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.
Île Saint-Louis - River Seine Paris France Surrealist Oil on Board Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
* No US duty or taxes to pay on this item * A very beautiful signed and dated 1972 oil on board depicting a surrealist view of the Île Saint-Louis in Paris at sunset. Striking and ...
Oil, Board
The Kite Festival, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This acrylic painting by artist Edward McHugh is based on his own photograph taken at the Long Beach Kite Festival on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State....
Acrylic
$345
Lost in the Greenery - Vibrant Colorful Whimsical Figurative 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
A Tribute To Prince The last Stage Call, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting was done as my tribute to the musical artist know as Prince. He was one of the best musicians that ever lived as well as an excellent stage performer. He was a very pro...
Oil
$2,209Sale Price|20% Off
The Chair by the Window, Superb Large Surrealist oil painting on canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Chair by the Window Surrealist School, circa 1970's signed lower left, indistinctly (see photos) framed: 24 x 30.5 inches provenance: private collection, London Superb Surreali...
Canvas, Oil
Salvador Dali Color Engraving, Signed, 1970, Tristan's Testament
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Tristan's Testament Portfolio: Tristan and Iseult Medium: Color engraving Year: 1970 Edition: XII/XXV Frame Size: 25 1/4" x 20 3/4" Sheet Size: 17 3/4" x...
Engraving
$1,836
Lemon Tang-Original citrus wildlife painting-modern surrealist contemporary art
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, Acrylic
Janet and Bill, Surrealist Painting of Woman and Cat w/ Party Hats
By Mary Spain
Located in Beachwood, OH
Mary Spain (American, 1934–1983) Janet and Bill, 1970s Oil on canvas Signed middle right, titled verso 26 x 30 inches 32.5 x 36.5 inches, framed Set in a realm of fantasy, Mary Spai...
Oil
Le Spectre et la Rose - Etching after Salvador Dalì - 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Etching on chamois-colored laid paper, realized by Dalì in 1968/69. Plate from "Faust (La Nuit de Walpurgis), published by Argillet, Paris. Edition of 49/150, hand colored. Hand s...
Etching
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
$8,410Sale Price|20% Off
Surrealism Acrylic on canvas “Checkerboard Landscape” Andrés Segovia, Argentina
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind work or art with a unique, somber, and overwhelming atmosphere. It recalls the legacy of the great Giorgio De Chirico (1888-1978), the foremost representative of the ...
Canvas
$4,150
At The Warehouse - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman, Dog
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Modernist Surreal "Metamorphosis" Still Life Exhibited Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist surreal interior scene oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 27 by 30 inches overall. Hands...
Canvas, Oil
Snail. By Constantin Selihanov. Bronze. 19x29x10 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Konstantin Vladimirovich Selikhanov (born June 18, 1967, Minsk) is a Belarusian sculptor, artist, and graphic artist, the grandson of sculptor S. I. Selikhanov. The alley leading to ...
Bronze
Periphery
Located in Burlingame, CA
Marie Cameron’s paintings emerge from moments of quiet astonishment in the natural world. Encounters with an albino deer at Pine Mountain Lake, a leucistic hummingbird at the UC Sant...
Canvas, Oil
Les Chants de Maldoror
Located in New York, NY
Heliogravure, etching, and drypoint, 1934. From the deluxe edition of 40 with the drypoint remarqué, before the published edition of 100 printed from the reduced plate. From the po...
Etching, Drypoint
DALI...DALI...DALI...
Located in London, GB
Softcover book Containing a signed and dated drawing by Salvador Dalí First edition and in the French language 8 3/4 x 12 inches Published by Draeger Éditeur, 1974
Pen
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
Elements, Surrealism, Chicago Artist, Planets
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
William Samuel Schwartz (Russian/American, 1896-1977) Signed: William S Schwartz (Lower, Left) " Elements ", c. 1928-29 (Date based Upon 8 Pl...
