Famous Expressionist Painters: Our Top 100

11of 100

Jasper Johns born 1930

American From Augusta On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages

Jasper Johns was born on May 15, 1930, in Augusta, Georgia. Later, he spent time with his mother and stepfather in Columbia, and eventually lived with his Aunt Gladys on Lake Murray.

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

12of 100

Mark Rothko 1903–1970

American From Daugavpils ['Color Field painting', 'Abstract Expressionism']

Mark Rothko was born Markus Yakovlevich Rothkowitz in 1903. He was born in Dvinsk, Russia, in a place now known as Daugavpils, Latvia.

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

13of 100

Franz Marc 1880–1916

German From Kreuzstraße German Expressionism On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages

Franz Marc was born in Munich, Germany, into a household where the visual language of landscape was already established. His father, Wilhelm Marc, worked as a professional landscape painter, providing a direct, if not entirely certain, introduction to the mechanics of art.

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

14of 100

Oskar Kokoschka 1886–1980

Austrian, Czech, British From Pöchlarn Expressionism, Viennese Avant-Garde On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages

Oskar Kokoschka entered the world in 1886 in Pöchlarn, Croatia. Growing up in a household shaped by the precision of her husband's craft, he shared his early years with his sister, Berta, and his brother, Bohuslav.

15of 100

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner 1880–1938

German From Aschaffenburg German Expressionism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was born on 6 May 1880 in Aschaffenburg, Germany. 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.

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

16of 100

Arshile Gorky 1904–1948

Armenian-American From Dilkaya Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages

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. His early paintings show the influence of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.

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

17of 100

Emil Nolde 1867–1956

German-Danish From Nolde German Expressionism On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages

Born Hans Emil Hansen, he grew up on a farm in the Duchy of Schleswig. His parents were Danish and Frisian peasants, and the rhythms of rural life shaped his early years.

See them at Tracing his presence in public collections reveals a scattered but significant trail.

18of 100

Otto Dix 1891–1969

German From Untermhaus ['Neue Sachlichkeit', 'Dadaism', 'Expressionism'] On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages

His father, Franz Dix, works in an iron foundry, a setting defined by heavy toil. The path toward professional training begins in 1906.

See them at The physical presence of Dix’s vision remains scattered across major international institutions.

19of 100

James Ensor 1860–1949

Belgian From Ostend ['Symbolism', 'Expressionism'] On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages

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.

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

20of 100

Chaim Soutine 1893–1943

French From Smilavičy Expressionism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages

Born into a large, impoverished Jewish family in Smilovichi, Russia (present-day Belarus) in 1893, Chaim Soutine’s early life was steeped in hardship. He received formal training at an art academy in Vilna (now Vilnius, Lithuania) from 1910 to 1913, but it was his emigration to Paris in 1913 that proved truly pivotal.

21of 100

Max Beckmann 1884–1950

German From Leipzig Expressionism, New Objectivity On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages

By 1912, he was already tackling ambitious subjects that required a command of large-scale composition. One such work was his painting of The Sinking of the Titanic, a piece that demonstrated his ability to handle complex, dramatic narratives.

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

22of 100

Friedensreich Hundertwasser 1928–2000

Austrian From Vienna Organic architecture, Spiral art On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages

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

23of 100

Anselm Kiefer born 1945

German From Donaueschingen Neo-Expressionism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages

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.

24of 100

Lucian Freud 1922–2011

British From Berlin Realism, Figurative art On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages

Lucian Michael Freud, born in Berlin in 1922, carried a lineage steeped in intellectual weight—the grandson of the pioneering psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. The looming shadow of Nazism forced his family to flee Germany in 1933, settling in London, a relocation that profoundly shaped both his life and the often somber, unsettling tone defining his artistic vision.

25of 100

Käthe Kollwitz 1867–1945

German From Königsberg Expressionism On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages

Her father, Karl Schmidt, was a progressive political figure—a radical social democrat and mason—while her maternal grandfather, Julius Rupp, instilled in young Käthe a potent blend of religious conviction and socialist ideals.

26of 100

Georges Rouault 1871–1958

French From 19th arrondissement of Paris Expressionism, Fauvism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages

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.

