In the wake of World War I’s ravaging of Europe, artists delved into the unconscious mind to confront and grapple with this reality. Poet and critic André Breton, a leader of the Surrealist movement who authored the 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, called this approach “a violent reaction against the impoverishment and sterility of thought processes that resulted from centuries of rationalism.” Surrealist art emerged in the 1920s with dreamlike and uncanny imagery guided by a variety of techniques such as automatic drawing, which can be likened to a stream of consciousness, to channel psychological experiences.
Although Surrealism was a groundbreaking approach for European art, its practitioners were inspired by Indigenous art and ancient mysticism for reenvisioning how sculptures, paintings, prints, performance art and more could respond to the unsettled world around them.
Surrealist artists were also informed by the Dada movement, which originated in 1916 Zurich and embraced absurdity over the logic that had propelled modernity into violence. Some of the Surrealists had witnessed this firsthand, such as Max Ernst, who served in the trenches during World War I, and Salvador Dalí, whose otherworldly paintings and other work responded to the dawning civil war in Spain.
Other key artists associated with the revolutionary art and literary movement included Man Ray, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Frida Kahlo and Meret Oppenheim, all of whom had a distinct perspective on reimagining reality and freeing the unconscious mind from the conventions and restrictions of rational thought. Pablo Picasso showed some of his works in “La Peinture Surréaliste” — the first collective exhibition of Surrealist painting — which opened at Paris’s Galerie Pierre in November of 1925. (Although Magritte is best known as one of the visual Surrealist movement’s most talented practitioners, his famous 1943 painting, The Fifth Season, can be interpreted as a formal break from Surrealism.)
The outbreak of World War II led many in the movement to flee Europe for the Americas, further spreading Surrealism abroad. Generations of modern and contemporary artists were subsequently influenced by the richly symbolic and unearthly imagery of Surrealism, from Joseph Cornell to Arshile Gorky.
Find a collection of original Surrealist paintings, sculptures, prints and multiples and more art on 1stDibs.
House on a Hill 2 - Abstract Colorful Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Colors of Los Angeles - Large Abstract City Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Nudist Woman Surrealist Oil Painting, Signed, Mid-20th Century
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nudist Women, Signed Oil Painting By French artist Claude Benard, (1926 - 2016) Signed by the artist on the lower left hand corner, Oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 32 x...
Oil
In Spite of it All (Window, Skyscape, Warm, Dreamy, ~29% OFF)
By Annieo Klaas
Located in Kansas City, MO
Annieo Klaas In Spite of it All 2024 Oil on Canvas 84 x 48 inches (213.36 x 121.92 cm) Signed lower right COA provided *On stretcher frame - gallery wrapped - ready to hang Annieo ...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
A Unique, Modern Surrealist Beach Scene, Bathers, Hyde Park, Chicago
Located in Chicago, IL
A Unique, Visually Striking, Surrealist Mid-Century Modern Abstract Beach Scene by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Depicting an abstracted female bathers stan...
Oil, Canvas, Board
Île Saint-Louis - River Seine Paris France Surrealist Oil on Board Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
* No US duty or taxes to pay on this item * A very beautiful signed and dated 1972 oil on board depicting a surrealist view of the Île Saint-Louis in Paris at sunset. Striking and ...
Oil, Board
Stallion and a Unicorn -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, African, Horse
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A Stallion and a Unicorn explores the duality of action and aspiration, grounding us in the tension between lived reality and imagined possibility. The stallion embodies patriotism r...
Canvas, Acrylic
Surrealist Landscape Oil Painting, 20th Century, Framed, 30 x 24.25 in
Located in Beachwood, OH
Surrealist Landscape Oil on canvas 'R. Lee Glenn' verso 30 x 24.25 inches 31.75 x 26.75 inches, framed Surrealism aims to revolutionize human experience. It balances a rational visi...
Oil
Surreal Landscape - Mid 20th Century English Surrealist Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A beautiful 1960's English oil on canvas depicting a surrealist landscape with rainbow and gilt framed painting on a wall. A stunning and unusual painting presented in a bespoke gilt...
