Surrealist Portrait Paintings
SURREALIST STYLE
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.
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Style: Surrealist
Egg flowers
Located in Zofingen, AG
“The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and, ironically, the more real.” Lucian Freud
My hero, Vincent Van Gogh, painted his sunflowers in Arles, in the Sou...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Beauty of the Bride
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The inspiration behind "Beauty of the Bride" stems from the age-old practice of African kings selecting brides of great beauty to grace their courts. This tradition, often intertwine...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Bulb of Africa 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Bulb of Africa was not just a hairstyle; it was a celebration of African heritage and a testament to the resilience of its people. Passed down through generations, it represented strength, beauty, and the rich tapestry of African traditions. The Bulb showcased the natural texture and volume of African hair, transforming it into an intricate masterpiece of braids, twists, and coils.
The Bulb of Africa became a symbol of empowerment, reminding people of their strength, resilience, and the beauty of their shared heritage. It served as a reminder that hair was more than a physical attribute; it was a connection to something greater—a connection to their ancestors, their community, and celebrating the beauty within themselves.
Beyond their physical beauty, African women possess an immeasurable inner strength that resonates through "Bulb of Africa." Odunayo masterfully captures this strength, highlighting the resilience and determination that have defined African women throughout history. The women depicted in the artwork emanate confidence, wisdom, and a sense of purpose. Their gaze speaks volumes, embodying the stories of countless African women who have overcome adversity, shattered barriers, and carved out their own paths to success. In "Bulb of Africa," Iyiola Odunayo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Untitled, " Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Ifeoluwa Alade ( Nigeria based) "Untitled" is an original, handmade acrylic painting that depicts a female model with colorful butterflies and a dark background.
Artist bio:
Ifeol...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Canvas
Flamingo Chair, Original Painting
By Diana Rosa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman in a red dress lounges on a green chair adorned with two stylized flamingos. Large, bold leaves surround her as she gazes forward. Her red sunglasses ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Jax, the Mischievous Pumpkin Lad" By Timothy Von Rueden, Graphite Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
"Jax, the Mischievous Pumpkin Lad" (2024) by Timothy Von Rueden is an original handmade graphite drawing that depicts a monster with a pumpkin for a head and a bag of jacks.
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Graphite
Tapestry of Love - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Men, Modern, Cat
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube.
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
About Artist
Lawrence Amoo (...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cotton
Strong Beauty -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Africa Women Hair, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube.
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
About Artist
Lawrence Amoo (...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton, Oil
Roses are Red - Contemporary colourful figurative surrealistic painting
Located in DE
Gamez de Francisco paints and photographs very passionately, making statements filled with symbolism. He frequently includes insects in his artwork. He says: Flying insects represent...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
1960's/ 70's French Surrealist Signed Oil Colorful Girl over Orange City
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, circa 1960's-1970's, signed lower left.
Title: Surrealist view of a colorful lady standing before a classical city (Milan?) hazed in orange.
Medium...
Category
Mid-20th Century Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
The Muse: Time in Time (Model: Natalia Gubanova)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Item is in excellent condition and has only been displayed in a gallery setting. Item does not include frame.
Throughout his evolution as a painter, Antonio Torres has dedicated him...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media
"Wandering Ghost Sisters" By Timothy Von Rueden, Original Graphite Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
"Wandering Ghost Sisters" (2024) by Timothy Von Rueden is an original handmade graphite drawing that depicts two ghosts floating next to each other, both holding the same lantern.
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Graphite
"Moderato, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sybiline's (CAN based) "Moderato" is an original, handmade oil and alkyd painting that depicts a portrait of a woman juxtaposed with white and blue patterning.
About the Artist:
Sy...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel, Alkyd
Original Acrylic Painting Between Digital Jungles and Domestic Landscapes
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This striking acrylic painting on canvas by Natasha Lelenco merges interior landscapes, lush vegetation, and dreamlike nature, creating a surreal domestic scene immersed in a pixelat...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Window To The Soul - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Modern, Rose
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
FREE Shipping Worldwide
Ships in a well-protected tube.
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
About Artist
Lawrence...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
"Ember" Acrylic painting
By Julio Labra
Located in Denver, CO
Julio Labra's "Ember" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a feminine figure in red with her many arms and hands of orange reaching into the nighttime sky like a flame ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Board
African Princess
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The canvas comes alive with "African Princess," a painting that serves as a tribute to the elegance and allure of the African woman. The portrayal of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Portrait in Black, Face Silhouette, Pink Details, Abstract, Line Drawing, White
Located in Barcelona, ES
The paintings of Aleix Font (Sabadell, Spain, 1984) function as a narrative between the collective and the individual world, exploring space and its interac...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Spray Paint, Acrylic, Handmade Paper
Equestrian Style and Decor II - Contemporary surrealistic horse painting
Located in DE
Gamez de Francisco paints and photographs very passionately, making statements filled with symbolism. He frequently includes insects in his artwork. He says: Flying insects represent...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
She Blooms, Original Painting
By Diana Rosa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A surreal palm landscape features a stylized woman with heart-shaped sunglasses. Her form blends seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. She extends her s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Effulgent, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Alexandra Manukyan's "Effulgent" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a female model covered with glittering gold clothing, jewelry and hea...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil, Wood Panel
Autumn oil on canvas painting surrealist woman
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Felix Ferreras - Autumn - Oil on canvas
Oil measurements 100x65 cm.