27of 100

Alexander Calder 1898–1976

Scottish-American From Lawnton Architectural sculpture On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages

28of 100

David Alfaro Siqueiros 1896–1974

Mexican From Chihuahua City Social Realism, Muralism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages

David Alfaro Siqueiros, born José de Jesús Alfaro Siqueiros in 1896 – though later research pinpointed his birthplace as Chihuahua City rather than Camargo – was more than just a painter; he was a force of nature, an embodiment of the tumultuous spirit of post-revolutionary Mexico. The years between 1919 and 1923 proved pivotal as Siqueiros embarked on an extended sojourn to Europe.

29of 100

Helen Frankenthaler 1928–2011

American From Manhattan Abstract Expressionism, Color Field On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages

Helen Frankenthaler, born in 1928 in Manhattan, emerged as a pivotal figure in postwar American painting, bridging the fervent energy of Abstract Expressionism with the serene expanses of Color Field painting. From an early age, Frankenthaler received rigorous art education, studying under Rufino Tamayo at the Dalton School and later honing her skills at Bennington College with Paul Feeley, alongside brief mentorship from Hans Hofmann.

Learned from Hans Hofmann #72

30of 100

Cy Twombly 1928–2011

American From Lexington Abstract Expressionism, Postmodern On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages

Early studies under Pierre Daura at Washington and Lee University were followed by formative experiences at the Arts Students League of New York and Black Mountain College, where he encountered pivotal figures like Robert Rauschenberg, John Cage, and Merce Cunningham. However, it was a 1952 voyage to Italy and North Africa with Rauschenberg —funded by a grant from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts —that proved truly transformative.

Learned from Franz Kline #42, Robert Motherwell #41

31of 100

Lyonel Feininger 1871–1956

German-American From New York City Expressionism, Cubism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages

Early Education and European Travels: In 1887, at the age of 16, Feininger traveled to Europe to study music but soon shifted his focus to art.

32of 100

Barnett Newman 1905–1970

American From New York City Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages

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.

33of 100

František Kupka 1871–1957

Czech From Opočno ['Realism', 'Symbolism', 'Orphism', 'Cubism', 'Abstraction'] On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages

Between 1889 and 1892, he spent his time at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. He became involved with theosophy and Eastern philosophy, looking for meaning beyond the physical surface of a canvas.

See them at To see his canvases in person, one might travel to New York City.

34of 100

Paula Modersohn-Becker 1876–1907

German From Dresden Expressionism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages

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. A pivotal moment came with her travels to Paris in 1899 and subsequent visits in 1903 and 1905.

35of 100

Julian Schnabel born 1951

American From Brooklyn Neo-Expressionism

Born in Brooklyn in 1951, his early life took an unexpected turn when his family relocated to Brownsville, Texas, in 1965—a formative experience that instilled within him a sense of outsider status and a fascination with raw, untamed environments.

36of 100

Georg Baselitz 1938–2026

German From Deutschbaselitz Neo-Expressionism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages

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.

37of 100

Lee Krasner 1908–1984

American From Brooklyn Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages

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.

38of 100

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff 1884–1976

German From Rottluff Expressionism On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, born Karl Schmidt in 1884 in the small German town of Rottenflut (later Rottluff), stands as a monumental figure in the tumultuous world of early 20th-century art. Initially drawn to architecture at the Technical University of Dresden, Schmidt-Rottluff quickly found himself captivated by a more urgent calling – one that resonated with fellow students Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Fritz Bleyl, and Erich Heckel.

39of 100

Hans Hartung 1904–1989

German-French From Leipzig Gestural Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages

Born in 1904 in the historic city of Leipzig, Germany, Hartung’s early consciousness was shaped by a deep reverence for the masters of light and shadow. 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.

40of 100

Frank Auerbach 1931–2024

British From Berlin School of London On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages

Settling in Britain, Auerbach attended Bunce Court School in Kent, where he displayed a natural aptitude for both art and drama—a path that nearly led him to the stage.

41of 100

Robert Motherwell 1915–1991

American From Aberdeen Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages

Robert Motherwell (January 24, 1915 – July 16, 1991) stands as one of the most influential figures in American Abstract Expressionism, a movement that irrevocably altered the course of twentieth-century art. Early Education & Influences: Motherwell’s formative years were spent at Stanford University where he immersed himself in philosophy alongside fellow modernist Arthur Oncken Lovejoy and David Wite Prall.

Taught Cy Twombly #30

42of 100

Franz Kline 1910–1962

American From Wilkes-Barre Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1910, his life was marked by early hardship – the suicide of his father when he was just seven years old cast a long shadow, influencing a sensibility that would later find expression in the stark contrasts defining his art.

