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.
$2,409Sale Price|20% Off
Kumo (The weaver spider)
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Kumo (The weaver spider) Drypoint etching with stencil from 1974. The edition of XVII/LXXV on Richard de Bas paper. Dimensions of work: 66 x 52 cm. Ha...
Drypoint, Etching
$880Sale Price|20% Off
"Swan with Open Wings", Surreal, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Oil Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
"Swan with Open Wings" is a 14 x 18 x 0.7 inch original oil painting on canvas by Anita Zotkina. The surreal composition glows with radiant blue, turquoise, violet, purple, pink, and...
Canvas, Oil
$6,250Sale Price|50% Off
Men Philosophizing
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Men Philosophizing 1998 Born in 1950 Vina Del Mar Chile. Already when a child his drawings and paintings were noticed by the public. From 1966 to 1969 he attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Valparaiso where he received awards every year. Very soon he exhibited his works that document his specific interest in the portrayal of man in Chile. In the age of 24 he went abroad having exhibition in several Latin American countries. In 1983 he joined the League Art Student of New York. Duran developed his style which distinguishes him from present day currents. His work was exhibited in Europe, South America and USA recently his work was exhibited in Chile. Ivan Duran Garlick...
Canvas, Oil
$400
Hide
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Play on words Hide. Information hide, skin hide, hide and seek.
Canvas, Ink, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Centre Noeuds (Sabatier 393), Roberto Matta
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Roberto Matta (1912-2002) Title: Centre Noeuds (Sabatier 393) Year: 1974 Edition: 38/125, plus proofs Medium: Etching on Arches paper Size: 23.875 x 17.5 inches Inscription: ...
Etching
Tangent - Surreal Still Life - Coffee Table Setting, Oil on Panel
By John Hrehov
Located in Chicago, IL
This painting is John Hrehov’s Tangent, an oil on panel from 2025. In it, a modern red sofa runs straight across the back of the room, set against a grid of tall windows that open on...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
Surrealist Figurative Aquatint Etching California Modernist Sculptor Artist
By Jack Zajac
Located in Surfside, FL
Jack Zajac, American, born 1929 1964 Etching and aquatint hand printed on Fabriano paper, pencil signed and editioned. Edition Roman Numeral III Image: 12 9/16 x 8 5/8 in. (31.9 x 2...
Etching, Aquatint
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, The Spanish Dancer, from Derriere le miroir, 1963
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled La danseuse espagnole (The Spanish Dancer), from the folio Derriere le miroir, No. 139–140, originates from the 1963 editio...
Lithograph
Une Pyramide en Colère, Micro-Painting on Leather by Max Ernst
By Max Ernst
Located in Roma, IT
Micro picture, gouache on paper mounted on black leather. Belonging to the serie “Microbes”. Interestingly, it is unusually mounted on a black leather surface whose shape reminds th...
Leather, Gouache, Cardboard
Judgement (hand signed aquatint etching on Arches)
Located in Aventura, FL
Aquatint and etching on Arches paper from Historia de Don Quixote de la Mancha. Hand signed lower right by Salvador Dali. Hand numbered from the edition of 300 lower left. Edition...
Paper, Etching, Aquatint
The Night in the Desert - Héliogravure by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Héliogravure on brown-toned paper, so signature. Héliogravure on bot sheets, recto and verso. Edition of 6500 unsigned copies. Printed by Mourlot and published by Tériade, Paris. ...
Photogravure
Leonora Carrington, The Transparent Hen
Located in Miami, FL
Leonora Carrington The Transparent Hen, 1969 Watercolor and ink on paper 11 x 4 in Provenance: Private Collection, Dr. Salomon Grimberg (Gift from the artist). Private Collection, T...
Ink, Watercolor, Laid Paper
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Le Singe et le Léopard, Salvador Dali
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Le Singe et le Léopard Year: 1975 Medium: Engraving with pochoir on Arches paper Edition: E.A.; 682, plus proofs Size: 30 x 22.25 inches Cond...
