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 Awakening of Boaz - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
The awakening of Boaz is an artwork from the Series "The Bible", by Marc Chagall in 1960. Mixed colored lithograph on brown-toned paper, no signature. Edition of 6500 unsigned lit...
Lithograph
David Saved by Michal - 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
Pegasus, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
This striking etching by Andre Masson from circa 1970 depicts the mythological Pegasus through the lens of Surrealist Figurative art and classical symbolism. Masson’s interpretation ...
Etching
"Hombre contemplando la luna" original etching
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original etching and aquatint. Printed in 1947 on Velin de Hollande paper and published in New York by the Quadrangle Press as the frontispiece of the deluxe edition of Rober...
Etching, Aquatint
Urban Life - Abstract Earthy Tone Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Noah's ark. By Sergej Malishevsky. 2004. Oil on canvas. 70/85 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Sergei Malishevsky (1956–2020) was a Belarusian painter renowned for his distinctive surrealist style and vivid artistic voice. He was in Moscow to Algirdas Malishevsky, the eminent ...
Canvas, Oil
Moses and Monotheism
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled, "Moses and Monotheism" 1979, is a copper embossed bas relief by artist Salvador Dali, 1904-1989. It is hand signed in felt pen at the lower right corner. The art...
Copper
Consulat à vie - Etching by Jean-Baptiste Réville - Early 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Consulat à vieis an original artwork realized by Jean Baptiste Réville in early 19th. Century . Etching on paper. Titled and signed on plate on the right corner. Good conditions. ...
Etching
For Alberti, For Spain! - Etching by Joan Mirò - 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
For Alberti, For Spain! is a contemporary artwork realized by Joan Mirò in 1975. Mixed colored etching. Hand signed and numbered on the lower margin. Edition of XXVIII/LX. There ...
Etching
Abstract Erotism - Original Etching Handsigned and Numbered
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Paris, IDF
Hans BELLMER Abstract Erotism Original etching, 1973 Handsigned in pencil by the artist Numbered / 20 (Roman numerals) On Auvergne paper, 57 x 38 cm (22,4 x 14,9 inches) From the P...
Etching
Flora Dalinae Viola Cogitans/Self Portrait Pansy
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Flora Dalinae Viola Cogitans/Self Portrait Pansy MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: 7/200 MEASUREMENTS: 29.9" x 22.3" YEAR: 1968 ...
Etching
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Lithograph I, from Lithographs I, 1972
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Lithograph I, from the album Joan Miro Lithographs, Volume I, originates from the 1972 edition published by Tudor Publishin...
Lithograph
The Beloved Feeds Between the Lilies - Lithograph - 1971
Located in Roma, IT
Etching with pochoir and gold overlay. Edition of 121/250. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Ref. Michler-Lopsinger 477c. Very good condition. The artwork is from the series So...
Lithograph
original lithograph
By Max Ernst
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Catalogue reference Spies/Leppien 202. Published in 1971 by XXe Siecle. Sheet size: 12 1/4 x 9 3/8 inches (310 x 238 mm). Not signed.
Lithograph
Sea Shanty, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The surrealist painting depicts a pirate and a mermaid sitting at a dimly lit bar. Glowing bottles and deep green walls surround the pair. He offers to buy her ...
Oil
House on a Hill 2 - Abstract Colorful Architectural Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Cattelan Drummer Boy 2003 Offset Print, Surrealist, First Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original exhibition poster for Fast Forward: Contemporary Collections, Dallas Museum of Art. This visually arresting poster features a provocative and unexpected image characteristi...
Offset
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Sky Bird, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Sky Bird, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection Year: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Size: 20 x 26 inche...
Lithograph
Surrealist Still Life with a Guitar
Located in San Francisco, CA
When you enter visually into the sumptuous scene captured in this painting, the unknown artist is playing with you. They are teasing you to slightly suspend your careful awareness of...