Canvas, Oil
Saturn Over Titan Tower, UT, by Astronomical Artist Joe Bergeron
Located in New York, NY
Joe Bergeron (American) Saturn From Titan, 1980 Oil on canvas Framed: 40 x 30 x 1 1/2 in. Signed lower right: Bergeron 80 Inscribed verso Joe Bergeron grew up in the twin hamlets of Endicott and Endwell in upstate New York. As a boy he taught himself the constellations using a cardboard star wheel, watching in awe as stars he had never before identified rose according to prediction. Later he began a more thorough examination of the heavens using various small telescopes. A devoted hiker, Joe prowled his surroundings at all hours of the day and night, often discovering semi-abandoned sites of human activity which his imagination invested with the mystery of ancient ruins. Joe was known as a "class artist" in high school, mostly by virtue of superhero drawings done in ballpoint pen. His early efforts at painting were clumsy at best and disastrous at worst, leading him to be intimidated by the brush. Finally, called upon to produce planetarium shows during a summer job, Joe taught himself to paint so he could create visuals for the shows. Soon he was selling paintings and drawings at science fiction art...
Canvas, Acrylic
Let's Move In Together - Abstract Color Drenched Architecture Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Texas In Fuschia - Vibrant Architectural Colorful Landscape Mixed Media Collage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Paper, Mixed Media
"Fantasy is Reality" - Impressionist Landscape and Seascape, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Fantasy is Reality" is a striking oil painting on canvas panel, created by American artist Jen Starling. This beautiful piece depicts an open ocean which cascades into waves across ...
Oil, Panel, Canvas
Quietude From Turmoil - Original Colorful Mixed Media Surrealist Landscape Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Robert Lebsack creates artworks using mixed media with ink, acrylic, and charcoal on archival copies of newspapers, textbooks, and sheet music. As a visionary artist, Lebsack weaves ...
Paper, Charcoal, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Twin Trees at Sunrise - Architectural Colorful Still Life Mixed Media Collage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Paper, Mixed Media
Desert Goddess / - Transcendental Realism -
Located in Berlin, DE
Karin Hauke, Desert Goddess, 1976. Oil on wood, 70 x 50 cm (image size), 73 cm x 53 cm (frame), signed “K. HAUKE” lower right and dated “[19]76.” - Small flaking in the lower area, o...
Oil
Queen of the Chanterelles - Surrealist Figurative in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Queen of the Chanterelles - Surrealist Figurative in Acrylic on Canvas Bright, fantastical composition by TEMBO (20th Century). A woman is depicted in profile, head slightly tilted ...
Canvas, Acrylic
City Layers - Abstract Colorful Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Summer Houses - Architectural Cool Tone Still Life Mixed Media Collage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a colorful artist who lives and paints in Sweden. Most of her works are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Bernhardsson travels the world...
Paper, Mixed Media
The Family - Abstract Colorful Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Surrealist Nocturnal Hawaiian Figurative Landscape w. Blue Skirted Woman & Moon
Located in Soquel, CA
Surrealist Nocturnal Hawaiian Figurative Landscape w. Blue Skirted Woman & Moon by Marguerite Louis Blasingame Striking mid century modern Hawaiian noct...
Linen, Oil
Vintage Oil Painting of Fantasy Cottage in the Woods with Flowers & Gardens
Located in Preston, GB
Vintage Oil Painting of Fantasy Cottage in the Woods with Flowers & Gardens Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 40 x 28 inches
Canvas, Oil
Intriguing Surrealist Painting of Downtown Chicago by James Mesplé
Located in Chicago, IL
An Intriguing 1991 Surrealist painting of downtown Chicago by artist James Mesplé. Oil and tempera on panel. Signed and dated "James Mesplé 1991", lower right; titled on label on ...
Oil, Tempera, Panel
Tramp (pet dog, beagle, troubadour guitare, animal portrait, surrealist painting
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
"Tramp," by Rudolf Kosow, is a whimsical painting that delights in its surreal juxtaposition of scale and serenity. At the center is a beagle's face, depicted with lifelike detail and expressiveness, eyes glistening with a calm intelligence that beckons the viewer into a state of contemplation. Positioned against the backdrop of the dog's vast visage, a small, solitary figure strums a guitar. The musician, dressed in casual attire, appears as a wandering troubadour, his music resonating with the quietude of the scene. This miniature man, though diminutive in size, plays a significant role in the narrative, providing a sense of companionship and shared experience. The painting's title, "Tramp," suggests a free spirit, both in the itinerant musician and the beagle, known for its adventurous and exploratory nature. Kosow's piece is an ode to the wandering souls and the moments of unexpected harmony they encounter. Through "Tramp," we are reminded of the melodies that score our journeys and the silent kinship we find along the way. It is an invitation to embrace the music of life, to find connection in the tranquility of existence, and to acknowledge the symphonies that unfold in the presence of kindred spirits, regardless of their size or form. keywords; painting on canvas, surrealist painting, animal vs human, americana, nature, man, man vs nature, surrealism, giant animal...
