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.
Art Brut Surrealist figurative abstract Philadelphia Artist
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jesse Soifer (1932-2013). Untitled #06, 1969. Ink on paper, sheet measures 12 x 18 inches. Unsigned. Estate stamp on verso sheet with assignation number. Early Life and Recognit...
Paper, Ink
Pippin Bumble's Favorite Time of Day, Oil Painting
By Diane Flick
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A robot elephant balances an heirloom tomato and a pot of daisy flower on its head. This is artist Diane Flick's first painting using AI-generated reference p...
Oil
She Will Change Everything!, Impressionist Still Life, Oil on Canvas
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Surreal still life is made in an expressive style with elements of mysticism and symbolism. The painting attracts attention with a deep, muted color scheme and a mysterious plot that...
Oil
$1,425
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
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Pillar of Strength 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Woman, African
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Pillar of Strength” is a powerful fabric collage that celebrates the inner resilience, dignity, and grace of the African woman. Constructed with richly patterned textiles and bold, v...
Fabric, Canvas
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
Surrealist Large Painting Royal College of Art LGBTQ+ Female Birds of Prey
By Isabel Rock
Located in Norfolk, GB
Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences while a surreal narrative take...
Paint, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pen
Walk along Lupie street Figurative Surrealism Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Figurative Surrealism Original Painting Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Portrait Surrealism, T...
Canvas, 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
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
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
Pizza Party - Colorful Food Still Life Mixed Media Collage Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a Swedish artist whose collage artworks bring together bold color, geometric structure, and layered visual textures. Florals, foliage, buildings, and everyda...
Paper, Mixed Media
Breathe Charcoal and Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Surrealist, 2025
Located in Porto, 13
Breathe (2025) is a contemporary figurative painting by Brazilian artist Ritchelly Oliveira, executed in charcoal and acrylic on canvas. The monochromatic composition depicts a human...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
$8,750
LOYALTY (Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas, monochrome, blue grey, lion, animal)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
Rudolf Kosow’s Loyalty is a haunting contemporary surrealist and monochrome painting that places a small female figure beside a monumental sleeping lion on the edge of a high and dra...
Canvas, Oil
Believe - 21st Century, Contemporary, Surrealism, African Nature, Fashion
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Believe is a moving meditation on hope, self-worth, and the courage to look past our limits. Standing on a bed of clouds, the figure wears an oversized blue coat and giant red boots,...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450Sale Price|50% Off
Cactus Landscape (Comanche Native American surrealist painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Cactus Landscape, ca. 1975-80. Gouache on Arches rag paper, Sheet measures 23 x 30 inches. Image measures 22 x 29 inches. Signed lower left. Excellent condition. Unframed.
Gouache, Rag Paper
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Pot 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, Still Life, Nature, Floral
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure 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 Authenticity. About Artist Aka...
Canvas, Acrylic
In the embrace of the waves
Located in Zofingen, AG
This contemporary surrealist painting transports the viewer into a world where the sea becomes a realm of dreams and the boundary between reality and fantasy dissolves in the golden ...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Cardboard
Strategy
Located in Zofingen, AG
Strategy (series “1000 and 1 Night”) In this work, the theme of falling in love shifts into the realm of power and control. The space is constructed like a game board, where movement...
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
$900Sale Price|40% Off
Savage Garden
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Timothy Berry (b.1948). Savage Garden, 1996. Oil on canvas, 34 x 32 inches. Sigh on verso. Original gallery label affixed on verso. Canvas stretched over...
Oil
Enigma Figurative Surrealism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Tigran Hovumyan Figurative Surrealist Oil Painter Artwork Title: Enigma Medium: Original Oil on Linen Dimensions: 24" x 48" x 1" inch, ( 61 x 122 x 3 cm) Year: 2026 Unframed, Stretc...
Canvas, Oil
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
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
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Pillar of Strength 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Woman, African
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Pillar of Strength” is a radiant fabric collage painting that pays homage to the unshakable resilience, grace, and dignity of the African woman. Composed entirely from intricately la...
Fabric, Canvas
Destiny's Path, Hawaii - Surreal Mid Century Hawaiian Figurative Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Destiny's Path, Hawaii - Surreal Mid Century Hawaiian Figurative Abstract Symbolistic and romantic 1940s surreal figurative of pastel orange figure journeying down path by Margueri...
Linen, Oil
"Uniqueness Is a Risky Business" - Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Andreas Claussen (b. 1988, Hanover, Germany) is a pioneering oil painter whose journey from law studies to the art world underscores his deep-seated passion for visual storytelling. ...
Canvas, Oil
$960Sale Price|20% Off
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
$8,016Sale Price|41% Off
Surrealist Mineral Landscape Spanish Catalan Oil Canvas Painting Dalí Circle art
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Dalí Circle Surrealist Mineral Landscape, Spanish Catalan Oil Painting Artist: Antoni Pitxot Soler / Antoni Pichot Soler (Figueres, 1934 – 2015) Title: Surrealist Mineral Landscape Date: 1985 Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 50 × 61 cm / 19.7 × 24 in Framing: Unframed Signature: Signed and dated lower right Condition: Very good overall condition. Stable canvas and paint layer. Rich surface texture, visible impasto and original brushwork. Description Powerful surrealist oil painting by Antoni Pitxot Soler, one of the most important Catalan artists connected to Salvador Dalí’s inner circle and a key figure in the visual universe of Cadaqués and Figueres. Painted in 1985, this work belongs to Pitxot’s mature period and presents one of his most recognizable subjects: a dreamlike mineral landscape built from stones, fragments, shells, fossil-like forms and metamorphic shapes. The composition seems suspended between landscape, archaeology and hallucination, where inert matter becomes almost alive. The painting is especially strong visually. The lower section is constructed through a dense accumulation of sculptural forms, painted with thick, expressive brushwork and a refined chromatic range of blues, ochres, pinks, whites, greys and earthy tones. Above them, a floating organic form...
