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.
Rune Andersson's The Hands A Remarkable Swedish Conversation Piece
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rune Andersson (1936– ) Sweden Händerna (The Hands), 1968 signed and dated a tergo oil on panel and relief framed approximately 66 × 57 cm (26 × 22.4 in) Provenance: Private colle...
Plaster, Oil, Board
Venus à Giraffe - Sculpture by Salvador Dalí - 1973
Located in Roma, IT
Bronze, dark and brown patina, realized in 1973. Dali's printed signature in on the plinth. Edition 616/1000 on the side. Foundry stamp "Fonderia Venturi". Published by Euro Art. ...
Bronze
Pair of Surreal Miniature Wooden Hand and Foot Chair Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Dimensions listed are for each individual hand and the price is for the pair. Artist Biography: Artist and designer Pedro Friedeberg is known for his surrealist paintings, prints, a...
Wood
$34,000Sale Price|20% Off
Piano surréaliste, Salvador Dali
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Piano surréaliste Year: 1984 Medium: Bronze Edition: 350, plus proofs Size: 26.3 x 15.7 x 12 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Incised...
Bronze
Miniature Figures with Speech Bubble, Surrealist Diorama Wall Sculpture
By Vera Vizzi
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This contemporary miniature diorama wall sculpture by Italian artist Vera Vizzi constructs an absurd, surreal scene inside a white wooden box. A pink bird painted in the language of ...
Enamel
$6,360Sale Price|20% Off
LINCOLN IN DALIVISION Platinum Bas Relief with Original Box
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Lincoln in Dalivision Platinum Bas Relief MEDIUM: Bas Relief SIGNED: Embossed Signature. The Bas Relief bears the artist signature toward the bottom...
Metal
Nobility Of Time, Bronze Sculpture, Incised Signature, Edition of 350
Located in Aventura, FL
Bronze sculpture with three different patinas. Conceived in 1977 and first cast in 1984. Incised Salvador Dali signature on top of the base. Stamp numbered 264/350 on the back ed...
Paper, Lithograph
$747
Surreal Contemporary Figurative Mixed-Media Sculpture Found-Object American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind mixed-media sculpture by Philip Kuznicki from the Spirit exhibition. Comes in its original frame. Born in Dunkirk NY, Kuznicki started his career working for artists su...
Found Objects, Mixed Media
Hebru Brantley Gaia (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Hebru Brantley GAIA (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia): Hebru Brantley’s ethereal art toy features his much iconic, Lil Mama character as Gaia, the fabled personification of Mother E...
Vinyl
Sculpture of a red figure / - The crazy dance of life -
Located in Berlin, DE
George Lilanga (1934 Kikwetu - 2005 Dar es Salaam), Sculpture of a red figure, circa 1995. Polychrome wood, 80 cm (height) x 40 cm (width) x 25 cm (depth), signed on the carved base ...
Wood
Hebru Brantley Gaia (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Hebru Brantley GAIA (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia): Hebru Brantley’s ethereal art toy features his much iconic, Lil Mama character as Gaia, the...
Vinyl
Moses and Monotheism
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled, "Moses and Monotheism" 1979, is a copper embossed bas relief by artist Salvador Dali, 1904-1989. It is hand signed in felt pen at the lower right corner. The art...
Copper
"Dream"
By Vasyl Demkiv
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A woman...Who is she? What does she think about? What does she dream about? Where do her thoughts fly? What kind of soul does she have? Why do I miss you so much? Why don't I feel fe...
Metal
$700
"Untitled" David Hare, Surrealist Classical Sculpture, Modernist, New York
By David Hare
Located in New York, NY
David Hare Untitled, circa 1970s Mixed media 6 1/4 x 2 inches The artist Mercedes Matter, New York (gift from the above) Bill O'Reilly, New York (gift from the above) “Freedom is ...
Clay, Mixed Media, Oil
$40,000
Rare 1966 Original Bronze Sculpture "The Two Nikes" edition of 6 Salvador Dali
Located in Surfside, FL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) – The Two Nikes, Lilith, The Double Victory of Samothrace, Homage to Raymond Roussel Literature: Descharnes, Robert, Salvador Dalí, and Nicolas Descharnes....
Bronze
Figurative Mixed Media Bust Sculpture in Ceramic Oxides and Carved Fir Wood
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This figurative mixed media bust sculpture in ceramic, metallic oxides and carved fir wood opens with a strong emphasis on material expression and emotional tension. The work belongs to the Xentes series, a body of sculptures by the Spanish artist Óscar Aldonza Torres that explores the dialogue between individuality and collective identity. The piece combines high-temperature ceramic for the head—treated with oxides and imitation gold leaf—with a tall fir-wood torso...