Canvas, Oil
"Extensive Park in Springtime", Surrealist Landscape, Collage, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker's "Extensive Park in Springtime" is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 20 x 16 inches in saturated light and mid-range greens and tans with pale pink accents. The ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
The Mysteries of Life, Surrealist, Outsider Art Oil Painting
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Jaro Hess (Czech/American, 1889-1979) Signed: Jaro Hess '66 (Lower, Right) " The Mysteries of Life ", 1966 (titled by provenance) Oil on Canvas laid on Masonite 18" x 26" Housed...
Canvas, Masonite, Oil
Immigrant Experience - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, African, Landscape
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
At first glance, The Immigrant Experience presents a simple paper boat. Yet within its fragile form lies the weight of a nation’s story. Set adrift on turbulent waves, the boat evoke...
Canvas, Acrylic
Algun Dia - figurative painting, landscape painting
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful surrealist painting by Mauricio comes rolled in a tube and needs to be stretched when received. In his pieces, Mauricio combines his figurative expertise along with su...
Canvas, Oil
Urban Life - Abstract Earthy Tone Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Into the Night, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sara Scribner's (US based) "Into the Night" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a woman in a long pink dress walking towards a background ...
Oil, Panel
Latitude Bocklin - Paint by Fabrizio Clerici - 1975 ca.
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas realized by Fabrizio Clerici in 1975 ca. and inspired by Bocklin's Isle of the Dead. Hand signed by the Artist lower left. Published on "Annuario d'Arte Moderna 2001...
Oil
Banana (yellow banana blue sky vintage hat man surrealist oil painting grey)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
A surreal composition blending hyperrealism and vintage nostalgia, Banana presents an oversized, hyper-detailed banana floating in a muted blue sky. Below, a black-and-white, early 2...
Canvas, Oil
"Upstate", Surrealist Landscape, Farm, Red, Green, Collage, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker's "Upstate" is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 20 x 16 inches in greens, reds and tans. The organization of space and surface brings order to farm and town, whi...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Antique Italian Super Realist Surreal Landscape Framed Signed Modern Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique Italian modernist landscape oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Brooklyn, NY collection. Measuring: 23 by 33 inches overall. Handsomely framed in d...
Oil, Board
Saguaro - Framed Abstract Colorful Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Huge 1970's British Surrealist Abstract Signed Oil Male Figures through Window
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: British, circa 1970's, signed and inscribed verso Title: 'Reflections' Medium: oil on canvas, framed Framed: 37.5 x 25.5 inches Canvas : 36 x 24 inches Provenanc...
Oil
The House at the End of the Road - Original Framed Blue Floral Artwork on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carlos Gamez de Francisco’s "The House at the End of the Road" is a striking blend of hyperrealism, figurative surrealism, and imaginative narrative art. This 12-inch round acrylic p...
Canvas, Acrylic
French Mod Surrealist Commedia dell'arte Circus Scene Oil Painting J.P. Serrier
Located in Surfside, FL
Jean Pierre Serrier (French, 1934-1989) Oil on canvas painting depicting four figures Hand signed lower right. Measures (frame) 26.5" x 30" wide, and (sight) 18.25." x 22.25" wide....
Canvas, Oil
Don't Let Us Fade Away - Original Colorful Mixed Media Surrealist Landscape Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Robert Lebsack creates artworks using mixed media with ink, acrylic, and charcoal on archival copies of newspapers, textbooks, and sheet music. As a visionary artist, Lebsack weaves ...