Taught Cy Twombly #30

43of 100

Peter Doig born 1959

Scottish From Edinburgh Figurative painting

Early moves took him from Scotland to Trinidad in 1962, followed by Canada in 1966, each shift imprinting upon his developing sensibility a sense of displacement and a fascination with the way places linger within us long after we’ve left them. Doig’s formal artistic training began in London, attending Wimbledon School of Art, Saint Martin’s School of Art, and finally Chelsea School of Art where he earned his MA.

44of 100

M.F. Husain 1915–2011

Indian From Pandharpur Cubist narrative paintings On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages

Born in 1915 in the small town of Pandharpur, Maharashtra, his early years were steeped in the vibrant cultural textures of rural India. As his artistic consciousness matured, Husain became a central protagonist in the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group (BPAG). Within this crucible of creativity, Husain developed his signature aesthetic—a breathtaking fusion of European Cubism and indigenous narrative depth.

45of 100

August Macke 1887–1914

German From Meschede Expressionism, Fauvism, Orphism, Cubism On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages

He was the only son born to August Friedrich Hermann Macke, a building contractor and amateur artist, and Maria Florentine. His formal education in the arts began in earnest when he arrived at the Düsseldorf Academy, where he studied from 1904 to 1906.

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

46of 100

Alexej von Jawlensky 1864–1941

Russian From Torzhok Expressionism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages

Alexej von Jawlensky was born on 13 March 1864 in Torzhok, Russia. During his time in Saint Petersburg, Alexej von Jawlensky came under the influence of the Russian realist painter Ilya Repin.

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

47of 100

Philip Guston 1913–1980

Canadian-American From Montreal ['Abstract Expressionism', 'Neo-Expressionism'] On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages

Vrain Schwankovsky, who introduced him to European modern art, Eastern philosophy, Theosophy, and mystic literature. Early Connections: Met Jackson Pollock, with whom he published a paper opposing the high school's policies.

48of 100

Lovis Corinth 1858–1925

German From Gvardeysk Impressionism & Expressionism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages

Lovis Corinth, born Franz Heinrich Louis on July 21, 1858, in the Prussian province of East Prussia, was a figure who embodied the tumultuous transition from the 19th to the early 20th-century art world. He initially pursued studies at the Academy of Königsberg in 1876, but quickly realized that academic tradition alone wouldn’t satisfy his artistic ambitions.

49of 100

Alice Neel 1900–1984

American From Gladwyne Expressionism, Realism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages

Born: January 28, 1900, in Merion Square, Pennsylvania. Enrolled in the fine art program at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art & Design) in 1921.

50of 100

Zao Wou-Ki 1920–2013

From Beijing ['1920s Art Deco', 'Expressionism', 'Abstract art'] On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages

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.

51of 100

Johannes Itten 1888–1967

Swiss From Wachseldorn Expressionism, Bauhaus On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages

Though briefly attempting formal training at Geneva’s École des Beaux-Arts, he found its methods stifling, returning to Bern where studies with Ernst Schneider proved pivotal. Itten's arrival at Walter Gropius’ newly founded Bauhaus in Weimar in 1919 marked a turning point not only in his career but also in the history of art education.

52of 100

Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz 1885–1939

Polish From Warsaw Symbolism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages

Born in Warsaw in 1885 into an artistic family—his father, Stanisław Witkiewicz, was a noted painter, architect, and theorist—the younger Witkiewicz inherited not only a creative lineage but also a fertile intellectual environment that would profoundly shape his multifaceted career. A formative experience was an anthropological expedition to Australia in 1914 alongside Bronisław Malinowski.

53of 100

Erich Heckel 1883–1970

German From Döbeln German Expressionism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages

He studied architecture in Dresden but left after three terms. Early influences included Friedrich Nietzsche and Henrik Ibsen, reflecting a burgeoning intellectual curiosity.

54of 100

Arnold Schoenberg 1874–1951

Austrian-American From Vienna Twelve-tone technique; Expressionism On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages

55of 100

Marianne von Werefkin 1860–1938

Russian-German-Swiss From Tula Expressionism, Symbolism On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages

Marianne von Werefkin, born Marianna Wladimirowna Werewkina in Tula, Russia, in 1860, stands as a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in the genesis of Expressionism. Born into a family steeped in military tradition – her father, General Vladimir Werefkin, and her mother, Yelizaveta Daragan, an amateur painter herself – young Marianna displayed an early inclination towards art, beginning to paint at the age of fourteen following a period of illness.