Canvas, Oil
La Grande Danseuse - Etching by Marc Chagall - 1967
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Etching and aquatint on Japan paper. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 23/35 prints. Excellent condition. Ref. Cramer, Marc Chagall, The Illustrated Books, no. 6
Etching
Cerberus Woodcut Print, Surrealist, Limited Edition 1963, Unframed
Located in Roma, IT
Cerberus - Hell plate 6 is a woodcut print realized in 1963 for a series illustrating the Medieval poem of the "Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. Good conditions. Limited editio...
Woodcut
$1,700Sale Price|50% Off
CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd ¨KNOCK OUT: from the GREATEST SERIES¨ 2026 2 pieces !!
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
THE GREATEST!!!!!! ALTERATION ART . . . is a collaboration process between CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd, fine artist and art dealer with over 40 years experience, and various Mexican Hui...
Glass, Mixed Media
$4,819Sale Price|40% Off
St. George Lithograph by Salvador Dali, 1972, Edition 187/250
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - St. George Lithograph from 1972. The edition of 187/250. Dimensions of work: 68 x 50 cm. On B.F.K Rives paper as stated in the Field catalogue. Refer...
Lithograph
Purgatory 30 - The Announcement of a Great Event - woodcut -1963
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Purgatory 30 - The Announcement of a Great Event Wood engraving from "Divine Comedy" with the printed signature 1960/63 Printed on paper Vélin BFK Rives Si...
Woodcut
Memories of Surrealism Dressed in The Nude in The Surrealist Fashion
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Memories of Surrealism Dressed in The Nude in The Surrealist Fashion MEDIUM: Etching on Japon Paper SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMB...
Etching
$345
Exotic - Original Abstract Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine 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
$24,796Sale Price|20% Off
Salvador Dali, Gala, My Sistine Madonna, from Don Quichotte de la Manche, 1957
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Salvador Dali (1904–1989), titled Gala, ma Madonna sistine (Gala, My Sistine Madonna), from the folio Pages choisies de Don Quichotte de la Manche (Selec...
Lithograph
Antique American Precisionist Coastal Beach Town Framed Seascape Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist beach town oil painting. Oil on board. Framed. Measuring: 22 by 26 inches overall, and 20 by 24 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready to hang and e...
Oil
$989
Schéhérazade - 20th Century, Surrealist, Lithograph, Figurative Print
Located in Sint-Truiden, BE
Color lithograph after the 1950 oil on canvas by René Magritte, printed signature of Magritte and numbered from the edition of 275. The lithograph features the dry stamps of the Mag...
Lithograph
Big Oak, Tree and House, Surrealist Landscape w/ Mountain, Magic Realist Artist
By Paul Riba
Located in Beachwood, OH
Paul Riba (American, 1912-1977) Tree and House Oil on board Signed lower right 30 x 26 inches 38 x 34 inches, framed Paul Riba was a painter of Magic Realism. He explored the unrea...
Oil
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Queen of the Chanterelles - Surrealist Figurative in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Queen of the Chanterelles - Surrealist Figurative in Acrylic on Canvas Bright, fantastical composition by TEMBO (20th Century). A woman is depicted in profile, head slightly tilted ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,312Sale Price|25% Off
Bright Green Vegetable Garden Huge Still Life Signed Large French Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Garden, Signed Oil Painting By French artist Claude Benard, (1926 - 2016) Signed by the artist to the lower left hand corner, oil painting on board unframed size: 31.5 x 41.5 inc...
Oil
Hell 22 - The Liars - Original Woodcut 1963 (Field p 189 à 200)
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Hell 22 - The Liars, 1963 Wood engraving from "Divine Comedy" with the signature printed in the plate On BFK Rives vellum 32,8 x 26,4 cm (c. 13 x 10") REF...
Woodcut
$750
A 1930s Modern Surreal Abstract Drawing "Figure Abstract" by Hananiah Harari
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstract Drawing, "Figure Abstract" by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Graphite on paper, dating from 1936....