Engraving
Le 2 Mai 1945, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896–1987) Date: 1945 Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition, Epreuve d'artiste Image Size: 11.25 x 14.5 inches Size: 14 x 16.25 in. (35.56 x 41.28 cm)
Lithograph
The Departure of The Horserider, 1975 - Original Handsigned Etching
By Lars Bo
Located in Paris, IDF
Lars BO The Departure of The Horserider (Le Rêve de Jean Valjean 1/8), 1975 Original etching Handsigned in pencil On vellum, 35,5 x 45 cm (c. 13,9 x 17,7 inch) Edition limited to 10...
Etching
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Surrealist Figurative -- At the Hop
Located in Soquel, CA
Vintage Surrealist Figurative -- At the Hop Vibrant, dreamy abstract expressionist painting by California artist Molly E. Brubaker (American, 1922-2000). Unframed. Image, 30"H x 24"...
Canvas, Oil
Toast To Celebrate - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Love, Drinks
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
The Blasphermers - Woodcut print - 1963
Located in Roma, IT
The Blasphermers - Hell Plate 14 is a woodcut print realized in 1963 for a series illustrating the Medieval poem of the "Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. Plate n.32 (as reported on...
Woodcut
La Venus aux Fourrures Woman With Crutch
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: La Venus Aux Fourrures Woman with Crutch MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Editions Argillet, Paris EDITION NUMBER: 25/145 MEASUREMENTS: 11" x 15" YEAR: 1968 FRAMED: No CONDITION: Excellent AUTHENTICITY: This piece has been certified by The Salvador Dali Archives. The Salvador Dali Archives, located in New York, is a private repository of information about Salvador Dali, established with the approval of the artist by Albert Field over 50 years ago. The Archives, under the direction of Albert Field's successor, Frank Hunter, is able to provide an Authentication Service to owners of Dali prints and other Dali works. The Salvador Dali Archives is used by major Auction Houses, Art Dealers and Collectors to Authenticate works by Salvador Dali. REFERENCE: The Official Catalog of The Works of Salvador Dali by Albert Field page 40...
Etching
Waterbearers, Surrealist Oil Painting by Lucio Ranucci
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lucio Ranucci, Italian (1925 - ) Title: Waterbearers Year: 1977 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed and dated u.r. Size: 24 in. x 36 in. (60.96 cm x 91.44 cm) Frame Size: 32 x 44 i...
Oil
"Target Practice", Surrealist Portrait, Brown, Mixed Media, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker’s “Target Practice” is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 32 x 26 inches in rich browns and blacks complementing the buff color of the collaged paper. The merciles...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Algun Dia - figurative painting, landscape painting
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful surrealist painting by Mauricio comes rolled in a tube and needs to be stretched when received. In his pieces, Mauricio combines his figurative expertise along with su...
Canvas, Oil
"Cardinal Bundled" (2022) by Nathan Durfee, Mixed Media painting
Located in Denver, CO
Nathan Durfee's "Cardinal Bundled " is a mixed media painting that depicts a bird on a branch as a snow storm surrounds them. Artist bio: Nathan Durfee has garnered notoriety for ...
Mixed Media, Wood Panel
Les Fesses piquantes
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Les Fesses piquantes Etching from 1969. 66/145 on Japan paper. Dimensions of work: 38 x 28 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Graphik Europa Anstalt. Refer...
Etching
$1,135Sale Price|36% Off
Landscape with window in D oil on canvas painting surrealist
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Felix Ferreras - Landscape with window in D - Oil on canvas Oil measurements 73x100 cm. Frameless. Félix Ferreras is a visual artist with numerous national and international awards ...
Canvas, Oil
MEMOIRS_
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Surrealism
Canvas, Oil
$315Sale Price|25% 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
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Salvador Dali "Love's Labors Lost" Drypoint
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: Love’s Labors Lost Series: Shakespeare II Date: 1971 Medium: drypoint Framed Dimensions: 21.75" x 18.75" Signature: Pencil signed Edition: 128/2...
Drypoint
Faust Vignettes Mephisto (Le Cercle Magique)
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Faust Vignettes Mephisto (Le Cercle Magique) MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Editions Aegillet, Paris EDITION NUMBER: 66/150 MEAS...
Etching
$8,600
"Loosening" (2025) Original Photorealist Oil Portrait, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
This striking oil portrait is framed at 21 x 25 inches, and is ready to hang. Artist Autobiography: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, 1958, my family moved every two years thereafter from C...