Frame size 115x80 cm..
Félix Ferreras is a visual artist with numerous national and international awards and dist...
Category
1990s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Traveler, Portrait, Surrealism, Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Portrait Art
Artist: Tigran Hovumyan
Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Year: 2019
Style: Portrait Art,...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Fuchsia de Mirabilibus" (2023) by Sybiline, Oil Painting, Fairy Flower
Located in Denver, CO
Sybiline's (CAN based) "Fuchsia de Mirabilibus" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a green fairy in a suspended flower.
About the Artist:
Sybiline is a Canadian art...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"I Know Not How to Find the Spring, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Alexandra Manukyan's "I Know Not How to Find the Spring" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a female model with white feathers in he...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
"PROGRAMMED", surrealist oil painting, gender, femininity, beauty role archetype
By Tslil Tsemet
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"PROGRAMMED", 2015, is a surrealist oil painting on canvas by artist Tslil Tsemet, and measures 20x16". There are conceptual traps laid all over this port...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Bloom (Oil Painting, Symbolist, Ancient Cultures, Pop, Surreal, ~47% OFF)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Stella Jae
Bloom
2024
Oil on canvas
Size: 31.49 x 23.62 x inches (80 x 60 cm)
Signed by hand
COA provided
Stella J Richey is an international visual artist and designer. Her works ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Shape of Face No. 5 - Framed Textural Expressionist Surrealist Figurative Art
By Iqi Qoror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iqi Qoror's surreal figurative paintings are arresting in their earthy palettes offset by pops of fluorescent textile embroidery. His artworks revolve around questions of trust, inte...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wool, Canvas, Thread, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Resplendent, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Alexandra Manukyan's "Resplendent" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a female model holding her hand to her cheek as glittering gol...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
SUENO PROFUNDO
By Sofia Ruiz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
SUENO PROFUNDO
OIL AND ACRILIC ON CANVAS
SIGNED, 2013
EXHIBITED MUSEO DEL BANCO CENTRAL
DE COSTA RICA
43.25 X 35.5 INCHES
Sofía Ruiz was born in 1982....
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Antique American School Surreal Signed Modernist Portrait Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American abstract cubist composition "Terra Firma Theme 10" by Augustus Goertz (Born 1948) . Oil on canvas, circa 1958. Housed in a period gilt...
Category
1970s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"EYE CHECK", surrealist oil painting, nude woman, optical lens, machine, mask
By Tslil Tsemet
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"EYE CHECK, 2008, is a surrealist oil painting on canvas by artist Tslil Tsemet, and measures 66x47". At once vulnerable and defiant – a nude woman sits u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Affected Memory , Oil, Mixed Media, Hyperrealism Surreal Modern Cuban Art
Located in Houston, TX
LOOK FOR FREE SHIPPING AT CHECKOUT
The Affected Memory 46" x 36" x 2"
The Affected Memory shows the hyperrealism of modern Cuban art that is now available to the international art m...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
"CONTROL", surrealist oil painting, breast feeding mother, Jerusalem, cats, baby
By Tslil Tsemet
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"CONTROL, 2014, is a surrealist oil painting on canvas by artist Tslil Tsemet, and measures 70x47". At once provocative and serene – a woman on a carved w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Egg Girls on a bike
Located in Zofingen, AG
I’ve written a book based on my Egg people and Characters such as the Conspirators. It is a fantasy novel that takes place in Egg Island and London. The story has a mix of good and bad characters, full of excitement, sadness, and intrigue.
Egg Island is a mysterious place where you can find all sorts of creatures, such as dolphins, including a giant one as big as a ship and one even bigger one that sleeps at the bottom of the sea. Baboons who think they own the place, firebugs light up the village, giant turtles protect kids while swimming, Bright orange coconut crabs...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Wedding Guest -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Woman, African
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The Wedding Guest is a fabric collage painting that captures the quiet elegance of a woman who steps into a cherished moment to celebrate her friend’s special day. Richly layered and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Ray of Hope -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Woman, African
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A Ray of Hope is a poignant and luminous fabric collage painting that speaks to the quiet strength found in resilience. Crafted with layers of richly textured fabrics, this piece cap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Fabric, Canvas
Conspiracy
Located in Zofingen, AG
Unlike many surrealists, who present their dreams, the central subjects of Ta’s work are people and bold colours. Her work opens up new art dimensions to explore. Her Blue Valentine ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Egg Boy on a windy day
Located in Zofingen, AG
02 / 10 / 2023 I signed a book contract for Egg Island; it will now go through the publishing process and will be in print next year.
