German expressionism

German expressionism was an early twentieth century German art movement that emphasized the artist's inner feelings or ideas over replicating reality, and was characterised by simplified shapes, bright colours and gestural marks or brushstrokes

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff
*Dr Rosa Schapire* (1919)
Tate
© DACS, 2025

There were two main groups of German expressionist artists: Die Brücke (the bridge) led by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc.

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.

Expressionism

Expressionist art refers to the expression of subjective emotions, inner experiences and spiritual themes, as opposed to realistic depictions of people or nature
Brücke

Brücke was a German expressionist group founded in Dresden in 1905 which developed a radical anti-traditional style characterised by vivid non-naturalistic colour and emotional tension
Der Blaue Reiter

Der Blaue Reiter was a German expressionist group originating in Munich in 1909

German expressionism

Related terms and concepts

Expressionism

Brücke

Der Blaue Reiter

Sign up to emails