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Surrealist Art

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
Color:  Brown
Five o'clock - figurative painting
Located in New York, NY
This surreal landscape painting by Henryk was done in 2017. It will ship from the artists studio in Poland. More about Henryk Laskowski: Henryk Laskow...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Oil

'L'Obscurité', Trompe L'oeil, Newport Art Museum, Frye Museum, RISD, Yale
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Initialed lower left, 'RCW' for Richard Whitten (American, born 1958) and dated, lower right, in Roman numerals, 2009. Formerly in the collection of the Triton Art Museum, Santa Clara, California. Whitten's early work may loosely be termed geometric abstraction, but he is best known for his later representational paintings that combine his interest in architecture, invented machinery and toys. Whitten is also known for his toy-like sculptures. His paintings and drawings are essentially representational but have strong ties to geometric abstraction. A native of New York City, Richard Whitten first attended the Collegiate School before studying economics at Yale where he received his BA in 1980. He then constructed a personal painting program at Yale where he studied with Gretna Campbell...
Category

Early 2000s Surrealist Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

"The Carnival is Over", Igor Samsonov, Oil on Canvas, Surrealist, Figures, 45X59
Located in Dallas, TX
"The Carnival is Over: Night, King Lear" by Igor Samsonov is an Oil on Canvas painting measuring 45.5x59 and is a prime colorful example of figurative surrealism at its finest. His d...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Desert Flower
By Pierre Roy (b.1880)
Located in London, GB
'Desert Flower', gouache on coloured paper, by Pierre Roy (circa 1930s). The artist has skilfully captured the beautiful white flowers extending from the ma...
Category

1930s Surrealist Art

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Bleach
Located in Nashville, TN
Alison Underwood's work evokes various emotions of desires as her artwork proves to display the ideas of temptation and anticipation. These profound feelings are demonstrated in the ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil Crayon

Mysteries of the Planet
Located in Aberdeen Dyce, GB
Dear friends, I would like to introduce you to the author's painting “Mysteries of the Planet” Stretched canvas, oil. details: paste and acrylic. Size 5...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Surrealist Portrait, "A Light Within, Amongst The Danger of Skin"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original surrealist oil painting by San Diego artist, Charlene Mosley. Its dimensions are 40"x60". It comes in a thin black frame. A certificate of authentici...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jules Perahim Surrealism Oil Painting on Paper Romanian French Surrealist Figure
Located in Surfside, FL
Jules Perahim (Born: 1914; Bucharest, Romania - Died: 2008; Paris, France) Oil painting on paper depicting a figure with abstract multicolor design. (thi...
Category

1960s Surrealist Art

Materials

Paper, Oil

Huit jours a trebaumec
Located in New York, NY
HUGNET, Georges. Huit jours a trebaumec [Paris]. Privately printed for the author, 1969. With 82 photogravures after photocollages by the author. Designed by Henri Mercher. Slim 4to, [92] pp; decorated two-color photogravure cover in imitation of a Michelin guide...
Category

1960s Surrealist Art

Materials

Photogravure

Organic Mechanism 2014 colorful large abstract oil Surrealist oc Armenian Artist
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
"Organic Mechanism" Date: 2014-2015 Abstract oil painting on canvas (oc) Vatche is an Armenian artist living in Mexico. Artist’s Statement “𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳�...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

Salvador Dali (after) - Auvergne - Lithograph
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Lithograph after an original gouache by Salvador Dali for the Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Title: S.N.C.F. (Butterfly Suite) Embossed signature Dimensions: 46.5 x 24 cm Edit...
Category

1960s Surrealist Art

Materials

Lithograph

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Summer Warmth' Pink Flower 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 Art

Materials

Oil

Ceiba Tree
Located in Nashville, TN
Artwork Size: 24 x 16 in "Ceiba Tree" is an oil-on-masonite painting mounted on wood panel by Colombian artist Jorge Yances. This piece is part of the ar...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Masonite, Oil, Wood Panel