Canvas, Oil
Capitulo XXI, Surrealist Lithograph by Rufino Tamayo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rufino Tamayo, Mexican (1899 - 1991) - Capitulo XXI, Portfolio: Apocalypse de Saint Jean, Year: 1959, Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives, Edition: 93/255, Size: 13 x 10 in. (33.02 x 25....
Lithograph
$590
Jean COCTEAU & Raymond MORETTI: Birth of Venus - Original Handsigned Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Cocteau and Raymond Moretti Birth of Venus Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate, handsigned by Raymond Moretti Numbered 1/29 - Very look for proof bearing n°1 On ...
Lithograph
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
CABINET OF CURIOSITIESoriginal large Paula Craioveanu oil Surreal FRAMED
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Cabinet of Curiosities" Oil on canvas Large original, one-of-a-kind, painting 39x27in Shipped stretched and framed. In this new series artist explores and brings together the old an...
Canvas, Oil
Howdy! (Roses) - Original Blue Floral Arrangement in Boot Still Life Artwork
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
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Salvador Dali "Blackberries"
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: Blackberries Series: Fruits Date: 1970 Medium: Photolithograph with original engraving on Rives Unframed Dimensions: 22.5" x 14.5" Framed Dimensio...
Engraving, Lithograph
The Tub, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting is a modern reinterpretation of the English nursery rhyme "Rub-a-dub-dub, Three Men in a Tub," first published in Mother Goose's Melody in 1798. I...
Oil
Pantheum Moonlight, Early 20th century surrealist landscape, Cleveland School
Located in Beachwood, OH
Ferdinand Burgdorff (American, 1881-1975) Pantheum Moonlight, 1916 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right 16 x 24 inches 21.5 x 29.5 inches, framed Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ferd...
Oil
Registering a Dimension - Handsigned Original Lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Alain LE YAOUANC Registering a dimension Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil On Arches vellum, 76 x 56 cm (c. 30.4 x 22,4 inch) Excellent condition
Lithograph
A Wild Ray - Original etching, Handsigned and numbered
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre-Yves Tremois A wild ray Original etching, 1970 Handsigned by the artist Numbered / XXIV copies (total edition of 90 + XXIV) Size 57 x 45 cm (c. 22,4 x 17,7 in) Very good cond...
Etching
$3,480
"La Peine Perdue (The Wasted Effort)" Lithograph after Painting by Rene Magritte
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"La Peine Perdue (The Wasted Effort)" is a color lithograph after original 1962 painting by Rene Magritte. Two blue curtains are parted on either side. Two curtain shaped mirrors show a sky and clouds. A ball sits right to the left of the mirrors. Art: 12 x 9.75 in Frame: 22.75 x 20.38 in René-François-Ghislain Magritte was born November 21, 1898, in Lessines, Belgium and died on August 15, 1967 in Brussels. He is one of the most important surrealist artists. Through his art, Magritte creates humor and mystery with juxtapositions and shocking irregularities. Some of his hallmark motifs include the bourgeois “little man,” bowler hats, apples, hidden faces, and contradictory texts. René Magritte’s father was a tailor and his mother was a miller. Tragedy struck Magritte’s life when his mother committed suicide when he was only fourteen. Magritte and his two brothers were thereafter raised by their grandmother. Magritte studied at the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts from 1916 to 1918. After graduating he worked as a wallpaper designer and in advertisement. It was during this period that he married Georgette Berger, whom he had known since they were teenagers. In 1926, René Magritte signed...
Lithograph
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modernist Surreal Sunset Abstract Nude Woman Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American school modernist surreal landscape. Oil on canvas, circa 1981. Signed on verso. Image size 30L x 18H. Housed in a period modern frame.
Canvas, Oil
The Dream a Marcos, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2018 Style: Portrait, Surrealism, Subject: The Dream a Marcos, Size: 19" x...
Canvas, Oil
ShaoHua Nong Surrealist Original Oil On Canvas "Together"
By Shaohua Nong
Located in New York, NY
Title: Together Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 12 x 12 inches Frame: Framing options available! Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition. Note: This painting is unstretched Year: 2013 Artist: ShaoHua Nong...
