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.
The Fisherman
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: The Fisherman MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: 44/150 MEASUREMENTS: 39.87" x 23.75" CONDITION: Excellent AUTHENTICATION: ...
Lithograph
Totem Pathfinder Wolverine Guardian of Wild Trails
Located in Oslo, NO
"Totem Pathfinder"- portrays a wolverine-like guide rendered on paper in mixed media - acrylic and watercolour pencils - blending bold, textured layers with fine, luminous strokes. T...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
$1,800
Italian American Surrealist Oil Painting Ivo David Trilogia Chromatic Surrealism
Located in Surfside, FL
Trilogia Homage to Orazio Tanelli (Italian poet) Hand signed middle left and titled extensively and signed and dated verso. 1991 Dimensions: 30 X 24 inches. A painter and poet born ...
Canvas, Oil
Chimera No. 1
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
Leonor Fini (Argentine-French, 1907 - 1996) was an independent and visionary artist whose work defied categorization within Surrealism, despite her association with its key figures i...
Paper, Etching, Aquatint
Large Surrealist Symbolist Painting, Peeking Child, Moorish Architectural Arches
By Baruch Elron
Located in Surfside, FL
Large Surrealist Symbolist Painting With a peeking, peering figure of a child dressed in red in a typical Middle Eastern Architectural setting. (unframed 28.75X39.5 inches) Baruch El...
Canvas, Oil
It's always the same.
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Curious (black old dog, snout, lady, vintage, animal, surrealist oil painting)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
"Curious," by Rudolf Kosow, is an engaging portrayal of inquisitiveness and wonder, bridging the natural world and humanity. Dominating the scene is a giant bulldog, its face a tapestry of textures from the soft fur to the glistening nose, each detail crafted to convey a lifelike presence. Facing the monumental canine is a small-scale girl, her posture embodying the essence of childhood wonder as she stands before the immense animal. Her tilted head and attentive stance suggest a moment of mutual discovery and fascination. This poignant interaction is a snapshot of the innocent and pure connections that can occur across the divides of size and species. Kosow's "Curious" captures the beautiful moments of discovery that occur when the young and the gentle giants of the animal kingdom meet, encapsulating a shared curiosity that transcends words. The artwork serves as a reminder of the universal language of wonder that connects us all. keywords; painting on canvas, surrealist painting, animal vs human, americana, nature, man, man vs nature, surrealism, giant animal...
Canvas, Oil
La Fanfarlo 2 - Female Women
By Leonor Fini
Located in London, GB
This work is hand signed in pencil by the artist "Leonor Fini" in the lower right corner. It was part of the portfolio 'La Fanfarlo' that included 13 lithographs by Fini. It was pri...
Lithograph
$750
A 1940s, Modern Abstract Surrealist Drawing by Hananiah Harari, "Sky Traffic"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, 1940s Modern Surrealist Abstract Drawing, "Sky Traffic", by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Graphite on paper, dating from 1947. A...
Paper, Graphite
Le Téléphone Drypoint Etching, Surrealist, Signed, 1975
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Le Téléphone (The Telephone) Drypoint etching with stencil from 1975. The edition 165/450 on Arches paper. Dimensions of sheet: 75 x 56 cm Dimensions ...
Drypoint, Etching
$423Sale Price|20% Off
A dance - Surrealist print, Limited edition, Established Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
The work comes directly from the artist, is numbered, signed and made on sealed paper. Limited edition of 20. RAFAŁ OLBIŃSKI (born in 1943) He graduated from the Faculty of Archite...
Paper, Color
Plumb, Original Painting
By Dwight Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A towering stack of pancakes, topped with butter and dripping syrup, balances as a plumb line ensures its perfect level. The precise measurement keeps the foo...
Watercolor
Goddess the Violinist and Swan
Located in Zofingen, AG
As the artist, I've poured my soul into this canvas, blending oils to evoke a sense of enigmatic allure and surreal wonder. With each stroke, I've strived to weave a narrative that t...
Oil
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
Anemones VI, Surrealist Etching by Bill Jacklin
By Bill Jacklin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bill Jacklin, British (1943 - ) - Anemones VI, Year: 1977, Medium: Etching on BFK Rives, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: 21/40, Image Size: 11.75 x 8 inches, Size...
Etching
Rabbit in Hat, Surrealist Screenprint by Igor Galanin
By Igor Galanin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Igor Galanin Title: Rabbit in Hat Date: Circa 1985 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 175, AP 30 Paper Size: 40.5 x 30 ...
Screen
Surrealist Peacock - Original color Etching and Aquatint
Located in Paris, IDF
Jacques HEROLD (French, 1910-1987) Surrealist Peacock, 1975 Original etching and aquatint Handsigned in pencil Numbered /49 Justified "E.A" (Artist's p...