The Hunters, Surrealist Screenprint by Israel Rubinstein
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Israel Rubinstein (1944 - ) Date: 1980 Screenprint on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 350 Image Size: 27 x 35.5 inches Size: 31 x 39 in. (78.74 x 99.06 cm)"
Category

1980s Surrealist Art

Materials

Screen

Tradition, Surrealist Screenprint by Israel Rubinstein
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Israel Rubinstein (1944 - ) Date: 1980 Screenprint on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 350 Image Size: 38.5 x 25.5 inches Size: 47 x 38 in. (119.38 x 96.52 cm)"
Category

1980s Surrealist Art

Materials

Screen

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Light From The Centre' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

Shadow 1, Bill Bate, Figurative art, Original art, Human figure, Contemporary
Located in Deddington, GB
Shadow I by Bill Bate original and hand signed by the artist sold unframed Image size: H:30cm x W:30cm Complete size of unframed work: H:30cm x W:30cm x D:2.5cm Shadow I- surreal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Solar
Located in Nashville, TN
Solar creates a scene of a stage performance with the backdrop framed in traditional red curtains. A large sunflower takes the place of the sun and hovers above ocean waves that spil...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Five of Swords, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Rachel Srinivasan manifests a representation of a tarot card. She paints a robust white bison in the center of five silver swords, standing on a pentagram in ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil

"Sweet Thing" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sweet Thing
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Daisy, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Steph Gimson displays a charming duck wearing a prairie bonnet. She paints giant chains linking to each other in the abstract ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Art

Materials

Mixed Media

A Cup of Coffee, 2020
Located in ATLANTA, GA
"Alexei Ravski unites landscape painting with the art of the surreal in his dramatic, large-format compositions. Meticulous in technique, they are marked by a striking use of perspe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil

Volcano Eruption - Explosive Fire Lava Flow from Hell
Located in Miami, FL
A Fiery Hell is depicted as a volcano that spews flames and lava dust into the air. According to the Peter and Harrison Ellenshaw Family Archive, this work was shown to Stanly Kubrick for a Paradise Lost, movie concept. Peter had created matte paintings for Kubrick's Spartacus in 1960 and they continued their professional friendship for years to come. Peter did some collaboration with TRON in 1982. Unfortunately, the movie concept for John Miltons, Paradise Lost, was not brought into production. An erupting volcano is also an powerful metaphor for many human conditions. Ellenshaw (1913–2007) was a highly regarded matte painter and special-effects creator whose filmography includes Old Yeller (1957), Swiss Family Robinson...
Category

1980s Surrealist Art

Materials

Masonite, Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Round The Stream' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

Chasing Butterflies
Located in Loveland, CO
Chasing Butterflies by Gary Alsum 8x17x11" ed/75 #3 available Bronze car driven by dogs -'58 corvette Details include a custom plate that says "Lv D Vet" Shipping price includes the ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Bronze

Badlands
Located in Sante Fe, NM
I present unspoken stories which illustrate fleeting moments in time and which are intended to evoke a mood in the viewer. These mythical illustrations might address the fragility of...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

VANITY (PICASSO)
Located in Aventura, FL
Giclee on canvas. Hand signed and numbered by the artist. AP edition. Canvas is not stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of authenticity included. All reas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Art

Materials

Giclée, Canvas

Felicor, Terracotta Wall Sculpture by Roberto Matta
Located in Long Island City, NY
Felicor by Roberto Matta, Chilean (1911–2002) Terracotta Wall Plaque, signature inscribed, numbered in ink Edition of 49/150 Size: 15 x 12.75 x 2.25 in. (38.1 x 32.39 x 5.72 cm) Fram...
Category

1980s Surrealist Art

Materials

Terracotta

Handmade Bulldog Sculpture, "Beach Bully"
Located in San Diego, CA
One of a kind handcrafted surrealist sculpture made by local San Diego artist, Richard Becker. This is made from plastic, stainless steel and wood. The artist has depicted a bulldog ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Stainless Steel

