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.
Surrealist composition
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: collotype (after the Miro lithograph). Printed in 1947 in an edition of 1500 by Meriden Gravure and published by Curt Valentin for the rare portfolio "The Prints of Joan Miro...
Photogravure
Unknown
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled" is a color off set lithograph by acclaimed Iranian artist Mahmoud Farshchian, born 1930. It is hand signed and numbered 23/3...
Lithograph
$20,800Sale Price|25% Off
Mother Earth "Sicilian Landscape II "
Located in Miami, FL
Eugene Berman is a keen observer of his surroundings but never translates his vision in a literal way. In "Sicilian Landscape," the artist transfor...
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
Two Fantastic Scenes / - Image dreams -
Located in Berlin, DE
Gertrude Degenhardt (1940 New York - 2025 Greifswald), Two Fantastic Scenes, 1970. Oil on hardboard, each 27.5 cm x 22.5 cm (pictures), 38 cm x 33 cm (frame), each signed “G. Degenha...
Oil
"Fossa" (2025) Original Surrealist Animal Still-Life, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Robin Hextrum's "Fossa" is an original oil painting on stretched canvas. Artist Statement: This painting is part of my "Magical Realism" series. The fossa is a real animal who lives...
Linen, Oil
$3,950
'Story Time', Paris, Salon d'Automne, New York, ASL, Corcoran, PAFA, Art Deco
By Nura Ulreich
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 address and titled, 'When Guest Stay...
Oil, Illustration Board
Birds in Flight (Comanche Native American surrealist painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Birds in Flight, ca. 1975-80. Gouache on Arches rag paper, Sheet measures 23 x 30 inches. Image measures 22 x 29 inches. Signed lower left. Excellent condition. Unframed.
Gouache, Rag Paper
Portrait of Autumn
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Glorious, elaborate, and eccentric - these are just a few of the words to describe Salvador Dali (1904-1989). He is Surrealism's most accomplished and iconic practitioner. Prolifi...
Lithograph
$231Sale Price|30% Off
Piccarda Donati - Woodcut Print - 1963
Located in Roma, IT
Piccarda Donati from the Series "The Divine Comedy" is a woodcut print realized in 1963. Good conditions. Not signed, as issued. Plate n.3 (as reported on the back of the artwork) ...
Woodcut
Italian Modernist Surrealist Woman Colorful Oil Painting Lazzaro Donati
Located in Surfside, FL
Lazzaro Donati (Italian, 1926-1977) Oil on board. Colorful woman. Hand signed upper right. signed, titled on back of panel. Dimensions: (Frame) H 37" x W 29", (Panel) H 27.5" x W 20...
Oil, Panel
In the Beginning - Lithograph - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
In the Beginning 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. Signe...
Lithograph
Leopards Zebras Panther Hippo Acrylic on Canvas - Silent Paradise
Located in Miami, FL
Leopards, zebras, panthers, and a hippo calmly lounge in a tropical paradise surrounded by lush foliage and flowers at the edge of azure blue water. Signed lower right. Signed and da...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,895
Salvador Dali Color Lithograph, Signed, 1972, Twelve Apostles, John (Sparrow-)
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: John (Knights of the Sparrow-Hawk) Portfolio: 1972 The Twelve Apostles (Knights of the Round Table) Medium: Lithograph Year: 1972 Edition: 37/350 Frame S...
Lithograph
$450
SOLO Signed Lithograph, Mini Landscape, White Tree, Green Grass, Yellow Flowers
Located in Union City, NJ
SOLO is a hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniques printed on archival Arches pri...
Lithograph
(after) Julio Gonzalez - "Tete sur fond rouille" pochoir
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: pochoir (after the watercolor). Printed in Paris in 1957 by Jacomet and published by the Galerie Berggruen for a rare catalogue. Image size: 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 inches (133 x 98 mm...
Lithograph, Stencil
Vitraux in Four Sheets Royal Insect
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Vitraux in Four Sheets Royal Insect MEDIUM: 4 Lithographs SIGNED: 1 Lithograph is Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: 1 lithograph is numbe...
Lithograph
$420Sale Price|20% Off
"Untitled"
Located in Southampton, NY
Original artist proof engraving, aquatint, intaglio on archival paper by the Russian/American artist, Nahum Tschacbasov. Signed in pencil lower right and dated 1947. Condition: good...
Archival Paper, Engraving, Aquatint, Intaglio
Urashima Taro
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Urashima Taro Drypoint etching with stencil from 1974. The edition of XVII/LXXV on Richard de Bas paper. Dimensions of work: 66 x 52 cm. Hand signed. ...
Drypoint, Etching
Les Songes Drolatiques de Pantagruel (Green)
Located in Naples, Florida
Lithograph in colors on Japon nacré paper From the Les Songes Drolatiques de Pantagruel series Printed by Carpentier Pencil signed lower right This lit...