Etching, Aquatint
Spanish Artist Santi Moix Aquatint Etching Ed 2/3 Surrealist Abstract Symbols
By Santi Moix
Located in Surfside, FL
Moix, Santi (Spanish, b. 1960), Figural Abstraction, hybrid print with etching and aquatint, 23.5 x 16.75 inches, pencil signed and numbered 2/3. Santi Moix (Barcelona, 1960) lives ...
Etching, Aquatint
$395
SONG OF PRAISE Hand Drawn Lithograph, 1980 Surrealist Tree Portrait, Night Sky
Located in Union City, NJ
SONG OF PRAISE is an original hand drawn limited edition lithograph by the British artist, Michael Hasted printed using hand lithography on archival Somerset paper, 100% acid free. S...
Lithograph
"Pink Moon, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sara Scribner's (US based) "Pink Moon" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a realistic portrait of a feminine form cradling a small moon i...
Oil, Panel
$400Sale Price|20% Off
The Devouring Mother
Located in Wilton, CT
With 27 full-page colour illustrations (including title). White orig. hardcover with black cover title (somewhat rubbed and soiled, back cover with minimal light...
Screen
Tribute to Mozart : Firebird - Original handsigned lithograph
By Corneille
Located in Paris, IDF
Corneille Tribute to Mozart : Firebird, 1991 Original lithograph Handsigned Numbered EA /30 On vellum 50 x 65 cm (c. 20 x 26 inch) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Surrealist Explosion - Handsigned Original Lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Alain LE YAOUANC Surrealist Explosion Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil On Japan paper, 40,5 x 31,5 cm (c. 15,9 x 12,4 inch) Very good condition, a few foxings on the right ...
Lithograph
$565
New York No. 11 - Architectural Green Tone Still Life Watercolor Painting
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, Watercolor
New York No. 10 - Architectural Purple Tone Still Life Watercolor Painting
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, Watercolor
Imaginations & Objects of The Future Breathing Pneumatic Armchair
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Imaginations & Objects of The Future Breathing Pneumatic Armchair MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Merril Chase, Chica...
Etching
$470Sale Price|20% Off
Face. Limited edition print, Surrealism, Established Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary colorful figurative surrealistic print on paper by Polish artist Rafal Olbinski. This print symbolizes equality of people of all races. The print is signed by the artist...
Paper, Color
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
$480Sale Price|20% Off
"Rabbit" - 1976 Surrealist Lithograph on Paper
By Jim Crabb
Located in Soquel, CA
"Rabbit" - 1976 Surrealist Lithograph on Paper 1976 surrealist lithograph on paper titled "Rabbit" by Jim Crabb (American, b. 1947). This piece resembles a surreal landscape, with b...
Ink, Laid Paper, Lithograph
$15,000
Surrealist Composition, Untitled, Lambert Werner (1900-1983), Oil Canvas, 1937
Located in New York, NY
Lambert Werner (1900-1983) Untitled, 1937 Oil on canvas 21 7/10 × 19 7/10 in l 55 × 50 cm 23 2/3 x 21 2/3 l 60 x 55 cm (Frame included) Signed and dated lower left Exhibition histor...
Canvas, Oil
"Bluebird Teapot" Contemporary Surrealist painting bird and reflection in teapot
Located in New York, NY
This contemporary surrealist painting depicts a blue bird perched atop a silver and blue round teapot. The reflection of a room in a round steel teapot offers a highly curved, disto...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
"Salvador Dalí"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This pyezhazh I saw in a deserted place. It was dusty and strong wind. The wind stopped blowing and I saw this surrealism. The painting is framed in an antique frame. Size in a frame...
Oil, Cardboard
$5,175Sale Price|25% Off
Salvador Dali "The Old Faust"
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: The Old Faust Series: Faust Date: 1969 Medium: drypoint Framed Dimensions: 22.5" x 18.5" Signature: Pencil signed Edition: 49/145 Literature: Al...
Drypoint
Conquest of Cosmos The Blood of The Ying and Yang
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Conquest of Cosmos The Blood of The Ying and Yang MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: EA MEASUREMENTS: 27.5" x 38.5...
Etching
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
Fantastic Creature - Original Etching Handsigned
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Paris, IDF
Hans BELLMER (1902-1975) Fantastic Creature Original etching, 1973 Handsigned in pencil by the artist On Auvergne paper, 57 x 38 cm (22,4 x 14,9 inches) From the Portfolio "Les Mys...
Etching
Sanctus Hieronymus Lithograph, Surrealist, Signed, 1964, Unframed
Located in Roma, IT
Sanctus Hieronymus 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. Sig...