Oil, Panel
$15,000
Pablo Picasso THÉÂTRE OU TÉLÉVISION: CAPE ET ÉPÉE 1968 Aquatint - 347 Series
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Pablo Picasso’s 1968 etching and aquatint Théâtre ou télévision: cape et épée belongs to the artist’s late period, a time when he reflected intensely on the themes of performance, sp...
Archival Paper, Etching, Aquatint
$6,264Sale Price|20% Off
Le Château des Pyrénées (The Castle of the Pyrenees)
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Framed 40.50 x 30 in The lithograph features the dry stamps of the Magritte Foundation & ADAGP and is countersigned in pencil by Mr. Charly Herscovici, President of the Magritte...
Lithograph
Nabuchodonosor Rex Babulonis - Lithograph - 1967/69
Located in Roma, IT
Nabuchodonosor Rex Babulonis ("Nebucchadenezzar King Of Babylon") is an artwork realized in 1964. It is part of Biblia Sacra vulgatæ editionis published by Rizzoli-Mediolani between...
Lithograph
Joan Miró, "Obra Grafica" - 1982 Exhibition Poster
By Joan Miró
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Explore Joan Miró's Obra Grafica 1982 exhibition poster, a signed-in-print color lithograph in excellent condition. This surrealist poster from Spain, printed on quality photo paper,...
Paper
"The Power of Flight" (2022) by Nathan Durfee, Original Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Nathan Durfee's "The Power of Flight" is an original oil painting depicts a penguin taking flight from an icy landscape. Artist bio: Nathan Durfee has garnered notoriety for his c...
Oil, Wood Panel
A Colorful, 1942 Modern Surreal Abstract by Hananiah Harari "The Baroque Portal"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Colorful 1942 Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "The Baroque Portal", the artwork is mixed medi...
Paper, Gouache, Mixed Media
Bacchanale, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Bacchanale from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 26 in. x 2...
Lithograph
"SOLO Signed Lithograph, Surrealist Mini Landscape, 1992, 6x7 in."
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
Beatrice Solves Dante’s Doubts - Woodcut - 1963
Located in Roma, IT
Beatrice Solves Dante’s Doubts - "The Divine Comedy" - Song 4 - Paradise is a woodcut print realized in 1963 for a series illustrating the Medieval poem of the "Divine Comedy" by D...
Woodcut
Leslie Fry_Revelation_2016_Acrylic on paper_Surrealism_Framed
Located in Darien, CT
Leslie's public projects respond to site, history and the body. Figures are female or hermaphroditic, of imaginary descent, often melded with animal, architecture and plant forms. I ...
Paper, Acrylic
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
Face II (Aquiles).
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
Face II (Aquiles) is a large format work that is part of the classical series, continuing its exploration of the iconic figures of mythology. In this Rostro II, the protagonist is Ac...
Linen, Oil
Venezuelan Surrealism Architectural Oil Painting Emerio Lunar Latin American Art
Located in Surfside, FL
Provenance: Galeria Durban Cesar Segnini, Caracas Venezuela. Emerio Dario Lunar was born on January 27, 1940 in Cabimas, Zulia state. Self-taught in painting, makes primary educati...
Canvas, Oil
Cat Arabesque
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
LEONOR FINI Cat Arabesque 1973 Color lithograph Ed. 157/230 12.5 x 9 inches
Lithograph
ORSA MAGGIORE #7506
By Wifredo Lam
Located in Aventura, FL
From a set of 6 done in 1975 at Pollenza-Macerata, Nuova Foglia Editrice. Hand signed and numbered by Wifredo Lam. Edition EA of 8. Artwork size 31.5 x 25.5 inches. Framed. Artw...
Paper, Lithograph
$478
Jean COCTEAU and Raymond MORETTI : The kiss- Original Hansigned Lithograph, 1973
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Cocteau and Raymond Moretti The Kiss Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate, handsigned by Raymond Moretti Numbered 1/79 - Very look for artist proof bearing n°1 On...
Lithograph
Femme-feuille
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Femme-feuille Etching from 1969. 66/145 on Japan paper. Dimensions of work: 38 x 28 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Graphik Europa Anstalt. Reference: M...
Etching
Surrealist Large Painting Royal College of Art LGBTQ+ Female Birds of Prey
By Isabel Rock
Located in Norfolk, GB
Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences while a surreal narrative take...