DESNUDOS
By Jorge Tamayo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
JORGE TAMAYO "DESNUDOS" ARCYLIC ON CANVAS, SIGNED, TITLED COSTA RICA, DATED 2012 43 X 51 INCHES Jorge Tamayo Cabrera Tamayo was born in Ecuador in 1...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Make Believe Heroine - Young Girl Bow & Arrow Colorful whimsical red green 2017
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Signed lower right. Not framed. PROVENANCE: Private collection San Diego, Ca. Acquired directly from the artist. DeLoss McGraw is an American artist known for his whimsical gouache...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Art

Materials

Gouache, Rag Paper

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - The Bluebird Scene 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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Three Bright Flowers' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

Trojan Cat, surrealist, fantasy, whimsical, cat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
*ABOUT Stephen Basso Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic, yet thought provoking fantasies. His whimsical works are alive with boundless imagina...
Category

1980s Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil

3-D Wooden Still Life Assemblage, "Pop's Telescope"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original 3-D assemblage sculpture by San Diego artist, Paul Hobson. The artist uses acrylic on wood. Its dimensions are 7.5x5x9. A certificate of authenticity follows delivery of this piece. This is an exquisitely detailed still life surrealist scene of the inside of a telescope room. The artist puts the viewer inside room looking out a window. A telescope sits positioned out the window along with a desk, lamp, and complete bookshelf. Hobson is an artist experienced with paintings, sculpture, murals, graphic design and environmental art...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

Visitation man, bird, spiritual theme warm colors interior space
Located in Brooklyn, NY
pastel on toned suitable for framing under glass.
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Pastel

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Lightning The Slough Of Despair' '
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 Art

Materials

Oil

LOVE AT FIRST PIPE
Located in Los Angeles, CA
YURI MARTINEZ RAMOS "LOVE FIRST PIPE" OIL ON CANVAS, SIGNED CUBAN-AMERICAN, C.2006 20 X 16 INCHES Yuri Martinez Ramos was born in Havana, Cuba on November 24, 1964. He studied at the Elemental School of Plastic Arts from 1975 – 1979 and the National School of the Arts from 1979 – 1983. Martinez’ figurative paintings have been compared to Botero because of his satirical social commentary. His style, however, is uniquely his own with typically vibrant Latin colors and use of expressive magical realism. His paintings tell his story and the story of the Cuban dilemma. Martinez was granted permission by the US Justice Department after much effort with Cuban authorities to come to the US with his family and pursue his career outside Cuba. He now lives and works in Texas. Papillon Gallery...
Category

Early 2000s Surrealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'From The Centre' Colourful Swirl
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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Colorful Fantasy Plant Sticks
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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Diversity Justifies Multiplicity'
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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Uprising Wave' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Red, Yellow and Blue Wacky 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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Heat from the Sea Bed' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Fish Discovering ' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

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 Art

Materials

Oil

Untitled (Outsider Art Surrealist Figural Sculpture)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Rocco Monticolo (b. 1931). Untitled, 2022. Found antique object, wood, paint. Signed on reverse of face. Monticolo was born in Italy in 1931 and came to America in 1946. He joined ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Art

Materials

Steel

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Party Of Colour 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 Art

Materials

Oil

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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Individuals' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Rising Heat' 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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - Colorful Fantasy Plant Design
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 Art

Materials

Oil

1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Floral Shapes' 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 Art

Materials

Oil

20th Century French Surrealist Oil Painting Cubist Abstract Beautiful Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figurative Abstract French School, signed oil painting on canvas overall size: 23.5 X 32 condition: overall very good and pleasing provenance: from a private collection of this arti...
Category

20th Century Surrealist Art

Materials

Oil

Surrealist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Surrealist art 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 art 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, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, and Leonor Fini. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Lithograph 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 art, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available. Prices for art 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 $1,450,000, while the average work sells for $1,426.

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