Canvas, Oil
Pleasure Function (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Pleasure Function, 1972. Ink on paper, 7 × 7 inches (image). Sheet measures an irregular 10 × 10 inches. Signed and dated. Acid-free matting measuring ...
Paper, Ink
Cabeza Sobre Fondo Verde, Surrealist Etching by Rufino Tamayo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rufino Tamayo, Mexican (1899 - 1991) - Cabeza Sobre Fondo Verde, Portfolio: Rufino Tamayo 15 aquafuertes, Year: 1979, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in crayon, Edition: 14/...
Etching
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from Parallel, 1969
By Leonor Fini
Located in Fairfield, CT
This exquisite lithograph by Leonor Fini (1907–1996), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Parallelement (Parallel), Paul Verlaine, illustre de lithographies originales de Le...
Lithograph
Musician. By Constantin Selihanov. Bronze.
Located in Riga, LV
Konstantin Vladimirovich Selikhanov (born June 18, 1967, Minsk) is a Belarusian sculptor, artist, and graphic artist, the grandson of sculptor S. I. Selikhanov. The alley leading to ...
Bronze
$5,108
Salvador Dali lithograph, signed & titled in pencil, edition of 300 'Liberation'
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) Liberation: the prisoners are free!, from Peace in Vietnam (Field 73-1D; M&L 1387a) Lithograph printed in colours, 1973, signed and titled in pencil, number...
Lithograph
Mulier e Latere Viri Lithograph, Surrealist, Signed, 1964, Unframed
Located in Roma, IT
Mulier e Latere Viri ("Woman from the Side of Man") is an artwork realized in 1964. It is part of Biblia Sacra vulgatæ editionis published by Rizzoli-Mediolani between 1967 and 1969...
Lithograph
Welcome to the water planet.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
In 1981 Maggie Taylor (b. 1961) began to photograph while she was a student at Yale University majoring in philosophy. She primarily took photographs of suburban landscapes and stran...
Digital Pigment
Dragon vert, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Dragon vert, Medium: Etching and aquatint, signed and numbered in pecnil, Edition: 14/50, Image Size: 10.5 x 8 inches, Size: 16.25 x 13 in. (41....
Etching, Aquatint
Mathieu ROSIANU (1897-1969), untitled, circa 1945, gouache
Located in PARIS, FR
Mathieu (Matei) ROSIANU (1897-1969) Untitled, circa 1945 Gouache on card stock Stamped on the reverse side 4 x 3 inch frame : 11,8 × 11,8 inch Born in Bucharest in 1897 to a father...
Gouache
Demons - Original China Ink - Mid 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Demons is an original drawing in china Ink by an anonymous artist in the mid-20th Century. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes in a well-balanced com...
Ink
Seaside - Abstract Cool Tone Landscape Collage Mixed Media Artwork on Paper
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
$360Sale Price|25% Off
Aqueduct Signed Lithograph, Surrealist Mini Landscape, 1992 Edition
Located in Union City, NJ
AQUEDUCT is a hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniques printed on archival Arches...
Lithograph
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
My Favorite Pet -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Modern
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 Oluw...
Canvas, Acrylic
Surrealist Color Lithograph Obra Inèdita Recent VIII
By Joan Miró
Located in Portland, OR
An original numbered colored lithograph, by the Spanish abstract surrealist, Joan Miro (1893-1983), tilted "Obra Inèdita Recent VIII", 1964, edition 95/100, monogrammed in plate Mir...
Lithograph, Color
$6,995
Salvador Dali Color Etching, Signed, 1973, The Twelve Tribes of Israel, Issacar
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Issacar Portfolio: The Twelve Tribes of Israel Medium: Etching and pochoir on Arches paper Year: 1973 Edition: 130/195 Frame Size: 32 3/8" x 26 7/8" Shee...