I was overwhelmed by the editorial board's fee...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Egg girl
Located in Zofingen, AG
02 / 10 / 2023 I signed a book contract for Egg Island; it will now go through the publishing process and will be in print next year.
I was overwhelmed by the editorial board's fee...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
King of Jazz
Located in Zofingen, AG
Ta has a vibrant personality and loves nothing more than a happy toe-tapping audience appreciating melodic jazz. Jazz and lady in red oozes musical finesse and sultry song.
Ta is ...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Street Smart: Contemporary Surrealist Portrait
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
His time in New York City has ingrained Berlin with the whole vibe of the culture that existed in the city at that time. He is so passionate when talking about it and the lasting eff...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Silent Melody, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Alexandra Manukyan's " Silent Melody" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a female model with white feathers on her dark hair, her fa...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil, Wood Panel
"Antler" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Joshua Lawyer's (US based) "Antler" is an oil painting that depicts a figure with a white branch appearing as an antler on her head.
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood
Psychic Fallout
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Psychic Fallout is an original painting by Elisha Nyong. Elisha created Psychic Fallout with Oil on a 42W by 45H inches primed canvas.
Psychic Fallout ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
A Surrealist Figurative Painting, "The Journey of Self-Discovery"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original oil on canvas painting by Charlene Mosley. Its dimensions are 36.5"x48.5"x1.5". It is unframed. A certificate of authenticity will follow delivery.
Charlene Mos...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
The Other Side 7
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
FREE Shipping Worldwide
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) FRENCH OIL PAINTING - MOTHER AND CHILD PORTRAIT
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Mother & Child"
by Geneviève Zondervan (French 1922-2013)
signed with initials
oil painting on board
board: 18 x 14.75 inches
Mid 20th century oil painting on board by the French ...
Category
Late 20th Century Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Pink Moon, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sara Scribner's (US based) "Pink Moon" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a realistic portrait of a feminine form cradling a small moon i...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"Diaphanous, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Alexandra Manukyan's " Silent Melody" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a female model with white feathers on her dark hair, as she...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
"Roses Are Not Only Red" (2022) By Ifeoluwa Alade, Original Mixed Media Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Ifeoluwa Alade ( Nigeria based) "Roses Are Not Only Red" is an original, handmade acrylic painting that depicts a female model with a rose and butterfly cast in a deep red glow.
Ar...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Canvas
The sun. Portrait. 1973. Cardboard, oil, 33x46.5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
The sun. 1973. Cardboard, oil, 33x46.5 cm
Woman portrait in orange colors
Vladimir Borisovich Glushenkov (May 21, 1948, Riga - December 26, 2009, Riga.) - painter, graphic artist, poet, translator.
Born in Riga in a Russian-Polish-German family.
Vladimir Glushenkov...
Category
1970s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cardboard
"Salvador Dalí"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
I was inspired to create this painting by a mirage in the sea. I saw on the horizon, a fantastic city with huge eyes looking at me.
By purchasing Ukrainian art from Ukrainian artists...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Fashion Essentials I - Contemporary colourful surrealistic painting
Located in DE
Gamez de Francisco paints and photographs very passionately, making statements filled with symbolism. He frequently includes insects in his artwork. He says: Flying insects represent...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) 1940's FRENCH OIL PAINTING - ELDERLY LADY SEWING
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Sewing"
by Geneviève Zondervan (French 1922-2013)
oil painting on board, dated 1944
board: 19.5 x 10.5 inches
Superb mid-century oil painting on board by the French artist, Genevi...
Category
Late 20th Century Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Light After Dark" Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Austin Howlett's "Light After Dark" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a larger than life woman reclining in a landscape of mountains.
...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"Salvador Dalí"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
In this painting, I've melded the whimsical with the surreal to explore the dichotomy between fantasy and reality. The jester, typically a figure of folly and transient joy, juxtapos...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Pocket Full of Dreams", Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Tiffany Dae's (US based) "Pocket Full of Dreams" is a original, handmade oil painting that depicts a feminine figure surrounded by darkness, gently holding...
Category
2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Surrealist portrait paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Surrealist portrait paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add portrait paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, green, pink and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Rudolf Kosow, Carlos Gamez De Francisco, Tslil Tsemet, and Suzi Fadel Nassif. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Surrealist portrait paintings, so small editions measuring 5 inches across are also available. Prices for portrait paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $27 and tops out at $400,000, while the average work sells for $4,500.