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Surrealist 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
Huge French 20th Century Surrealist Oil Painting Knights on Horseback Swordfight
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, 20th century Title: The Sword Fight Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 28.5 x 39.25 inches Provenance: pri...
Category

20th Century Surrealist 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 Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Colourful Shooting Stars
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge French Surrealist Fantasy Oil Painting Floating Figure Reaching for Moon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed and dated 1986 Title: Surrealist composition Medium: signed oil painting on board, unframed and inscribed verso. painting: 25.5 x 21.25 inc...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Childhood, Portrait, Figurative Art Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Portrait, Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Portrait Art, Subject: Childhood Size: 36" x 24" x 1'' inch, 92x61x3 cm, Unframed, Stretched on Wooden Bar, Gallery Wrapped, Ready to Hang. Tigran Hovoumyan was born on November 8, 1969, in American Armenia...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Kyle Andrew Szpyrka - Where Have You Been, Where Are You Going?, Drawing 2014
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Paths series was born out of a trip I took one summer to LA. The trip itself was more of an escape from my life in New York. At the time I was at a crossroads. Having just gone t...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Graphite

Kyle Andrew Szpyrka - Honesty, Drawing 2014
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Paths series was born out of a trip I took one summer to LA. The trip itself was more of an escape from my life in New York. At the time I was at a crossroads. Having just gone t...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Graphite

Kyle Andrew Szpyrka - Babel, Drawing 2014
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sutra, a Sanskrit word meaning “thread”, is a word or small group of words that summarize an entire complex web of ideas, truths, wisdoms, or teachings all woven together into a sing...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Graphite

YiJian Wang Surrealist Original Oil Painting "Caprice 3"
Located in New York, NY
Title: Caprice 3 Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 12 x 15 inches Frame: Framing options available! Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition. Note: This painting is unstretched Year: 2015 Artist: YiJian Wang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Woman in a Dream. nr.1. Surrealist fantasy by spanish painter Antonio Monasterio
Located in Firenze, IT
Antonio Monasterio - Woman in a Dream. no.1 Technique: Mixed media on paper (pastels, wax, and pen) Dimensions: Approximately 45 x 55 cm Period: 1970s This work presents an enigmatic...
Category

1980s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Wax Crayon, Ink, Tempera, Pen

Family Day Off - London modern cityscape wildlife surreal abstract oil painting
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. In this contemporary surrealist painting Nathan Neven juxtapos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Bright Yellow Sun Shining
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

The castle, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
An original piece from the series “Virtual modelâ€
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Life Energies' Fantasy Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Lady in Black" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sybiline's (CAN based) "Lady in Black" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a black cat with green eyes wearing a black veil and blue pearl...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Candle In The Heart ' Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Emperors and Albert Bridge - surrealist wildlife animal oil painting- modern art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. In this contemporary surrealist painting, Nathan Neven skillfu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portal, Black and White, Original oil Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
ARTIST: Aibek Begalin WORK: Original acrilic graphics, handmade artwork Medium: Acrylic and ink on paper YEAR: 2020 STYLE: Modern SUBJECT: Portal SIZE: 12" x 9" x 0,1" inch, 21X29 cm...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic

"The Beautiful Tree, " Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Rhonda Libbey's "The Beautiful Tree" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a grouping of lush patterned trees in situ with a vanity and mirr...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

FRANCINE BRANIARD - HUGE FRENCH SURREALIST SIGNED OIL - FANTASY FIGURES
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Francine Braniard (French contemporary), signed Title: 'La Source', titled verso and to exhibition label Medium: oil painting on c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Grande Place-original cityscape wildlife animal architecture-modern art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Grande Place" by Nathan Neven is a captivating portrayal that...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Druid, Black and White, Original Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
ARTIST: Aibek Begalin WORK: Original acrilic graphics, handmade artwork Medium: Acrylic and ink on paper YEAR: 2020 STYLE: Modern SUBJECT: DRUID SIZE: 12" x 9" x 0,1" inch, 21X29 cm ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic

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 Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

The Happy Couple, Mid Century Surrealist Fantasy Landscape by Ohio artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Mary Spain (American, 1934-1983) The Happy Couple Oil on canvas Signed middle right, signed and titled verso 22 x 26 inches Set in a realm of fantasy, Mary Spain’s work exhibits oddly distorted figures in a child-like manner with an underlying sense of absurdity. Through her toylike and primitive style, Spain created surrealistic dramas that puzzle and entrance the viewer. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mary Spain studied art at Syracuse University and moved to Ohio in the 1960s to teach art at Chagrin Falls...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Large French Surrealist Oil Painting Figures over a Walled City Fortress
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French Surrealist school, 20th century Title: titled verso Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed Size: canvas: 25.5 x 21.5 inches Provenance: private collect...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Diving Deep, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A mesmerizing underwater scene comes to life where an enchanting mix of sea creatures, humans, and scuba bunnies coexist in perfect harmony. The submerged wor...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

'Story Time', Paris, Salon d'Automne, New York, ASL, Corcoran, PAFA, Art Deco
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower left 'Nura' for Nura Woodson Ulreich (American, 1899–1950). Additionally signed, verso, dated March 1928 with artist's New York City ...
Category