Metal, Gold Leaf
$11,950Sale Price|30% Off
The Cubist Angel, Bronze Sculpture, Surrealist, 1980, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Bronze, hand-patinated and partially polished cast in 1982 using the lost-wax (""à cire perdue"") technique bearing the foundry stamp ""Strehle Kunstguss"" height (including base): 5...
Bronze
$2,328Sale Price|69% Off
La Petite Chouette Sculpture, Surrealist Ceramic, Circa 1960-1970
Located in CANNES, FR
Jules Agard ( 1905 - 1986 ) " la petite chouette " circa 1960 - 1970 " Pièce unique " Sculpture en terre rouge de Salernes montée au tour représentant une petite chouette ( d...
Ceramic
$5,098Sale Price|20% Off
Female Figure Architectural Sculpture in Chestnut Wood House Tower Form
By Jose Perozo
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Architectural female figure sculpture in chestnut wood combining body, house and tower architecture in a surreal anthropotectural form. Ática is a unique sculptural work by Spanish ...
Wood
$1,360Sale Price|60% Off
CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd ¨KNOCK OUT: from the GREATEST SERIES¨ 2026 2 pieces !!
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
THE GREATEST!!!!!! ALTERATION ART . . . is a collaboration process between CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd, fine artist and art dealer with over 40 years experience, and various Mexican Hui...
Glass, Mixed Media
$781Sale Price|20% Off
Surreal Contemporary Figurative Mixed-Media Sculpture Found-Object American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind mixed-media sculpture by Philip Kuznicki from the Spirit exhibition. Comes in its original frame. Born in Dunkirk NY, Kuznicki started his career working for artists su...
Found Objects, Mixed Media
$4,500
Adam Kadmon ("Vision"), Kabbalistic Jewish Russian sculpture signed & inscribed
Located in New York, NY
Grisha Bruskin Adam Kadmon (Vision), Signed and signed dedicated to art historian and collector Jacob Baal Teshuva), 1992 Steel Sculpture (Signed, Dated & Dedicated) 6 × 6 × 3 i...
Steel
$865Sale Price|20% Off
Glass sculpture Merkuce from the series The Italians 2008, glass, 37, 5x11x10 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Glass sculpture Merkuce from the series The Italians 2008, glass, 37, 5x11x10 cm
Glass
Archaeologists
Located in Roma, RM
Giorgio de Chirico (Volos, Greece 1888 - Rome 1978), The Archaeologists Bronze sculpture 28 x 22 x 18.5 cm signed on the right side, specimen 7/9, dry punch of Fonderia Cavallari - ...
Bronze
"Courtney", Ceramic Functional Dish, Surrealist Style, 2023, Signed
By Cheryl Tall
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original ceramic functional dish by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 5.25" x 5.25" x 1". A certificate of authenticity will follow delivery. ...
Ceramic
$1,610
Surreal Contemporary Figurative Mixed-Media Sculpture Found-Object American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind mixed-media sculpture by Philip Kuznicki from the Spirit exhibition. Comes in its original frame. Born in Dunkirk NY, Kuznicki started his career working for artists su...
Found Objects, Mixed Media
Large Salvador Dali Surrealist Bronze Portrait Sculpture Mexican Master Aguilar
Located in Surfside, FL
Carlos Aguilar y Linares, Mexican Sculptor (1945-2010) Sculpture chose him. In his hands and his soul he always had the necessary impulse to create wi...
Marble, Bronze
$8,500
Rare Salvador Dali Surrealist 3D Pop Up Etching Engraving Paper Sculpture 1973
Located in Surfside, FL
Genre: Surrealism Subject: people, architecture rendering Medium: Etching Surface: Paper Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989) I believe the title is L'Immortalite de L'Imperialisme Ge...
Paper, Board, Etching
$5,000
Moise et Monotheisme, Bronze Embossed Bas Relief, Hand Signed, Edition of 195
Located in Aventura, FL
Bronze embossed bas relief cover for the Moise et Monotheisme portfolio. Hand signed in felt pen lower front by Salvador Dali. From the edition of 195 (not individually numbered; t...
Paper, Lithograph
"Man with Cup, " Painted Ceramic Figure
By Allan Winkler 1
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Ceramic, Acrylic
"Kailini", Surrealist Mosaic Surfboard Sculpture, 2010s, Signed, 24x70
By Cheryl Tall
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original one of a kind surrealist figurative mosaic on a surfboard by San Diego artist, Cheryl Tall. It is wired and ready to hang on a wall if desired. Its dimensions are 24x70x1. A certificate of authenticity signed by the artist will follow delivery of this piece. This is a very detailed elegant work of art where the artist has used tiles...