Paper, Lithograph
Danubia, Symbolic Painting of Two Headed Goddess Female Nude, Green Sepia Tones
Located in Chicago, IL
Oliver Hazard Benson Danubia acrylic on panel 10h x 8w in 25.40h x 20.32w cm OB0107 Oliver Hazard’s paintings are produced directly from his imagination and deals with a mixture of ...
Acrylic, Panel
$636Sale Price|34% Off
La cercle visceral du cosmos
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an authentic Limoges porcelain plate done in collaboration with Salvador Dali in 1974. It is a part of a series of plates called "La Conquete du Cosmos" that depict im...
Porcelain
$336Sale Price|20% Off
PINK HOUSE Signed Mini Lithograph, French Country-Style Home, Artist Paintbrush
Located in Union City, NJ
PINK HOUSE is a hand drawn limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniques printed on archival Arche...
Lithograph
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Untitled, Marvels with Acrostic Variations in Miro’s Garden, 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Maravillas con variaciones acrosticas en el Jardin de Miro (Marvels with Acrostic Var...
Lithograph
"The Horseman" (2024) by Morgan Cameron, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Morgan Cameron’s (US based) “The Horseman” (2024) is an oil painting on panel that depicts a surreal portrait of the headless horseman on his steed in the bright moonlight. About th...
Oil, Panel
Seduxisti Me, Domine - Lithograph - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Seduxisti Me, Domine 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. S...
Lithograph
Surrealist Hound
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Amazing surrealist painting by Italian artist Nuccio Fontanella (1936-2005). Ink and watercolor on cold pressed illustration board. Image measures 13 x 18 inches; 20 x 25 inches framed...
Ink, Watercolor, Illustration Board
Planetary And Scatologic Vision
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Salvador Dali (Spanish surrealist, 1904-1989) Title: Planetary and Scatologic Vision Year: 1974 Medium: Engraving with embossing and color lithograph Edition: Numbered...
Engraving, Lithograph
Pablo Picasso, "Face Turned Pitcher, " ceramic
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an A.R. turned pitcher created by Pablo Picasso in 1955. It is made with white earthenware clay, decoration in engobes in red and black with glaze inside. It bears the ...
Clay
Costa Brava, Spain, Nuns w/ Umbrellas & Chairs, Surrealist Scene
By Louis Bosa
Located in Beachwood, OH
Louis Bosa (American, 1905-1981) Costa Brava, Spain Oil on board Signed lower right 14 x 24 inches 23 x 33 inches, framed Born in Codroipo, a small village only a few miles from Ven...
Oil
$310Sale Price|20% Off
BOOK CIRCLE Signed Lithograph, Mini Landscape Red Books, Green Plains, Mountains
Located in Union City, NJ
BOOK CIRCLE is a hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniques printed on archival Arc...
Lithograph
"My Soul"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The artwork is print on silk and it is limited edition. My soul is petrified, and the winds, time, and ocean are slowly shaping it into outwardly ideal forms. "My Soul" by Natalia ...
Silk
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Salvador Dali, Untitled, from The Three-Cornered Hat, 1958
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite engraving by Salvador Dali (1904–1989), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Le Tricorne (The Three-Cornered Hat), originates from the 1958 edition published b...
Engraving
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Ray of Hope -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Woman, African
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A Ray of Hope is a poignant and luminous fabric collage painting that speaks to the quiet strength found in resilience. Crafted with layers of richly textured fabrics, this piece cap...
Fabric, Canvas
Fuji Under Siege
Located in New York, NY
Created by Surrealist Fanny Brennan from 1992-96, Fuji Under Siege is an original lithograph in colors on wove paper, hand-monogrammed by the artist in pencil and numbered from the e...
Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Bouquet of Dreams for Leila, from XXe siecle, 1964
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Bouquet de reves pour Leila, Poemes d'Yvan Goll (Bouquet of Dreams for Leila, Poems by Yvan Goll), from the album XXe siecl...
Lithograph
Christopher Columbus, Signed Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Salvador Dali, Spanish (1904 - 1989) Title: Christopher Columbus from "Dali Discovers America" Portfolio Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in penci...
Lithograph
$3,000
"Music for the Plants", Surreal, Blue, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Oil Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
Anita Zotkina’s “Music for the Plants” is a 24 x 20 x 0.7 inch surreal oil painting on gallery-wrapped canvas. The work is filled with vivid colors - bright yellow, orange, green, tu...
Canvas, Oil
RENÉ MAGRITTE L'EMPIRE DES LUMIÈRES, 1964 Limited edition Lithograph, Surrealism
Located in Madrid, Madrid
L'EMPIRE DES LUMIÈRES, 1964 (THE EMPIRE OF LIGHTS, 1964) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition: 275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Observations: Lithograph on BFK Ri...
Lithograph
$4,045Sale Price|20% Off
Enormous 1980's French Surrealist Painting Rainbow over Greek Fantasy Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Rainbow French School, signed with monogram and dated 1985 oil painting on canvas, unframed: 77 x 31 inches condition: overall very good, a few very small indents to the giant canvas but no holes, rips or damage. provenance: from a collection in France One of the largest paintings we have available at the moment, this staggering painting is very beautiful with the deep blue sky, the rainbow arching through the landscape, set against the backdrop of a fantasy Greek/ Romanesque landscape with ancient columns...
