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.
Le Seize Septembre Offset Print, Surrealist, 1998, Authorized Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This reproduction of the Magritte painting is the only authorized and approved copy in its current format. It has been sanctioned by the appropriate authorities managing Magritte’s e...
Offset
A Dream Within a Dream Surrealism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Tigran Hovumyan Figurative Surrealist Oil Painter Artwork Title: A Dream Within a Dream Medium: Original Oil on Linen Dimensions: 48" x 36" x 1" inch, ( 122 x 91 x 3 cm) Year: 2026 ...
Oil, Canvas
Courtside Blooms, Knicks - Floral Sports Inspired 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
Hell 22 - The Liars - Original Woodcut 1963 (Field p 189 à 200)
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Hell 22 - The Liars, 1963 Wood engraving from "Divine Comedy" with the signature printed in the plate On BFK Rives vellum 32,8 x 26,4 cm (c. 13 x 10") REF...
Woodcut
Lunar Eclipse Signed Limited Edition Giclée on Hahnemühle Paper
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn (American, b. 1946) Title: Lunar Eclipse Medium: Archival pigment print (giclée) Hahnemühle fine art paper Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 31/200 Year: 2021 S...
Giclée
Along the Way
Located in Zofingen, AG
"I am interested in the movement that arises from our interaction with the world around us: how we change under the influence of encounters and circumstances, seek direction, and lea...
Canvas, Acrylic
La Baie des Anges - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1962
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage poster incorporated in 1962 french tourism poster "Nice, Soleil, Fleurs". Printed by Atelier Mourlot. Signed in the plate, not numbered as issued. Very good condition. Re...
Lithograph
$600,000Sale Price|20% Off
Early Dawn Mosaic on MDF Panel, Signed, 2023, 39.5 x 58.5 in
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn Title: Early Dawn Year 2023 Size: 39 3/8 x 53 1/8 inches (100 x 134.9 cm) Mosaic on MDF panel Signed in the front and Signed on the back. About the Artist Scott ...
Mosaic
Salvador Dalí Signed Lithograph, Don José’s Final Appearance, 1968
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph by Salvador Dalí (1904–1989), Don José’s Final Appearance: the Bats Symbolizing Death, from the celebrated Carmen suite inspired by Georges Bizet’s opera. The work i...
Lithograph
Garden Under the Moonlight - Original lithograph (Mourlot #896)
By Joan Miró
Located in Paris, IDF
Joan MIRO Garden Under the Moonlight, 1973 Original lithograph (Mourlot workshop) Printed signature in the plate Unknown edition run, unnumbered as issued, apart from a numbered run...
Lithograph
I'm okay
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sometimes, fear and a sense of security, tension and calm, the desire to hide and the desire to stay in the open all exist within me at the same time. They aren’t necessarily contrad...
Canvas, Acrylic
$600,000Sale Price|20% Off
Lunar Eclipse (Blue Sky), 2023 Mosaic on MDF panel
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn Title: Blue Sky Lunar Eclipse Year 2023 Size: 39.5 x 39.5 inches Mosaic on MDF panel Signed in the front and Signed on the back. About the Artist Scott Kahn (b. ...
Mosaic
original lithograph
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1979 and published in Barcelona by La Poligrafa in an edition of 1000. Size: 10 x 7 1/2 inches (255 x 188 mm). Not signed.
Lithograph
Surrealist Collection, Abstract Figurative Body, Surreal Icons in Primary Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Surrealist Collection Medium: Acrylic Painting on Watercolor Paper Size: 100x 70 cm (40x 28 inches). Year: 2026 Artist: Alberto de Blobs Artist's signature: Right co...
Paper, Acrylic
Salvador Dalí 1970s Surrealist Dated and Signed Work on Paper
Located in Roma, IT
Salvador Dalí 1970s Surrealist Dated and Signed Work on Paper This significant work on paper is a silkscreen print by Salvador Dalí (1904–1989), part of the famous series dedicated ...
Lithograph
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
$1,367Sale Price|25% Off
Spanish Surrealist Oil Painting with Cosmic Egg and Mythological Figures
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Spanish Surrealist Oil Painting with Cosmic Egg and Mythological Figures Francesc Vilaplana Spanish / Catalan, born 1945 Oil on canvas Dated 1974 92 × 73 cm / 36.2 × 28.7 in Unframe...
Oil
$3,988Sale Price|41% Off
Surreal Abstract Mineral Landscape with Cadaqués Rock Forms Oil Canvas Painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surreal Abstract Mineral Landscape with Cadaqués Rock Forms Artist: Antoni Pitxot i Soler Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 41 × 33 cm / 16.1 × 13 in Signature: Signed lower right D...
Oil
$2,962Sale Price|35% Off
Surrealist Mineral Still Life with Dalinian Organic Forms and Textured Surface
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surrealist Mineral Still Life with Dalinian Organic Forms and Textured Surface Artist: Antoni Pitxot Soler (Figueres, 1934 – Barcelona, 2015) Title: Surrealist Mineral Still Life wi...