56of 100

Max Pechstein 1881–1955

Spanish From Zwickau Cubism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages

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.

57of 100

Vilmos Aba-Novak 1894–1941

Hungarian From Budapest Modern Hungarian art On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages

He initially studied at the Budapest Art School until 1912, laying the groundwork for his future career. Following World War I, he briefly served in the Austro-Hungarian Army before dedicating himself fully to his artistic pursuits.

58of 100

Nadežda Petrović 1873–1915

Serbian From Čačak Expressionism & Fauvism On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages

Growing up in Čačak, she experienced the hardships of Serbian life under Austro-Hungarian rule, fostering resilience and shaping her worldview. Recognizing her talent for art early on, her parents encouraged her pursuit of education beyond the conventional roles expected of women at the time.

59of 100

Otto Mueller 1874–1930

German From Lubawka Expressionism On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages

Born in 1874 in Liebau, Silesia – now Lubawka, Poland – his journey began amidst a landscape that would forever imprint itself upon his artistic vision. He continued his studies at the prestigious academies of Dresden and Munich, though a dismissive assessment from Franz von Stuck at the latter led to a period of self-directed exploration.

60of 100

Constant Permeke 1886–1952

Belgian From Antwerp Flemish Expressionism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages

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.

61of 100

Jules Pascin 1885–1930

From Vidin On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages

Birth and Family: Julius Mordecai Pincas, known as Jules Pascin, was born on March 31, 1885, in Vidin, Bulgaria. Early Influences: The family moved to Bucharest in 1892, where young Julius first showed an interest in art, even sketching at a local brothel. Education and Pseudonym: He studied art in Vienna (1902) and Munich (1903), where he connected with artists like Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky.

62of 100

Christian Rohlfs 1849–1938

German From Groß Niendorf Expressionism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages

Born in 1849 in Gross Niendorf, Germany, his path was irrevocably altered at age twenty-five when illness necessitated the amputation of his leg. A turning point arrived in 1901 with Rohlfs’s relocation to Hagen, an invitation extended by the discerning art collector Karl Ernst Osthaus. The collection assembled by Osthaus included groundbreaking works by Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh —artists who were challenging conventional artistic boundaries.

63of 100

Wilhelm Lehmbruck 1881–1919

German From 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.

64of 100

Ossip Zadkine 1888–1967

Russian-French From Vitebsk Cubism, Modernism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages

Early Influences: Russian folk art, European modernism, African sculpture, Greek antiquity. Key Period: Cubist phase (1914-1925) – characterized by fragmented forms and multiple perspectives.

65of 100

Clyfford Still 1904–1980

American From Grandin Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages

Clyfford Still, born in 1904 amidst the vast landscapes of Grandin, North Dakota, stands as a pivotal figure in the evolution of American art. His early life, spent moving between North Dakota, Washington, and Alberta, Canada, instilled in him a deep connection to the natural world – a resonance that would echo throughout his artistic career.

66of 100

Richard Gerstl 1883–1908

Austrian From Vienna Expressionism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages

After struggling in the traditional Viennese Piaristengymnasium and being expelled for disciplinary issues, Gerstl received private tutoring while pursuing his artistic ambitions. Gerstl quickly grew disillusioned with the academic style and the prevailing trends of the Vienna Secession, famously provoking a harsh rebuke from Griepenkerl.

67of 100

Richard Diebenkorn 1922–1993

American From Portland ['Abstract Expressionism', 'Bay Area Figurative', 'Lyrical Abstraction'] On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages

Richard Diebenkorn, born in Portland, Oregon, in 1922, embarked on a journey that would establish him as one of the most significant American painters of the postwar era.

68of 100

John Marin 1870–1953

American From Rutherford Modernism, Watercolor On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages

Initially drawn to the practicality of architecture, Marin briefly attended the Stevens Institute of Technology before dedicating himself fully to art.

69of 100

Charles Henry Sims 1873–1928

British From Islington Outsider art, Impressionism

Charles Henry Sims, born in Islington, London, in 1873, remains a compelling figure in British art —a painter whose journey traversed the elegance of Edwardian society to the unsettling depths of personal turmoil and ultimately, outsider artistry.