Mosaic
$4,543Sale Price|60% Off
Tête de Femme Surrealist Ceramic Sculpture, Unique, Circa 1970, Signed
Located in CANNES, FR
Jules Agard ( 1905 - 1986 ) " Tête de femme " Sculpture surréaliste réalisée en terre rouge de Salernes et montée au tour . le corps est bombé et creusé alternativement . le col se...
Ceramic
$2,768Sale Price|24% Off
Expressionist Figurative Bust Sculpture in Raku Ceramic and Carved Black Poplar
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Xente Golpes is a unique figurative bust sculpture by Spanish artist Óscar Aldonza Torres, combining a raku-fired ceramic head with a directly carved black poplar wood torso. The dra...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Poplar, Wood
Monkey Girl II, Copper and Resin Sculpture by James Johnson
By James Johnson
Located in Long Island City, NY
A mixed media sculpture by James Johnson from 2002. A pregnant female figure of epoxy resin with copper wings and a simian face. Artist: James Johnson Title: Monkey Girl 2 Year...
Copper
$880Sale Price|66% Off
CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd "THE HORN PLAYER" Sculpture from Huichol ALTERATIONS
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
THE HORN PLAYER!!!!!! ALTERATION ART . . . is a collaboration process between CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd, fine artist and art dealer with over 40 years experience, and various Mexican ...
Glass, Mixed Media
$5,098Sale Price|20% Off
Large Female Figure Sculpture in Carved Wood with Fragmented Architectural Form
By Jose Perozo
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Large figurative wood sculpture depicting a fragmented female body constructed from individually carved sections of chestnut, sapele, pine and oak. Arquitectura (Architecture) is a m...
Wood
Surrealist Ceramic Pendant 'Chèvre-Pied & Double Masque', 1958
By Jean Cocteau
Located in CANNES, FR
Jean COCTEAU (1889-1963) céramiques originales de Jean Cocteau . Pendentifs : "Chèvre-pied " 1958. Pendentif ovale (9cm x7cm) . variante terre blanche en relief. " Double masque " 1...
Ceramic
"La Reina", Surrealist Sculpture, Ceramic, 2010+, Original, 33x18 in
By Cheryl Tall
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original sculpture by San Diego artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 8" x 33" x 18". A Certificate of Authenticity will follow the delivery of this piece....
Ceramic
Mano Sol Giltwood Sculpture, Surrealist, Late 20th Century, Signed
Located in Aventura, FL
Carved giltwood sculpture. Signed Pedro Friedberg on the underside of the base. Size: 10 x 3.25 x 1.5 inches. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Artwork is in excellent co...
Gold Leaf
$1,725
Surreal Contemporary Figurative Mixed-Media Sculpture Found-Object American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind mixed-media sculpture by Philip Kuznicki from the Spirit exhibition. Comes in its original frame. Born in Dunkirk NY, Kuznicki started his career working for artists su...
Found Objects, Mixed Media
Surrealist Animal And Portraiture Sculpture, "Lenora"
By Cheryl Tall
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original wall sculpture by San Diego artist, Cheryl Tall. It's 27 inches tall, with a length of 16 inches and a depth of 13 inches....
Ceramic
Carmen - Castanets, Bronze Sculpture, Incised Signature, Edition of 350
Located in Aventura, FL
Bronze sculpture with green patina on a marble base. Incised Salvador Dali signature on sculpture verso. Stamp numbered 224/350 on sculpture verso. Size: 10.2 x 3.5 x 4.3 inches (...
Paper, Lithograph
$6,995
Authentic Surrealist "The Last Supper" Gold & Bronze Bas Relief Sculpture 59/125
Located in Portland, OR
An authentic and original Surrealist masterpiece bas relief sculpture by Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Spain, 24 karat gold on bronze, created in 1975. Original edition presentation case...
Gold, Bronze
$55,000
Contemporary, stainless steel sculpture, Leapfrog, contemporary sculpture.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
Polished Stainless Steel, and Signed and numbered, Edition 5/9 Bold, energetic, and playfully powerful, Leapfrog by Irina Daylene captures a striking moment of dynamic balance and ...
Stainless Steel
"Retablo No. 5 (An Attic of Records)", Mixed Media Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
The intricate retablos of contemporary artist Patrick Fitzgerald are his means of paying homage to the musicians that inspired him throughout his life. Derived from Mexican votive...
Paper, Oil, Found Objects, Mixed Media, Wood Panel
Mano Luna Giltwood Sculpture, Surrealist, Late 20th Century, Signed
Located in Aventura, FL
Carved giltwood sculpture. Signed Pedro Friedberg on the underside of the base. Size: 10 x 3.25 x 1.5 inches. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Artwork is in excellent co...
