау Австрийский экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Ирландец Born in Дублин Экспрессионизм, кубизм, сюрреализм Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
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Голландско-американская Born in Роттердам Абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Американец Born in Даугавпилс ['Живопись цветового поля', 'Абстрактный экспрессионизм']
No. 6 (Фиолетовый, зеленый и красный). Оранжевый, красный, желтый (1961).
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Немец Born in Мюнхен Немецкий экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Австриец, чех, британец Born in Пёхларн Экспрессионизм, венский авангард Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
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Немец Born in Ашаффенбург Немецкий экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Армяно-американец Born in Хоргом Абстрактный экспрессионизм, Сюрреализм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Немецко-датчанин Born in Нольде Немецкий экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Немец Born in Унтерхаус ['Новая объективность', 'Дадаизм', 'Экспрессионизм'] Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Бельгиец Born in Остенде ['Символизм', 'Экспрессионизм'] Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Француз Born in Смиловичи Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
While often categorized as an Expressionist, to reduce Soutine solely to this label is a significant oversimplification. The influence of figures like Amedeo Modigliani, who explored the interplay between form and emotion, further shaped Soutine’s artistic trajectory.
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Немец Born in Лейпциг Экспрессионизм, Новая вещественность Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Австриец Born in Вена Секция Весны Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
Родился: 15 декабря 1928 г., Вена, Австрия. Умер: 19 февраля 2000 г.
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Немец Born in Донауэшинген Неоэкспрессионизм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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британский художник Born in Берлин Реализм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Немецкая Born in Кёнигсберг Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Scottish-American Born in Абердин Architectural sculpture Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
International Exposure: Calder’s journeys to Paris and London broadened his artistic perspective and fostered engagement with diverse cultural traditions. ## Notable Works (Expanded) Calder's magnum opus, Philadelphia City Hall, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and visionary ambition.
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Мексиканский Born in Чиуауа Социальный реализм, Мурализм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
«Городское блеск» (1930-е гг.) – критика капиталистической системы и изображение жизни города как места социальной изоляции и эксплуатации.
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Американка Born in Манхэттен Абстрактная экспрессия, Колористическая абстракция Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Американский Born in Лексингтон Абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
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Американский/Немецкий Born in Нью-Йорк Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Американский Born in Нью-Йорк Абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
Rejecting conventional aesthetics, he embarked on a path of self-imposed creative destruction, discarding canvases brimming with detail and striving instead for austere simplicity. He was deeply affected by the horrors of World War II and the looming threat of nuclear annihilation, perceiving a moral crisis within Western culture and believing that art could serve as a counterpoint to prevailing ideologies.
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Born in Опочно Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
«Аморфа, фуга в двух цветах», около 1912 г. «Диски Ньютона, этюд к фуге в двух цветах», около 1911 г.
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Немец Born in Дойчбазелиц Неоэкспрессионизм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Американка Born in Бруклин Абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Немецкий Born in Ротлуф Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
His woodcuts weren’t simply representations; they were expressions – a tangible manifestation of his inner world. In 1947, he was appointed professor at the University of Arts in Berlin-Charlottenburg, where he mentored a new generation of artists, imparting his knowledge and passion for expressive art.
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немец-француз Born in Лейпциг Жестуальный абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Британская Born in Берлин Школа Лондона Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Американский Born in Уилкс-Барре Абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
Recognizing the importance of mastering traditional skills alongside experimentation, he pursued further studies at Boston University, deepening his knowledge of artistic history and expanding his visual vocabulary. Simultaneously, he sought inspiration from European masters—particularly Rembrandt’s masterful use of chiaroscuro and Velázquez's meticulous observation of human anatomy—and absorbed the subtle beauty of Japanese prints, where careful line work conveyed complex emotions and narratives.
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Индиец Born in Пандхарпур Кубистическая повествовательная живопись Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Немец Born in Мешеде Экспрессионизм, фовизм, орфизм, кубизм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Русский Born in Торжок Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Немецкий Born in Гвардейск Импрессионизм и экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
His time spent studying the works of Courbet and the Barbizon school, through the interpretations offered by Munich artists like Wilhelm Leibl and Wilhelm Trübner, further shaped his approach. However, it was his exposure to Impressionism – initially viewed with skepticism – that ultimately proved transformative. Corinth’s fascination with the Baroque master Rubens was particularly significant.
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Born in Пекин ['Арт-деко 1920-х годов', 'Экспрессионизм', 'Абстрактное искусство'] Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Swiss Born in Ваксельдорн Expressionism, Bauhaus Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Польский Born in Варшава Символизм, сюрреализм Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
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Немец Born in Дёбельн Немецкий экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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Австро-американский Born in Вена Двенадцатитоновая техника; Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Русская Born in Тула Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
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Испанец Born in Цвиккау Кубизм, Сюрреализм Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Венгр Born in Будапешт Современное венгерское искусство Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Serbian Born in Čačak Expressionism & Fauvism 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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Бельгиец Born in Антверпен Фламандский экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
Constant Permeke (1886 – 1952) stands as a monumental figure in Belgian art history, recognized primarily for his contribution to Flemish Expressionism—a movement that profoundly impacted the artistic landscape of the early 20th century.