Engraving
Lying Down Watching The Sun Go Down - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Art 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
1971 L'Académie de Paris, Pencil Signed EA Colorful Etching
Located in New York, NY
Salvador Dali 1971 L'Académie de Paris Etching 19x25 inches Image 27x33 inches with frame overall good condition Pencil Signed lower right Pencil Edition Size EA This Large piece is pencil signed and has lots of light Colors "Academy of Paris - Dali" refers to the etching L'Académie de Paris (1971) by Salvador Dalí, created to commemorate his admission to the French Academy of Fine Arts. It also refers to the Dali Paris...
Lithograph
Lithographie Originale V (Abstract, Modern, Surrealism, FRAMED, ~20% OFF)
By Joan Miró
Located in Kansas City, MO
Joan Miro Lithographie Originale V (Abstract, Modern, Surrealism, Colorful, Iconic) Color Lithograph Year: 1977 Size: 12.5 × 9.6 inches Framed: 18.25 x 15.5 x 1 inches Publisher: Mae...
Lithograph
Happy People in Pink - Lithograph (Maeght)
By Paul Klee
Located in Paris, IDF
Paul KLEE (1879 - 1940) Happy character Color photolithograph after a painting Signed in the plate On vellum 83 x 60 cm (c. 32 x 24 in) Excellent condition
Watercolor, Lithograph
" La Difficulté d'Être" Ceramic Plate, Surrealist, Signed, Circa 1962
By Jean Cocteau
Located in CANNES, FR
JEAN COCTEAU .( 1889 - 1963 ) " la difficulté d'être " Signed and dated 1962. partially glazed white earthenware plate 30cm. conceived in 1962 in an edition of 25 . N° 3 / 25. Mento...
Ceramic
L'Oiseau Bleu - Etching by Johnny Friedlaender - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
L'oiseau bleu is a print realized by Johnny Friedlaender (Plonia, 1912 - Paris, 1992). Etching on paper. Hand-Signed lower right, edition lower left. Numbered, edition of 5/20 prin...
Etching
$22,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mythology: Leda and Swan (Leda et le Cygne)
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Salvador Dali Mythology: Leda and Swan (Leda et le Cygne), Published 1963 -1965 Medium: Copper and Drypoint Etching with Hand-Coloring on Japon Edition: VII/XX Artwork Size: 30 ...
Etching
Jean COCTEAU and Raymond MORETTI: Faces - Original Hansigned Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Cocteau and Raymond Moretti Faces and Fishes Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate, handsigned by Raymond Moretti Numbered EA 1/10 - Very look for proof bearing n...
Lithograph
Filius Prodigus Lithograph, Surrealist Style, Signed, 1964, Unframed
Located in Roma, IT
Filius Prodigus is a Color lithograph on heavy rag paper realized in 1964. It is part of Biblia Sacra vulgatæ edition is published by Rizzoli-Mediolani between 1967 and 1969. Signed...
Lithograph
Pablo Picasso, "Carnet de la Californie", original lithograph
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an original crayon lithograph on transfer paper created by Pablo Picasso in 1959. The zinc in this piece has been re-worked with crayon marks and this composition was u...
Lithograph
The Black Cherub Woodcut Print, Surrealist, 1963, Limited Edition 2900
Located in Roma, IT
The Black Cherub - Hell Plate 20 is a woodcut print realized in 1963 for a series illustrating the Medieval poem of the "Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. Good conditions. Limite...
Woodcut
$75Sale Price|50% Off
Rene Magritte 'Les Promenades D'Euclide' 1973- Vintage
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
$1,049Sale Price|20% Off
French Surrealist Cubist Figurative Abstract Oil Painting Signed 1972
By Andres 33
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: French School, signed and dated 1972 Title: Figurative Abstract Medium: Oil painting on board, framed Size: Painting: 19.75 x 25.5 inches; framed: 21.5 x 27 inche...
Oil
Conquest of Cosmos The Last Comer of The Last Planet
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Conquest of Cosmos The Last Comer of The Last Planet MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: EA MEASUREMENTS: 27.5" x 39.5" YEAR: 1974...
Etching