Which artists influenced the early development of Expressionism?

The early development of Expressionism was deeply rooted in the works of three primary artists who, between 1885 and 1900, moved away from the literal representation of nature to explore subjective states of mind: Vincent van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and James Ensor.1

These artists utilized the expressive potential of color and line to convey intense emotions such as fear, horror, and the grotesque. Their influence on the movement was significant:1

• Vincent van Gogh: His unique style, characterized by striking color, emphatic brushwork, and contoured forms, served as a powerful foundation for the Expressionist movement.2
• Edvard Munch: A leader in the revolt against 19th-century academic naturalism, Munch’s focus on emotional essentials and his radical simplifications of form directly influenced the proponents of German Expressionism, particularly in the medium of the woodcut.3
• James Ensor: Known for his bizarre, sardonic imagery, Ensor’s use of masks and distorted figures helped establish the movement's interest in grotesque fantasy.45

Additionally, Paul Gauguin also exerted a strong influence on German Expressionists, such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, through his stylistic simplifications and use of color.6