Paper, Charcoal, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
"Garden Temple", Surrealist Landscape, Collage, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker's "Garden Temple" is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 29 13/16 x 23 7/8 inches in greens and blues. The temple alludes to the veneration of nature, while the col...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Floral Fawn, Surrealist Acrylic on Canvas, Original 122 x 76 Artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Moment
Located in Zofingen, AG
The Moment After the dark night of the soul, there will always be the sun. After darkness, dawn always comes. “The Moment” is a space between night and light, between what has alread...
Canvas, Acrylic
Glacier and Distant Fire, Climate Change Surrealist Arctic Seascape Oil Painting
By Raúl Álvarez
Located in FISTERRA, ES
A towering blue glacier overlooks a distant fire in this Arctic seascape oil painting, where frozen cliffs, dark smoke and orange flames evoke a landscape under threat. Created by S...
Canvas, Oil
Italy : View on Rome at the Sunset - Original Oil on Canvas, Handsigned
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre Yves LELARGE (1935-2016) View on Rome at the Sunset, c. 1995 Original Oil on canvas Handsigned on the lower right corner Signed and titled on the back On canvas 50 x 65 cm (...
Oil
American Modernist Surreal Beach Scene Framed Figural Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist beach scene oil painting . Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 21 by 25 inches overall, and 18 by 22 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready to h...
Oil
A Stroll Through the Forest, Original surrealism wildlife painting-Realism
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Moon Glow, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sara Scribner's (US based) "Moon Glow" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a realistic portrait of a feminine form holding a full moon in ...
Oil, Panel
Rooftop Views - Framed Abstract Colorful Pastel Architectural Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Fungo Atomico" (Atomic Mushroom) Surrealist Landscape
By Luigi Pretin
Located in Houston, TX
Surrealist painting of a white structure in a barren desert titled "Fungo Atomico" by Italian surrealist painter Luigi Pretin, circa 1976. Signed and dated in lower right corner as w...
Acrylic
"The Game of Time", Surrealist Oil on Canvas, 1967
Located in Astoria, NY
John Philip Capello (American, b. 1939), "The Game of Time", Oil on Canvas, 1967, signed lower right, signed, titled, dated, and artist's stamp verso, giltwood frame. Image: 28.5" H...
Canvas, Oil
"As Seen From Mars" - Surrealist Still-Life, Acrylic and Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
This piece rests at 12 inches by 12 inches, and is wired for hanging. Artist Bio: Shelli Langdale is an American artist living and painting in Chattanooga, TN. She has a Bachelor of...
Oil, Panel, Acrylic
Blue Sky Village - Abstract Colorful Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Love in the Big City: Surrealist Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
Mixed media painting made with acrylic paints, mirrors, collage. The base is a canvas on a cardboard This surrealist painting tells the story of two people separated by a vast city a...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Cardboard
A Charming 1940s Mid-Century Modern Oil, Summer Night, Vermont, "English Dance"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Charming, 1940s Mid-Century Modern Landscape Oil Painting of a Summer Night in Vermont, "English Dance" by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Depicting a livel...
Oil, Canvas
Apto - figurative painting, landscape painting, 89X97 cm
Located in New York, NY
"Apto" explores the relationship between identity, memory, and loyalty through a surreal composition inspired by the visual language of René Magritte. A faceless figure stands motion...
Canvas, Oil
Israeli Large Vibrant Surrealist Flowers Oil Painting
By Milia Laufer
Located in Surfside, FL
Milia Laufer, born Romania. From 1951 lived and worked in Safed. Together with her husband opened one of the earliest galleries in Israel, in Tiberias. Worked in watercolors and oils...
Canvas, Oil
Surreal Landscape by Italian Artist Lanfranco Finocchioli
Located in New York, NY
Lanfranco Finocchioli (Italian, b. 20th century) Sognando Capri (Dreaming of Capri), 2003 Oil on canvas 13 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. Framed: 19 1/4 x 23 1/4 x 1 1/8 in. Signed and dated lower...
Canvas, Oil
The Familiar Wild - original surrealist painting- contemporary landscape artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Girl in Central Park - Abstract New York Architectural Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Italian Modernist Surrealist Architecture Landscape Oil Painting Lazzaro Donati
Located in Surfside, FL
Lazzaro Donati (Italian, 1926-1977) Oil on board. Colorful Architectural Italian Landscape. Porto Azzurro, 1964 Hand signed upper right. signed, titled on back of panel. Dimensions:...
Oil, Panel