1920s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Illustration Board

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Wind Born' Colourful Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) FRENCH OIL PAINTING - FRENCH THEATRE/ STADIUM
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"The French Flag" by Geneviève Zondervan (French 1922-2013) oil painting on board, stamped verso board: 8.5 x 10.5 inches Original 20th century oil by the French artist, Geneviève ...
Category

Late 20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Genovart. Little Red original surrealist acrilic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Paisaje original surrealist acrilic painting GENOVART LLOPIS, Jaume (Barcelona, 1941-1994). Basically self - taught painter, was released in 1972. Grandson of typesetter and booksel...
Category

1970s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

"From the sea"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The painting was painted based on the original sketch. The sketch was created in 2019 after a trip to the sea. The image came in a dream. This sea creature lives on the seabed and ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Small Surrealist Landscape with Boats - After the Flood
Located in Soquel, CA
Detailed surrealist landscape depicting a barren, desert-like scene with small boats by Clayton Anderson (American, b. 1943). Signed "CLAY ANDERSON" on v...
Category

1970s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Oil

Yijian Wang Contemporary Original Oil On Canvas "Let Me Enjoy It 2"
Located in New York, NY
Title: Let Me Enjoy It 2 Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 21 x 13 inches Frame: Framing options available! Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition. Note: This painting is unstretched Year: 2015 Artist: Yijian Wang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) FRENCH OIL PAINTING - STILL LIFE DISPLAY
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Still Life" by Geneviève Zondervan (French 1922-2013) stamped verso oil painting on board board: 10.5 x 13.75 inches Mid 20th century oil painting on board by the French artist, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) SIGNED FRENCH SURREALIST OIL PAINTING - FRAMED
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Surrealist Landscape" by Geneviève Zondervan (French 1922-2013) oil painting on canvas, framed dated '99' signed lower corner framed: 19.25 x 14 inches A fine 20th century surreal...
Category

Late 20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

GENEVIEVE ZONDERVAN (1922-2013) FRENCH OIL PAINTING - PORTRAIT OF SEATED MAN
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Seated Man" by Geneviève Zondervan (French 1922-2013) oil painting on board board: 18 x 14.75 inches Very fine 20th century oil painting on board by the French artist, Geneviève Z...
Category

Late 20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Rainbow Whirling' Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

French Surrealist Oil Painting Figurative Scene Family with Horse Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figurative Abstract French School oil painting on board painting: 22.5 x 22.5 inches condition: overall very good and pleasing provenance: from a private collection of this artists w...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge French Surrealist Fantasy Oil Painting Dancing Bird Orange Yellow Sky
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Josyne Gallet, French signed and dated 1975 Title: Dancing Bird Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 23.5 x 32 inches Prov...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Elfin Lights ' Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Genovart Gray Background Yellow original surrealist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Luces original surrealist acrylic painting. GENOVART LLOPIS, Jaume (Barcelona, 1941-1994). Basically self - taught painter, was released in 1972. Grandson of typesetter and booksell...
Category

1970s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

YanRu Han Landscape Original Oil On Canvas "Rainy Night 3"
Located in New York, NY
Title: Rainy Night 3 Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 8 x 12 inches Frame: Framing options available! Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition. Note: This painting is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Sun, 20th Century Magic Realism Painting by Cleveland School Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Paul Riba (American, 1912-1977) The Sun Oil on masonite Signed lower right, titled verso 14 x 21.5 inches 20.75 x 28.25 inches, framed Paul Riba was a painter of Magic Realism. He ...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Masonite, 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 Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Jardin Fantastique
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork. titled "Jardin Fantastique" c.1990, is an oil painting on canvas by noted Haitian surrealist artist Murat Saint Vil, b.1955. It is signed at the lower left corner by th...
Category

Late 20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Huge French Surrealist Fantasy Oil Painting Floating Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Josyne Gallet Title: Floating Figure Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed Size: canvas: 45.5 x 28.75 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Nancy Baker, Tree in Moonlight, 2020, Oil on canvas, Surrealist Landscape
Located in Darien, CT
These paintings reflect the love Nancy Baker has for combining classical imagery with an image that is strange. The most direct example is in Alien Nation where i have a potter at a ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'The Fish Below' Fantasy Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"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 ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Diane in the Purr" Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Nathan Durfee's "Diane in the Purr" is an oil painting that depicts Diane, a girl with a cat nose and whiskers drawn on her face, surrounded by stuffed animals. Artist bio: Natha...
Category

2010s Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Face II (Aquiles).
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
Face II (Aquiles) is a large format work that is part of the classical series, continuing its exploration of the iconic figures of mythology. In this Rostro II, the protagonist is Ac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Quirky Abstract Shapes
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

'72', Still Life Signed Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
72, 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: 21.25 x 32 inc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"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 Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel, Alkyd

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Beginning Of Order' Colourful Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

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 Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Colorful Fantasy Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Plant Growth' Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Country Dance' Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Fantasy Tree With Green and Brown Leafs
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by Elvic Steele depicting this surrealist fantasy abstract painting. Elvic Steele is a fascinating English painter. Her works entrance the observer, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Surrealist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Surrealist 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 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, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Elvic Steele, Rudolf Kosow, Isabel Rock, and Henry David Potwin. 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 paintings, so small editions measuring 2 inches across are also available. Prices for 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 $1 and tops out at $400,000, while the average work sells for $2,999.

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