70of 100

Yannis Tsarouchis 1910–1989

Greek From Piraeus Surrealism

Born in Piraeus, Tsaroychis’s formative years were steeped in the traditions of Greek art history. He studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts, absorbing influences from Impressionism and Symbolism before gravitating towards Surrealism in the mid-1930s.

71of 100

Aaron Siskind 1903–1991

American From 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. The project Harlem Document (1935-1940) stands as a powerful example, a collaborative effort alongside interviews and stories collected by members of the Federal Writers' Project.

72of 100

Hans Hofmann 1880–1966

German-American From Weißenburg in Bayern Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages

Hans Hofmann, born in Weißenburg an der Weser, Germany, in 1880, embarked on a journey that would indelibly shape the landscape of modern art.

73of 100

Arthur Segal 1875–1944

Romanian From Iași ['Expressionism', 'Dadaism']

Arthur Segal (1875 – 1944) stands as a compelling figure in the turbulent landscape of early 20th-century European art, a Romanian artist whose career unfolded across multiple continents and artistic movements.

74of 100

Albin Egger-Lienz 1868–1926

From Stribach On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages

He later adopted his father’s surname combined with his birthplace. He continued his studies at the Academy in Munich, where he was profoundly influenced by artists like Franz Defregger and Jean-François Millet.

75of 100

Adolph Gottlieb 1903–1974

American From New York City Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages

Adolph Gottlieb, born in New York City in 1903, emerged as a pivotal figure in the burgeoning landscape of American Abstract Expressionism. He received foundational training at the Art Students League and Parsons The New School for Design, but it was his subsequent travels through Europe during the 1920s that truly ignited his aesthetic sensibilities.

76of 100

Jean-Paul Riopelle 1923–2002

Canadian From Montreal Lyrical Abstraction On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages

Later, he attended the École des beaux-arts de Montréal but transitioned to the École du meuble, graduating in 1945. This shift proved pivotal as it led him to Paul-Émile Borduas.

77of 100

Gabriele Münter 1877–1962

German From Berlin Expressionism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages

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.

Learned from Wassily Kandinsky #1

78of 100

Yoo Youngkuk 1916–2002

Korean From Ulchin Abstract painting

Born in 1916 in the coastal town of Uljin, South Korea, his artistic journey was one of relentless exploration and unwavering dedication to forging a new visual language for a nation grappling with identity and modernity. Yoo’s path toward abstraction began with formal training at Bunka Gakuin University in Tokyo, graduating from the oil painting department in 1938.

79of 100

Wojciech Weiss 1875–1950

Polish From Leorda Expressionism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages

Early Life and Education: Born in Bukovina to Stanisław Weiss and Maria Kopaczyńska, Wojciech’s musical inclinations gave way to a fervent passion for painting after encountering Stanisław Przybyszewski. He pursued his artistic studies at Kraków's Academy of Fine Arts under Leon Wyczółkowski, initially focusing on historical or mythological subjects before embracing Expressionism as a profound response to Przybyszewski’s influence.

80of 100

Ad Reinhardt 1913–1967

American From Buffalo Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages

The 1940s saw Reinhardt become an active member of American Abstract Artists (AAA), a group he considered pivotal to his development.

81of 100

Karl Blossfeldt 1865–1932

German From Schlēde German Expressionism

Karl Blossfeldt (1865 – 1932) stands as a singular figure in the history of photography and sculpture, recognized primarily for his groundbreaking approach to botanical representation. Born in Schlēde, Germany, Blossfeldt’s artistic vision was profoundly shaped by his father's unwavering fascination with the natural world—a connection that would become the cornerstone of Blossfeldt’s own creative endeavors.

82of 100

Max Kurzweil 1867–1916

Austrian From Bzenec Vienna Secession On Wikipedia in 13 of 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. His relocation to Vienna in 1879 marked the beginning of a transformative era for both the artist and the city itself, as he moved from the quietude of his Czech origins toward the vibrant, pulsing energy of a burgeoning metropolis.

83of 100

Bernard Buffet 1928–1999

French From Paris Expressionism

Bernard Buffet (1928–1999) remains one of the most evocative and polarizing figures in twentieth-century French art. Born in Paris during a period of profound global upheaval, his very existence was shaped by the shadows of the Second World War.

84of 100

Heinrich Campendonk 1889–1957

German/Dutch From Krefeld Der Blaue Reiter On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages

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.