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Българин Born in Видин Школа Париж, Експресионизм Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Германия Born in Грос-Ниэндорф Экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
Furthermore, Rohlfs’s exploration of religious subjects—particularly “The Temptation of Christ” (1914)—revealed his commitment to conveying spiritual narratives through an Expressionist lens—a stylistic choice that distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.
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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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Русско-французский Born in Витебск Кубизм, Модернизм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Американский Born in Гранд-Исланд Абстрактный экспрессионизм Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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Американский Born in Портленд Лирическая абстракция Wikipedia in 9/32 languages
His family’s relocation to San Francisco when he was just two years old proved pivotal, immersing him in the vibrant cultural landscape of California and shaping his artistic sensibility with its light, atmosphere, and sense of place. Richard Diebenkorn’s passing in 1993 marked the end of a remarkable career, but his artistic vision continues to illuminate the landscape of American art.
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British Born in Истлём Outsider art, Impressionism
He also honed his skills at the Royal Academy Schools from 1892 to 1895, where he was awarded the Landseer Scholarship—a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional artistic merit. Initially drawn to the works of Orchardson and Bastien-Lepage, Sims’ artistic explorations soon broadened horizons, embracing the stylistic innovations of Italian quattrocento painting and Puvis de Chavannes. Iris, Sunshine And Wind, and The Bathers are just a few canvases that exemplify Sims’ evolving style and captivating use of light and color.
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Грек Born in Пирей Сюрреализм
«Вход в загородный дом» (1928): Эта акварель служит примером способности Цартойхиса сливать фантазию с тщательной наблюдательностью. «Этюд к "Маю"» (1973): Картина демонстрирует влияние Моранди и мастерское использование техники импасто, передавая одновременно красоту и меланхолию.
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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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Американский Born in Нью-Йорк Абстрактный экспрессионизм 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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Американский Born in Буффало Абстракционизм, Минимализм Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
These works, created between 1954 and 1967, are not simply devoid of color; they are intensely layered with subtle variations in tone, texture, and reflectivity. The paintings were often described as “silent,” reflecting Reinhardt’s belief that art should not impose itself upon the viewer but rather stimulate contemplation and sensory experience. 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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Американский Born in Сентрвилл Абстрактный экспрессионизм 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.
Signature works · The 100 signature works
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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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Голландец Born in Хертогенбос Экспрессионизм, Люминизм 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 Бирмингем Неоэкспрессионизм Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
Chalk Up Another One: мощная работа 1992 года, воспевающая жизнь чернокожих и одновременно бросающая прямой вызов расовым стереотипам. Scout (Girl): неоэкспрессионистский портрет, использующий яркие цвета и графическую глубину для передачи сути юности и самоидентификации.
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Бельгиец Born in Гент Фламандский экспрессионизм 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 ['Ассамбляж', 'Поп-арт', 'Нео-дада'] Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Американский Born in Чикаго Деревенская гравюра, графический роман
Ward's artistic breakthrough arrived in 1929 with God’s Man, a daring experiment that irrevocably altered the landscape of American literature and art. This wasn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it represented a fundamental rethinking of storytelling itself—a deliberate rejection of conventional prose in favor of visual language that prioritized emotional impact and symbolic depth. Notably, Ward's fascination with Frans Masereel’s The Sun, a groundbreaking wordless novel that utilized woodcuts to convey complex themes—particularly the struggle for spiritual enlightenment—served as a catalyst for his own artistic explorations.
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Русско-литовский Born in Новгород Экспрессионизм, Пейзажи городов
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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
| США | 19 |
|---|---|
| Германия | 18 |
| Австрия | 6 |
| Germany | 6 |
| Россия | 5 |
| Бельгия | 3 |
| Соединенные Штаты Америки | 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 |
Every name
Questions
First place goes to Василий Васильевич Кандинский (#1); Эдвард Мунк (#2) and Жан-Мишель Баския (#3) complete the podium.
Василий Васильевич Кандинский (#1), Эдвард Мунк (#2), Жан-Мишель Баския (#3), Пауль Клее (#4) and Джексон Поллок (#5).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Метрополитен-музей (5), Музей Соломона Р. Гуггенхайма (4) and Музей современного искусства (MoMA) (4).
The highest-ranked painters born in США are Жан-Мишель Баския (#3), Джексон Поллок (#5), Джаспер Джонс (#11), Александр Колдер (#27) and Элен Франкенталер (#29).
This list includes 10 women: Кете Кольвиц (#25), Элен Франкенталер (#29), Паула Модерзон-Беккер (#34), Ли Краснер (#37), Элис Нил (#49), Марианна Владимировна Верёвкина (#55), Nadežda Petrović (#58) and Gabriele Münter (#77).
США: 19 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then Германия (18) and Австрия (6).
“His paintings are immediately recognizable for their bold colors—often applied with thick impasto, a textured application of paint that gives his surfaces a palpable physicality – and agitated brushwork, creating a sense of movement and unrest.” — from our biography of Хаим Соломонович Сутин (#20).
Нью-Йорк: 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 highest-ranked living painters in this list are Герхард Рихтер (#9), Джаспер Джонс (#11), Ансельм Кифер (#23), Юлиан Шнайбель (#35), Пьер Дойг (#43) and Керри Джеймс Маршалл (#90).
The earliest-born painter in this list is Кристиан Рольфс (#62), born in 1849.
Our catalogue holds 16,739 works by these painters.
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