Oil
Mid-century Theatrical Surrealist Signed Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a striking mid-century theatrical surrealist work by the Chilean artist Fabio Lemus, who was active during the mid-20th century. STYLE: Lemus was noted for his whimsical...
Masonite, Oil
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Owner (black Lab dog, sleeping lady, vintage dress, animal, surrealist painting)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
In "Owner," Rudolf Kosow captures a tender moment of connection that is as powerful as it is subtle. The main subject of the painting is a large black Lab, soulful dog, its fur textu...
Canvas, Oil
$999
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
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
My Imperfection Gaze - 21st Century, Contemporary, Surrealism, African Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A portrait can tell a story, my artistic pieces highlight the exploration of the complexity of human identity, space and existence. My imagery embodies the unconventional expression ...
Glitter, Acrylic
$1,425
The Skyline is Blue - Abstract 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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Hungry (pet dog, pug snout, cooking lady, animal art, surrealist oil painting)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
"Hungry" is a captivating painting by Rudolf Kosow that beautifully illustrates a moment of connection between a gargantuan, doleful-eyed bulldog and a diminutive woman. The dog’s fa...
Canvas, Oil
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Surreal Southwest Modernist Desert Cactus Original Vintage Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist surreal landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1940. Signed. Unframed. Image size, 28"L x 20"H.
Canvas, Oil
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
$1,005
Where the Search Ends - Original Mixed Media Surrealist Figurative Artwork
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
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
Unicorn Pigeon - Original contemporary artwork - surrealistic animal painting
By JJ Galloway
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, Oil
"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
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
"The Unicorn's Garden, " Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Rhonda Libbey's "The Unicorn's Garden" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a grey unicorn in a lush garden of cat faced flowers and rollin...
Gold Leaf
Newcomer, Portrait Surrealism Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Portrait Surrealism Original Painting Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2019 Style: Portrait Surrealism, Tit...
Canvas, Oil
Antique French Modern Paris School Still Life Framed Surreal Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Finely painted modernist still life oil painting with a view of the Eiffel Tower and a rotary phone. Oil on canvas. Framed. Measuring 20 by 23 inches overall and 15.25 by 18.25 paint...
Canvas, Oil
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
Country Town - Original Abstract 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
At the Museum I - surreal, contemporary, figurative, oil on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This surrealist painting by Toni Hamel features a Group of Seven piece and focuses on the theme of climate change. In this imaginative painting, Toni Hamel sends a powerful message ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,100Sale Price|26% Off
Spirit of 76
By Martha Hamlin Visser't Hooft
Located in Buffalo, NY
A whimsical gouache painting by American female surrealist Martha Visser't Hooft depicting a butterfly in a patriotic color scheme. Martha Visser't Hooft was born in Buffalo in 19...
Archival Paper, Gouache
1980’s French Surrealist Oil Painting Abstract Figurative Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tristan Fabris 1989, French Surrealist artist Abstract Surrealist Figurative study oil on canvas, unframed inscribed verso dated 1989 painting: 32 x 25.5 inches private collection, F...
Canvas, Oil
Sea Embrace
Located in Zofingen, AG
This contemporary surrealist painting transports the viewer into a world where the sea becomes a realm of dreams and the boundary between reality and fantasy dissolves. Amid the tur...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Cardboard
$508Sale Price|25% Off
Surreal Dreamlike Village Scene with Figures, Dog & Moonlit Sky - British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Surreal Dreamlike Village Scene with Figures, Dog & Moonlit Sky by British Artist, John Charlesworth (British, b. 1947) Art measures 7 x 5 in (17.8 x 12.7 cm) Fram measures 10 x...
Oil, Board
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 Cat", Surrealist John Devoluy (1903-1982) Oil on canvas
Located in New York, NY
John Devoluy (1903-1982) The Cat, 1950 c. Oil on canvas 28 3/4 x 24 inches l 73 x 61 cm With frame: 30 3/4 x 26 inches l 78 x 66 cm Signed lower left John Devoluy was born in 1903 a...
Canvas, Oil
"Version XIV" (2025) Original Surrealist Oil Painting on Cradled Board
Located in Denver, CO
3rd Version's (Ben Patterson) "Version XIV" is a 2025 oil painting on cradled panel measuring 12 x 9 x 1.5 inches. The work is unframed but ready to hang. Artist Statement: US bas...
Oil, Panel
"Gold Coast, " California Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Gregory Block's (US based) "Gold Coast" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a sandy beach raked with sunlight. Gregory was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1986 and...
Oil
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
Work or Play?, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The way a fox approaches life appears to be a beautiful blend of work and play. The surreal animal painting inspires the viewer to use their own sense of grace,...
Oil
$3,900
Keeper of the Red Thread: framed oil painting, abstract landscape, figure, birds
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is a signed, original oil painting by PA-based artist, Rachel Romano. It depicts a central figure in a white cloak surrounded by small white flowers and holding a long, red thre...
Linen, Oil, Panel
Forgotten Future, Memories of Vintage Science Fiction
Located in Oslo, NO
This painting is inspired by the imagery of classic science fiction and the optimistic visions of the future that shaped much of the twentieth century. Geometric structures, mechanic...
Canvas, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pencil