85of 100

Mark Tobey 1890–1976

American From Centerville Abstract Expressionism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages

Mark George Tobey, born in Centerville, Wisconsin, in 1890, was more than just a painter; he was a spiritual seeker whose artistic journey mirrored his lifelong exploration of faith, philosophy, and the delicate balance between Eastern and Western aesthetics.

86of 100

John Bellany 1942–2013

Scottish Expressionism; Surrealism

Born in 1942 amidst the salt-sprayed fishing traditions of Port Seton, near Edinburgh, John Bellany CBE, RA emerged as one of Scotland’s most profound and evocative visual storytellers. 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.

87of 100

Jan Sluijters 1881–1957

Dutch From 's-Hertogenbosch Expressionism, Luminism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages

Johannes Carolus Bernardus (Jan) Sluijters, born in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, in 1881, and passing away in Amsterdam in 1957, remains a captivating figure within the landscape of Dutch art. A pivotal moment in Sluijters’ career arrived in 1904 when he secured a prestigious Prix de Rome scholarship – an honor typically reserved for established artists.

88of 100

Wilhelm Morgner 1891–1917

German From Soest Expressionism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages

In the fleeting dawn of the twentieth century, few voices resonated with as much raw, spiritual intensity as that of Wilhelm Morgner.

89of 100

Paul Jenkins 1923–2012

American From Kansas City Abstract Expressionism

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1923, his artistic journey began with formal training at the Art Students League of New York under the guidance of Yasuo Kuniyoshi. The trajectory of his career was irrevocably altered in 1953 during a transformative journey through Europe.

90of 100

Kerry James Marshall born 1955

American From Birmingham Neo-Expressionism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages

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. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, near the headquarters of the Black Panther Party, Marshall was immersed in an environment where social responsibility and visual identity were inextricably linked.

91of 100

Gustave De Smet 1877–1943

Belgian From Ghent Flemish Expressionism On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages

Gustave De Smet was a Belgian painter and printmaker who emerged as a central figure in the development of Flemish Expressionism. While he attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent, he often preferred to work in nature rather than following strict academic instruction. His artistic journey led him to the Sint-Martens-Latem artists' colony, where he initially encountered the influence of Luminism.

92of 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.

93of 100

Werner Peiner 1897–1984

German From 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.

94of 100

Mary Ascher 1900–1988

British Biblical scenes, female figures

Mary Ascher (1900-1988) wasn’t merely a painter; she was an emotional archaeologist, meticulously excavating the hidden depths of biblical narratives and translating them into powerfully resonant visual experiences. Ascher rejected the prevailing detachment of much 20th-century art, instead embracing a deeply personal and often unsettling approach to depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Early influences on Ascher’s style were rooted in Expressionism and German Romanticism.

95of 100

Frits Van Den Berghe 1883–1939

Belgian From Ghent Expressionism, Surrealism On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages

Born in Ghent, Belgium, in 1883, Frits Van den Berghe’s life was a tapestry woven from artistic passion, personal turmoil, and a profound engagement with the shifting currents of early 20th-century European art. Van den Berghe’s journey began within the established framework of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under Jean Delvin, absorbing the foundational principles of academic painting.

96of 100

Ernst Barlach 1870–1938

Born in Wedel, Holstein (Germany) on January 2nd, 1870, Ernst Heinrich Barlach was the eldest of four sons.

97of 100

Etel Adnan 1925–2021

American From Beirut ['Assemblage', 'Pop Art', 'Neo-Dada'] On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages

98of 100

Lynd Ward 1905–1985

American From Chicago Wood engraving, Graphic novel

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. A pivotal journey to Europe followed, where he honed his skills in wood engraving at the National Academy of Graphic Arts in Leipzig, Germany, under the tutelage of Hans Alexander Mueller.

99of 100

Mstislav Dobuzhinsky 1875–1957

Russian-Lithuanian From Novgorod Expressionism, Cityscapes

Dobuzhinsky's artistic journey began modestly, attending the Drawing School of the Society for the Promotion of Artists in Novgorod before pursuing law at Saint Petersburg Imperial University while simultaneously studying privately. This dual pursuit reflects a restless intellectual curiosity that would inform his later work.

100of 100

Heinrich Nauen 1880–1940

German From Krefeld Expressionism On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages

Born in Krefeld, Germany, in 1880, Heinrich Nauen’s artistic journey was one of quiet observation and profound emotional resonance. Nauen’s formal training began at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf in 1898, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of established masters. However, it was his subsequent studies at the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart from 1900 to 1902 that truly ignited his artistic fire.