Paper, Graphite
Rues et Visages de Paris - Surrealist Book with 20 Etchings, 1926
Located in Roma, IT
Rues et Visages de Paris (Streets and Faces of Paris) is a rare book whose purpose is to introduce the city of Paris in the first page of 20th Century, written by Valery Larbaud and ...
Paper
Candique - Héliogravure by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Héliogravure on brown-toned paper, no signature. Héliogravure on bot sheets, recto and verso. Edition of 6500 unsigned copies. Printed by Mourlot and published by Tériade on the A...
Photogravure
$72Sale Price|20% Off
Golconde Offset Print, Surrealist Style, Unframed, 27.5x39.5
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Golconde" is a thought-provoking work that embodies Magritte's signature style of surrealism and his exploration of the subconscious and the irrational. It continues to captivate vi...
Offset
$1,100
"Extensive Park in Springtime", Surrealist Landscape, Collage, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker's "Extensive Park in Springtime" is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 20 x 16 inches in saturated light and mid-range greens and tans with pale pink accents. The ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Italian Surrealist "Butterflies Under the Sea, 1962" Painting
By Giordano Falzoni
Located in Surfside, FL
Genre: Contemporary Subject: Abstract Medium: Oil Surface: Canvas Country: Italy Dimensions: 19 3/4" x 15 1/2" x 3/4" Dimensions w/Frame: 26" x 22" Giordano Falzoni (Italian, 1925-...
Canvas, Oil
Passiflora Laurigera, Signed Surrealist Photolithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Salvador Dalí was born in May 11, 1904 in the small agricultural town of Figueres, Spain. Figueres is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, only sixteen miles from the French bor...
Paper, Photo-lithograph
Flora Dalinae Lilium Musicum
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Flora Dalinae Lilium Musicum MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: 26/200 MEASUREMENTS: 30.25" x 22" YEAR: 1968 FRAMED: No CONDITI...
Etching
$1,040Sale Price|35% Off
Loteria Canina Giclée Print, Surrealist Style, Framed, 1970s, Signed
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
-Pedro Friedeberg signed print featuring a collection of various dogs. Includes whimsical figures, optical art elements, and surreal details. framed in a hand-painted black and gold ...
Giclée
Incomparable Chant D'été De L'azur, Surrealist Etching with Aquatint by Jean Sol
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jean Solombre, French (1948 - ) - Incomparable Chant D'été De L'azur, Year: 1981, Medium: Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil, Edition: 1...
Etching, Aquatint
$244Sale Price|50% Off
Untitled Composition (Poligrafa, Redfern, Figurative, Surreal, 50% OFF MUST GO)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jorge Castillo Untitled Composition from "Ediciones Poligrafa, Barcelona at Redfern Gallery, London" Original Color Lithograph Year: 1979 Size: 10 x 7.325 inches (25.4 × 18.61 cm) Ed...
Lithograph
Homecoming (The Green Horse) - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1973
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph realized by Chagall for the Art Review "XXème Siècle" in 1973. Edition of 10.000, unnumbered and unsigned. Excellent condition, with a center folder. Printed by M...
Lithograph
$2,595
Salvador Dali Surrealist Etching, Signed, 1980, from Neuf Paysages Portfolio
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Paysage avec figures-soleil from sun Portfolio: Neuf Paysages Medium: Etching Year: 1980 Edition: 3/49 Sheet Size: 14 7/8" x 14 7/8" Signature: Initialed...
Etching
$318Sale Price|25% Off
BUBBLE Signed Lithograph Surreal Landscape Vintage Drafting Tool, Blue Sky, Sand
Located in Union City, NJ
BUBBLE is a hand drawn limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniques printed on archival Arches pa...