Canvas, Oil
$625Sale Price|50% Off
IMPERIAL COLUMNS (MIRO CHAGALL)
By Ferjo, Fernando de Jesus Oliveira
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...
Canvas, Giclée
Homme baisant la chaussure
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Homme baisant la chaussure Etching from 1969. 66/145 on Japan paper. Dimensions of work: 38 x 28 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Graphik Europa Anstalt. ...
Etching
1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Abstract Robot Sculpture
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tristan Fabris 1970's, French Surrealist artist Abstract Surrealist Figurative study oil on canvas, unframed signed and dated 75' inscribed verso canvas: 32 x 34 inches private colle...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled (Two Birds) - Etching by Max Ernst - 1972
By Max Ernst
Located in Roma, IT
Etching and aquatint on Japan paper, realized in 1972. Printed and published by Georges Visat, Paris. Edition of 100, numbered 99/100 and hand signed in pencil.
Etching
Obra Inèdita Recent I
By Joan Miró
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Joan Miró (1893-1983) is one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. He is renowned internationally as a painter, sculptor, printmaker, and ceramicist. Miró’s works, which wer...
Lithograph
Florals Dahlia Venus
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Florals Dahlia (+ Fingers) Venus MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: EA MEASUREMENTS: 29.4" x 21.6" YEAR: 1972 FRAMED: No COND...
Etching
Construction - Handsigned Original Lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Alain LE YAOUANC Construction Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil On Japan paper, 40,5 x 31,5 cm (c. 15,9 x 12,4 inch) Excellent condition
Lithograph
A Colorful, '37 Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Hananiah Harari "Signal Set Up"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Colorful 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "Signal Set Up", the artwork is colored pencil...
Paper, Color Pencil, Graphite
Pop Art Surreal Large Colorful Screenprint with Mod Balls of Color Serigraph
Located in Surfside, FL
Titled: After the Beginning, one of his most desirable large serigraph silkscreen works. It depicts inter galactic outer space with planets, orbs of bright day glo, neon color in a s...
Screen
Ruth Gleaner - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph realized by Marc Chagall in 1960 to illustrate "The Bible". Edition of 6500, published by Tériade in no. 33 and 34 of the Art Magazine Verve. Printed by Mourlot a...
Lithograph
$8,000
Le Téléphone (Lobster Telephone) /// Salvador Dali Surrealism Modern Engraving
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989) Title: "Le Téléphone (Lobster Telephone)" Portfolio: Hommage à Leonardo da Vinci (Great Inventions) *Signed by Dali in pencil lower right Y...
Intaglio, Etching, Engraving
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Salvador Dali, Untitled, from The Three-Cornered Hat, 1958
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite engraving by Salvador Dali (1904–1989), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the folio Le Tricorne (The Three-Cornered Hat), originates from the 1958 edition published b...
Engraving
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Black Figure on Blue Background, Composition with Chemical Formulas
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Figure noire sur fond bleu et Composition avec formules chimiques (Black Figure on Blue Background and Composition with Che...
Lithograph
Surrealist composition
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: collotype (after the Miro lithograph). Printed in 1947 in an edition of 1500 by Meriden Gravure and published by Curt Valentin for "The Prints of Joan Miro" portfolio. Size: ...
Photogravure
Salvador Dali "Romeo and Juliet"
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: Romeo and Juliet Series: Much Ado About Shakespeare Date: 1968 Medium: original drypoint engravings Framed Dimensions: 22.5" x 18.5" Signature: P...
Drypoint
Salvador Dali "Moses"
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: Moses Series: Our Historical Heritage Date: 1975 Medium: drypoint with added color Unframed Dimensions: 26" x 19.875" Framed Dimensions: 33.5" x 2...
Drypoint
Adam and Eve - Héliogravure by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Héliogravure on brown-toned paper, so signature. On bot sheets, recto and verso. Edition of 6500 unsigned copies. Printed by Mourlot and published by Tériade, Paris. Ref. Mourlot,...
Photogravure
Cactus Landscape (Comanche Native American surrealist painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Cactus Landscape, ca. 1975-80. Gouache on Arches rag paper, Sheet measures 23 x 30 inches. Image measures 22 x 29 inches. Signed lower left. Excellent condition. Unframed.
Gouache, Rag Paper
Zen : Water Drops on the Sand - Original handsigned etching - Numbered / 200
Located in Paris, IDF
Hiroshi ASADA Zen : Water Drops on the Sand Original etching and aquatint Handsigned in pencil Numbered / 200 On Arches vellum 16.5 x 21 cm (c. 6.5 x 8 in...
Etching, Aquatint
$6,500
Transfiguration /// Surrealism Salvador Dali Landscape Etching Face Lips Surreal
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989) Title: "Transfiguration" *Signed by Dali in pencil lower right Year: 1973 Medium: Original Etching on Auvergne paper Limited edition: 90/10...
Intaglio, Etching