Gold Leaf
$2,640Sale Price|73% Off
Le Grand Duc Ceramic Sculpture, Surrealist, Circa 1960, Signed, Unique
Located in CANNES, FR
Jules Agard ( 1905 - 1986 ) " Le grand Duc " sculpture en terre blanche de Salernes montée au tour représentant un hibou Grand-duc . Ses formes sont mises en valeur par des engobe...
Ceramic
$10,926Sale Price|20% Off
Femme à l'écharpe rouge Ceramic Plate, Surrealist, Signed, 1958
By Jean Cocteau
Located in CANNES, FR
Jean Cocteau ( 1889-1963 ) " Femme à l'écharpe rouge " Exemplaire d'Auteur . hand signed Jean Cocteau . Partially glazed white earthenware plate with engobe conceived in 1958 In an ...
Ceramic
White Figurative Diorama Wall Sculpture with Miniatures in a Wooden Box
By Vera Vizzi
Located in FISTERRA, ES
White figurative diorama wall sculpture combining miniature figures, bamboo chopsticks and enamel paint within a wooden box. In White Concept, Vera Vizzi constructs a miniature scen...
Enamel
Caja de Cebra, Handmade Bronze Zebra Box Sculpture, Signed Edition of 8
Located in Aventura, FL
Handmade bronze zebra box sculpture. Incised 'Pedro Friedberg' on the underside. Incised 6/8 on the underside. Size: 8.7 x 9 x 2.5 inches. Certificate of Authenticity is included...
Bronze
$1,091
20th Century Surrealist Ceramic Sculpture LuAnne Tackett Simpson
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
This stunning piece of surrealist art captures the viewer's imagination with intricate forms and earthy tones . It features an interplay of organic shapes, evoking a dreamlike qualit...
Ceramic
Cyclist and Paper Airplane, Surreal Mixed Media Wall Diorama, 2021
By Vera Vizzi
Located in FISTERRA, ES
A miniature cyclist, a white paper airplane and a fragment of natural wood form this surreal wall diorama by Italian artist Vera Vizzi. The horizontal wooden box contains a painted s...
Wire
Study for Falling Man (Overhead Figure), Stainless Steel by Ernest Tino Trova
Located in Long Island City, NY
Study for Falling Man (Overhead Figure) by Ernest Tino Trova, (1927 - 2009) Date: 1984-1985 Medium: Stainless Steel Sculpture Edition: 8 Size: 15.5 x 7 x 8.3 in. (39.37 x 17.78 x...
Stainless Steel
$1,012Sale Price|20% Off
Surreal Contemporary Figurative Mixed-Media Sculpture Found-Object American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind mixed-media sculpture by Philip Kuznicki from the Spirit exhibition. Comes in its original frame. Born in Dunkirk NY, Kuznicki started his career working for artists su...
Found Objects, Mixed Media
Pair of Japanese Polychrome Wood Acrobatic Tako-nyūdō - Anthropomorphic Octopus
Located in brussel, BE
Pair of Japanese Polychrome Wood Acrobatic Tako-nyūdō—Anthropomorphic Octopus Figures, probably Meiji Period, late 19th century A Tako-nyūdō (蛸入道, literally “octopus priest”) is a f...
Wood
Polish Mid-Century Bronze Couple Sculpture with Gold Patina and Stone, c. 1970
Located in NANTES, FR
This signed bronze sculpture by Polish artist Tadeusz Foltyn, created circa 1970, depicts an enigmatic couple emerging from an architectural arrangement of bronze and natural stone. ...
Stone, Bronze
$1,495
Surreal Contemporary Figurative Mixed-Media Sculpture Found-Object American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind mixed-media sculpture by Philip Kuznicki from the Spirit exhibition. Comes in its original frame. Born in Dunkirk NY, Kuznicki started his career working for artists su...
Found Objects, Mixed Media
"Lady Ellen", Realist Figurative Sculpture, Ceramic, Surrealist, 2010+
By Cheryl Tall
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original sculpture by San Diego artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 30" x 66" x 30". A Certificate of Authenticity will follow the delivery of this piece...
Ceramic
SHARK PEOPLE
By Astian Rey
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Each sculpture is handcrafted. There are many both scientific and mythological theories that life originated in water. Water is considered to be the most important component in the p...
Wood, Acrylic, Mixed Media
I, Sisyphus, Signed Surrealist Bronze Sculpture by Stefan Vladescu
Located in Long Island City, NY
I, Sisyphus by Stefan Vladescu, (1952 - ) Date: 1998 Medium: Bronze Sculpture with Green Patina, signature inscribed Size: 17.5 x 13 x 13 in. (44.45 x 33.02 x 33.02 cm)
Bronze