Oil
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
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of Picasso (Ochre)
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Portrait of Picasso (Ochre) MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: BB 109/200 MEASUREMENTS: Paper: 29" x 19.5" ...
Etching
$7,000
Between Dreams and Reality Surrealism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Tigran Hovumyan Figurative Surrealist Oil Painter Title: Between Dreams and Reality Medium: Original Oil on Linen Dimensions: 40" x 40" x 1" inch, ( 100 x 100 x 3 cm) Year: ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,937Sale Price|32% Off
Surreal Anthropomorphic Interior, Dalí Circle Cadaqués Spanish Oil Painting art
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surreal Anthropomorphic Interior, Dalí Circle Cadaqués Spanish Oil Painting Artist: Antoni Pitxot Technique: Oil on cardboard Date: 1996 Signature: Signed “Pitxot 96” lower left Ins...
Oil
Beaujolais - Abstract Muted Tone Architectural Still Life 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
$600,000Sale Price|20% Off
Lunar Eclipse (Black Sky), 2023 Mosaic on MDF panel 39 3/8 x 39 3/8 inches
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn Title: Black Sky Lunar Eclipse Year 2023 Size: 39.5 x 39.5 inches Mosaic on MDF panel Signed in the front and Signed on the back. About the Artist Scott Kahn (b. ...
Mosaic
Portrait of Woman, 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: Surrealism, Title: Sti...
Canvas, Oil
$4,102
Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) - Daphne I - Color lithograph with gilding on Japanese
Located in Varese, IT
Daphne I Color lithograph with gilding on Japanese paper from the series 'Retrospective II', edited in 1979. Limited edition, numbered as 107/150 in the lower left corner. Hand-sign...
Paper, Lithograph
The Sad Clown, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting, Handmade artwork
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: 2018 Style: Figurative Surrealism, ...
Canvas, Oil
Waiting Portrait 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
Star-Crossed, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two astronauts sit across from each other, the table between them barely separating their bodies as they lean in close. It was a first date, and they had a wond...
Oil
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Harvest is Ready - 21st Century, Contemporary, Surrealism, African Nature, Child
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. Akanji Bolaji (b...
Canvas, Acrylic
$980Sale Price|45% Off
Códice Miguelito I Giclée Print, Surrealist Style, Framed, 2010+
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
PEDRO FRIEDEBERG, GRAPHIC, SURREALIST WORK, IMPORTANT MEXICAN ART, EXQUISITE FRAME . . . Artist and designer Pedro Friedeberg is known for his surrealist paintings, prints, and sculp...
Giclée
"Flight Risk" illustrative photography, surrealism, paper airplane motif
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Flight Risk" is a limited edition photographic print by Andrew Pinkham and is made from archival pigment on cotton rag. This piece measures 20"h x 20"w unframed an...
Rag Paper, Archival Pigment
May-December, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
On a first date, an intimate dinner conversation unfolds between an elegant young woman and a somewhat older companion. They share a love of Italian reds, Shake...
Oil
$2,250
Les Bijoux Indiscrets (The Indiscrete Jewels), Signed print by Rene Magritte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Les Bijoux Indiscrets (The Indiscrete Jewels) by Rene Magritte, 1898 - 1967 Date: 1975 Medium: Lithograph, signed in the plate Edition: 575 Size: 10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.56 cm) Frame ...
Lithograph
$1,914
La Tristesse du Roi (The Sorrow of the King), Lithograph, Modern, 1983, Framed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) - La Tristesse du Roi (The Sorrow of the King) Lithograph from 1983. Dimensions of sheet: 61 x 39 cm Dimensions in frame: 73 x 53 cm Publisher: George B...
Lithograph
$1,082Sale Price|36% Off
Sorcière Bleue Color Lithograph on Arches Paper, Surrealist, E.A. 4/35
By Leonor Fini
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Leonor Fini (Buenos Aires, 1907 – Paris, 1996) Title: Sorcière Bleue (Blue Witch) Date: ca. 1970–1972 Technique: Color lithograph on Arches paper Edition: E.A. 4/35 (Épreuve ...
Lithograph
$1,481
La Cascade - 20th Century, Surrealist, Lithograph, Figurative Print
Located in Sint-Truiden, BE
Color lithograph after the 1961 oil on canvas by René Magritte, printed signature of Magritte and numbered from the edition of 300. The lithograph features the dry stamps of the Mag...
Lithograph
"Four Dancers with Airplane" Dreamline Surrealist Figure Painting
Located in Austin, TX
36 x 48 inches Unframed Signed, bottom right. In this captivating narrative composition, American painter Doug Whitfield crafts a whimsical, surreal, and dramatic story that feels l...
Oil
$7,500
Griswold Point December 2021 Signed Limited Edition Giclée on Hahnemühle Paper
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn (American, b. 1946) Title: Griswold Point December Medium: Archival pigment print (giclée) Hahnemühle fine art paper Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 9/200 Yea...
