Themes of expressionism

As Expressionism evolved from just after the turn of the century through the early 1920s, a number of crucial themes and genres came prominently to the fore, many of which reflect deeply humanistic concerns and an ambivalent attitude toward modernity. These include a fascination with the enticing yet often sordid experiences of modern urban life; the enduring solace associated with nature and religion; the naked body and its potential to signify primal emotion; emotionally charged portraiture; and, most pivotally, the need to confront the devastating experience of World War I and its aftermath.