Lithograph
$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
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
Vulcanologies VI
Located in OPOLE, PL
Pierre Alechinsky (1927) - Vulcanologies VI Lithograph from 1970. The edition 79 of 90. Dimensions of work: 76 x 56 cm. Hand signed. The work is in Excellent condition.
Lithograph
$6,471
Chut Encore Patience Watercolor Drawing, Figurative, Antique, Signed
Located in CANNES, FR
Bension RABINOWICZ dit BENN né à Bialistok ( Poland ) en 1905 - 1989 . " CHUT " & " ENCORE PATIENCE " circa 1943 . en Hommage à Jean PAULHAN . 2 dessins au crayon de couleur ...
Archival Paper
Judgement Aquatint Etching on Japon Paper, Signed, 63/150, Excellent
Located in Aventura, FL
Aquatint and etching on Japon paper from Historia de Don Quixote de la Mancha. Hand signed lower right by Salvador Dali. Hand numbered 63/150 lower left. Sheet size: 29.875 x 22.1...
Paper, Etching, Aquatint
Le Buste Etching, Surrealist Style, Signed, Edition 105/145, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Le Buste, from the Series "Faust" (La Nuit de Walpurgis), is an artwork realized in 1968/69. Etching, Drypoint, Watercolor and Roulette on Japon Paper. Hand signed and numbered. Ed...
Watercolor, Paper, Drypoint, Etching
Untitled (comic), by José Luis Cuevas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This striking untitled print by celebrated Mexican artist José Luis Cuevas (1934–2017) presents a vivid parade of distorted and expressionistic figures rendered in his signature grot...
Etching, Aquatint
Purgatory 19 - Dante's Dream - woodcut - 1963
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Purgatory 19 - Dante's Dream Woodcut on paper Signature printed in the image 1960/63 Printed on paper Vélin BFK Rives Size 32,8 x 26,4 cm (c. 13 x 10 in) ...
Paper, Woodcut
Lovers Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed, 21st Century
Located in London, London
Clown, circus, theatre, play, red, green, clowns, opera, realist, surrealist, art, contemporary art, painting on canvas The item is located in Rome,Italy framed. original oil p...
Canvas, Oil
Salvador Dali - The Negresses - Original Stamp-Signed Etching
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - Original Etching Stamp signed by Dali Edition of 294 copies. Paper : Arches vellum. Dimensions : 16x12". Catalogue Raisonné : Field 68-6 (p. 40-41).
Etching
Dalia, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Dalia from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 20 in. x 26 in....
Lithograph
Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) - Color drypoint etching on Arches paper - 1973
Located in Varese, IT
Color drypoint etching on Arches paper, edited in 1973. Limited edition of 190 copies , numbered as 14/190 in lower left corner. Hand-signed by artist in pencil in the lower right ...
Paper, Etching
Cobea (Pisum Sensuale), Surrealist Drypoint Etching by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
This surreal botanical print by Salvador Dali is from a suite of 10 engravings called "Flora Dalinae". Growing from a vine are leaves shaped like lips an...
Drypoint, Etching
Surrealist Beach & Guitar - Original handsigned lithograph - 275ex
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean-Pierre HENAUT (1942-) Surrealist Beach & Guitar Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil Limited /275copies On vellum 60 x 54 cm (c. 24 x 22 in) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Abraham, Pater Multarem Gentium - Lithograph - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Abraham, Pater Multarem Gentium is 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...
Lithograph
La divine forêt - Engraving - 150 copies
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali La divine forêt (1960) Heliogravure reworked with drypoint Signature printed in the plate On BFK Rives Vellum paper Size 32.8 x 26.4 cm (c. 13...
Etching
Hagar in the Desert - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Hagar in the desert is an artwork from the Series "The Bible", by Marc Chagall in 1960. Mixed colored lithograph on brown-toned paper, no signatur...
Lithograph
"Trinity"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This painting, Holy Trinity, symbolizes the Holy Spirit of the universe, the earth, the moon, and a black hole. It evokes reflection on life and death. This painting offers a prophet...
Paper, Oil
New moon.
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
$2,824Sale Price|20% Off
The Guardians - 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
$5,000
"The Cosmic Dance" GAIA as Mother Earth a Visionary Figurative - Acrylic
Located in Soquel, CA
Emergence of Woman The Cosmic Dance A Visionary Figurative in Acrylic Flowing and stylized figurative work by Visionary artist Kimberlee Kuwica (American, b. 1967). From GAIA: "As t...
Acrylic, Illustration Board, Foam Board
L'Ange du 7e ciel - Etching - 150 copies
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali L'Ange du 7e ciel (1960) Heliogravure reworked with drypoint Printed signature in the plate On BFK Rives Vellum paper Size 32.8 x 26.4 cm (c. 13 x 10") References: - ...
Etching
If I had a boat.
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