Giclée
$7,500
Early November Pennsylva 2021 Signed Limited Edition Giclée on Hahnemühle Paper
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn (American, b. 1946) Title: Early November, Pennsylvania Medium: Archival pigment print (giclée) Hahnemühle fine art paper Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 1/20...
Giclée
Litografia Original VI (Abstract, Modern, Surrealism)
By Joan Miró
Located in Kansas City, MO
Joan Miró Litografia Original VI Color Lithograph Year: 1975 Size: 13.25 × 10 inches (33.65 x 25.4 cm) Catalogue Raisonné: Weber, Genf, 949 (p86) Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris, Fr...
Lithograph
Passing Clouds - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Fantasy Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian painter Silvia Pavarini is known for her distinctly feminine artworks that resonate with the quiet whispers of nature. Each piece she creates embodies an ongoing dialogue wit...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
RENÉ MAGRITTE LA GRANDE FAMILLE, 1963 Limited edition Lithograph - Surrealism
Located in Madrid, Madrid
LA GRANDE FAMILLE, 1963 (THE LARGE FAMILY) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition: 275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Observations: Lithograph on BFK Rives paper plat...
Lithograph
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
René Magritte - LE DOMAINE D'ARNHEIM Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LE DOMAINE D'ARNHEIM, 1962 (THE DOMAIN OF ARNHEIM) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 155/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: Ne...
Paper, Lithograph
$5,111Sale Price|35% Off
Neptune, Original Lithograph, Surrealist, 1970, Signed, Excellent
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Neptune Lithograph from 1970. Edition of 187/250. Dimensions of work: 68 x 50 cm Publisher: Simeon Wajntraub. On B.F.K Rives paper as stated in the F...
Lithograph
Salvador Dali : The Blue Horsemen, Original signed print, Field #73-1 J
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI (1904–1989) The Blue Horsemen Original print (etching) Signed on the plate On Japanese paper, 28 x 38 cm (11 x 14.9 in) REFERENCES: - Field Catalogue Raisonné #73-1 J...
Etching
$43,304
Sirens Combing Their Hair with Coral and Ant, 108-Piece Porcelain Set, 1977
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) “Sirenas peinadas con coral y hormiga” 108-Piece Porcelain Dinner, Tea and Coffee Service Designed in 1977 and produced in 1978 An extensive porcelain tab...
Porcelain
$1,635Sale Price|63% Off
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
Espana, Surrealist figure - Original lithograph, 1982
By Joan Miró
Located in Paris, IDF
Joan MIRO Espana, Surrealist figure, 1982 Original lithograph in colors (atelier Arte, Maeght) Printed signature in the plate On thin paper 95 x 60 cm (c. 37.4 x 23.6 in) Referenc...
Lithograph
$100Sale Price|20% Off
La Serrure Vintage Lithograph Print, Surrealist, 1980s, Unframed
By Leonor Fini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This reproduction poster of La Serrure by Leonor Fini captures the enigmatic and symbolic nature of the original artwork. Leonor Fini was known for her surreal and fantastical imager...
Offset
Time Stillness of Time
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Time Stillness of Time MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Levine & Levine, New York EDITION NUMBER: EA MEASUREMENTS...
Lithograph
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Surrealist Etching: Memories of Surrealism Space Elephant, Hand Signed
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Memories of Surrealism Space Elephant MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: EA MEASUREMENTS: 29.75" x 21.25" YEAR: ...
Etching
$4,988Sale Price|28% Off
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
$34,621
Les Caveliers de l'Apocalypse, Original Etching, Surrealism, 1971, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Les Caveliers de l'Apocalypse Drypoint etching on chromolithograph, embossed from 1971. The edition of 197/197 on Rives paper. Countersigned by the edi...
Drypoint, Etching, Embossed Print
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
TIE Fighter Beatles Pop Art Print, Signed Limited Edition, 40x30 in
By BATIK
Located in London, GB
TIE Fighter Beatles by B A T I K Pop art work featuring the Fab Four Paul McCartney , George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon running away from Star Wars TIE fighters chasing...
Black and White, Archival Pigment
Circus - 25 illustrated books - Vintage poster - 1982
By Marc Chagall
Located in Paris, IDF
After Marc CHAGALL Circus Offset vintage poster, 1982 On heavy paper 66 x 46 cm / 26 x 18" INFORMATION : Vintage poster for the exhibition "25 livres illustres" at Patrick Cramer Ga...
Offset
$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
With a solo show at the Denver Art Museum and a commission from the Met, the Cree Canadian painter has become an international sensation.
Gallerists Douglas Gold and Eli Sterngass tell us how they uncover lost treasures by stellar artists from the past 160 years.
The eccentric artist's abode is a veritable cabinet of curiosities.
What he says may inspire you to pick up a paintbrush.