Paint, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pen
$2,868Sale Price|20% Off
Heavenly garden at night - Acrylic painting Pop art Vibrant colors Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
ABOUT THE ARTIST MARTA RYNKIEWICZ is a Polish contemporary artist (born in 1983). She studied painting with Professor Henryk Czenik and graphic arts with Professor Jerzy Krechowic...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,213Sale Price|20% Off
1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Green Abstract Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Tristan Fabris 1970's, French Surrealist artist Abstract Surrealist Figurative study oil on canvas, framed signed and dated 74' inscribed verso framed: 32.5 x 26 inches canvas: 32 x ...
Canvas, Oil
$310Sale Price|20% Off
DEARDORFF Signed Mini Lithograph, 1992 Surrealist Still Life, Retro Camera
Located in Union City, NJ
DEARDORFF is a hand drawn limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniqu...
Lithograph
$3,800
"Solitary Confinement" (2016) By Diego Glazer, Original Surrealist Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Diego Glazer's "Solitary Confinement" is an original, handmade oil painting that is framed and ready to hang. The framed measurements are 22 in H x 26 in W. About the Artist: For a...
Canvas, Oil
![Untitled, Planche 16 (Plate 16) [Set of 2] /// Le Corbusier Surrealist Etching](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/le-corbusier-prints-works-on-paper-unite-planche-16-set-of-2-surrealism-modern-art-le-corbusier-abstract-for-sale/a_1212/1759371596197/20161126_140738_0__master.jpg?width=240)
![Untitled, Planche 16 (Plate 16) [Set of 2] /// Le Corbusier Surrealist Etching](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/le-corbusier-prints-works-on-paper-unite-planche-16-set-of-2-surrealism-modern-art-le-corbusier-abstract-for-sale-picture-2/a_1212/a_170114921759371622129/20161126_140727_master.jpg?width=240)
$12,000
Untitled, Planche 16 (Plate 16) [Set of 2] /// Le Corbusier Surrealist Etching
By Le Corbusier
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) (Swiss-French, 1887-1965) Title: "Untitled, Planche 16 (Plate 16)" [Set of 2] Portfolio: Unité *Signed by Le Corbusier in pencil lowe...
Etching, Aquatint, Intaglio
The New School, Surrealist Suite of 10 etchings by Roberto Matta
Located in Long Island City, NY
Roberto Matta, Chilean (1911 - 2002) - The New School, Year: 1943, Medium: Suite of 10 etchings, lacking cover sheet, Image Size: 7.75 x 6 inches, Size: 15 x 11.75 in. (38.1 x 29.8...
Etching
$3,984Sale Price|20% Off
French Surrealist Landscape Oil Painting Organic Forms Dreamlike Mid Century
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: French School, Mid 20th Century Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 24 x 18 inches Frame: Unframed Signature: Not visible Condition: Very good condition Description A surreal landsc...
Oil
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from Fruits of Passion, 1980 (after)
By Leonor Fini
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite heliogravure, titled Sans titre (Untitled), after Leonor Fini, from the album Fruits de la passion, trente-deux variations sur un theme de Leonor Fini (Fruits of Passi...
Lithograph
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Lunettes à hologrammes et ordinateurs pour voir les objets imaginés (F 75-13)
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Baignoire à tornade liquide (Michler/Löpsinger 822-831; Field 75-13), Imaginations et Objets du Futur (Hologram glasses and computers to see ...
Mixed Media, Drypoint, Lithograph, Screen
Salvador Dali - Strawberry Heart - Original Hand-Signed Lithograph
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - Strawberry Heart - Original Hand-Signed Lithograph 1970 Dimensions: P. 57 x 37 cm Sheet: 75 x 56 cm Handsigned, EA (Epreuve d'Artiste) Excellent Condition Reference:...
Lithograph
Untitled II from Body and Heart, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Untitled II from Body and Heart, Year: 1968, Medium: Etching on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 130, Image Size: 11.75 x 9.25...
Etching
Anemone per Anti-Pasti, Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Salvador Dali, Spanish (1904 - 1989) Title: Anemone per Anti-pasti (Anemone of the Toreador) Year: 1972 Medium: Lithograph with embossing on heavy Arches paper, signed and nu...
Lithograph