Lithograph
Brain of Hunter S. Thompson
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Ralph Steadman Title: Brain of Hunter S. Thompson Medium: One color silkscreen on White Rising Stonehenge Deckle Edge Paper Size: 11 x15 Inches Edition: of 800 Year: 2010 No...
Silk, Screen
$4,872Sale Price|20% Off
L'Empire des Lumières Lithograph, Surrealist, Signed, Edition of 275
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Framed 25.38 x 31.38 in Color lithograph after the 1964 oil on canvas by René Magritte, plate-signed by Magritte and numbered from the edition of 275. The lithograph features the ...
Lithograph
$6,264Sale Price|20% Off
Le Séducteur (The Tempter) Surrealist Lithograph, Framed and Signed
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Framed 34.25 x 38.50 in Color lithograph after the 1951 oil on canvas by René Magritte, plate-signed by Magritte and numbered from the edition of 300.
Lithograph
Three Children, Surrealist Lithograph by Jean Jansem
By Jean Jansem
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jean Jansem, French (1920 - 2013) - Three Children, Year: circa 1960, Medium: Lithograph, signed in the plate lower right, Image Size: 12.5 x 9.5 inches, Frame Size: 20.25 x 17.2...
Lithograph
L'Origine des Espèces par Voie de Selection... - Lithograph by Man Ray - 1972
By Man Ray
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph on vellum. Artist proof out of an edition of 180. Hand signed in pencil. Published: XXe Siècle, Paris, Galleria Schwarz, Milan, Leon Amiel, New York. Arches map, ...
Lithograph
$1,180Sale Price|50% Off
Ciudad de Medio Millon y 25 Huevos Duros Giclée Print, Surrealist Art
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
-Pedro Friedeberg signed print featuring a fantastical surrealistic scene. Includes whimsical figures, optical art elements, and surreal details. framed in a hand-painted black and g...
Giclée
$1,396
Surrealist Boat (Vaisseau fantome) - Original handsigned etching - (Field #69-7)
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI Surrealist Boat (Vaisseau fantome), 1969 Original etching Handsigned in pencil Numbered /200 on Rives BFK vellum 58 x 45 cm (c. 23 x 18 in) REFERENCE : - Catalog rai...
Drypoint
$7,500
Mystery of Sleep (The Hermit), Signed Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
A clock-faced figure wearing monk's robes floats in a blue void above a roiling storm cloud. This Surrealist lithograph by Salvador Dali shows the figure in movement, traveling with ...
Lithograph
Amen - Lithograph - 1965
Located in Roma, IT
Amen - From "Pater Noster" is an original lithograph by Salvador Dalí, from the volume "Pater Noster" published by Rizzoli Editore, Milan, 1966. This beautiful and peaceful print re...
Lithograph
In Memoriam, Signed Landscape Screenprint by Antonio Barrera
Located in Long Island City, NY
"In Memoriam" is a screenprint on Arches by Colombian artist Antonio Barrera, from the Graficario de la Lucha Popular en Colombia -- a 1977 portfolio of 32 works by 32 Colombian arti...
Screen
Surreal Dreamlike Village Scene with Figures, Dog & Moonlit Sky - British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Surreal Dreamlike Village Scene with Figures, Dog & Moonlit Sky by British Artist, John Charlesworth (British, b. 1947) Art measures 7 x 5 in (17.8 x 12.7 cm) Fram measures 10 x 8 i...
Oil, Board
Untitled (Surrealist Composiition)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Surrealist Composiition) Lithograph with hand coloring, 1945 Signed and dated lower right (see photo) Numbered 10/12 lower left (see photo) fragment from 6X litho In 1945, ...
Lithograph
Art Deco Embossed Serigraph Print by Erte, 1991, Boudoir
By Erté
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Erté Title: Boudoir Medium: Embossed serigraph Year: 1991 Edition: 290/300 Sheet Size: 41 3/4" x 29 1/4" Image Size: 35 1/4" x 23 1/4" Signature: Stamped signature
Screen