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.
Computer circuit - La electronica - Homenaje a Leonardo da Vinci - 1975
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
SALVADOR DALÍ I DOMÉNECH (Figueras, Gerona, 1904 – 1989). "La electronica". Litografía papel. Ejemplar E.A. 26/60 Firmada y numerada a lápiz Medidas de la litografía: 36 x 50 cm. ...
Lithograph
Dancing Lovers
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've blended abstract, figurative, and surreal elements to capture the fluid motion and raw emotion of an intimate dance. The intertwining forms, awash in shade...
Oil
Memories of Surrealism Surrealist King
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Memories of Surrealism Surrealist King MEDIUM: Etching on Japon Paper SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: A XXX/XL MEASUREMENTS: 29...
Etching
Salvador Dali "Narcissus (Phones)" Etching, 1972
Located in Astoria, NY
Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989), "Narcissus Telephonans Inondis" [Narcissus Uses the Phones], Etching and Heliogravure in Colors on Arches Paper, 1972, from the "Florals (Surreali...
Paper, Etching, Photogravure
$3,842Sale Price|30% Off
Characters in a Surrealist Landscape
Located in London, GB
'Characters in a Surrealist Landscape', oil on canvas, by Lucien Coutaud (1931). A couple entwine with the male character seemingly in grief, the female not returning with a comforting embrace. In the distant landscape a sole character meanders. This painting seems to be a creation of the artist's dreams, perhaps reflecting events in his personal life. It seems there is a relationship problem. In the world of Surrealists, there is a focus on the unconscious mind through Freudian methods of free association, trance-like states or dreams. Some Surrealists practiced psychic 'automatism' which was automatic writing or drawing, turning off the conscious mind and producing streams of words or images directly from the unconscious. In unlocking the unconscious in this way, Surrealism was individually expressed (Ref. 'The Short Story of Art...
Canvas, Oil
Couple Embraced - Original etching handsigned and numbered
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre-Yves Tremois Couple embraced 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...
Etching
Cerberus - Woodcut print - 1963
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
(after) Marino Marini - "Cavalier et cheval, orange et jaune" pochoir
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: pochoir (after the lithograph). Printed by the atelier of Daniel Jacomet, and published in Paris in 1955 by Heinz Berggruen. The image measures 5 x 3 3/4 inches (130 x 97 mm)...
Lithograph, Stencil
SPIRIT OF GONZO
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Ralph Steadman Title: Spirit of Gonzo Medium: One color silkscreen on White Rising Stonehenge Deckle Edge Paper Size: 22 x 30 Inches Edition: of 250 Year: 2006 Notes: Hand S...
Silk, Screen
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
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
The Sad Clown, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting, Handmade artwork
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Figurative Surrealism Original Painting Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2018 Style: Figurative Surrealism, ...
Oil, Canvas
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
Newcomer, Portrait Surrealism Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Portrait Surrealism Original Painting Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2019 Style: Portrait Surrealism, Tit...
Canvas, Oil
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Friendship, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Friendship, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection Year: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Size: 20 x 26 inc...
Lithograph
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Le Seize Septembre Offset Print, Surrealist, 1998, Authorized Edition
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
$4,925Sale 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
Untitled, Nude Surreal Figures Together Slovenian French Oil Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
Genre: Surrealism Subject: Abstract Medium: Oil Surface: Canvas Country: France In this surreal composition by Heinrich M. Frama the artist clumps a group of figures towards the mid...
Canvas, Oil
$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
Diving Deep, Oil Painting
By Kat Silver
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A mesmerizing underwater scene comes to life where an enchanting mix of sea creatures, humans, and scuba bunnies coexist in perfect harmony. The submerged wor...
Oil
Salvador Dali - La Musica Lt Ed plate in white porcelain with 24-carat gold edge
Located in New York, NY
One of seven allegorical plates on the arts. Made by the company Porcelanas Bidasoa (Spain) in 1980 in fine white porcelain, with 24-carat gold edge. Limited edition of 5,000 example...
Gold
$4,758Sale Price|20% Off
Une de Mai, Lithograph, 1972, Edition 49/150
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Une de Mai Lithograph from 1972. Th edition of 49/150. Dimensions of work: 120.5 x 78 cm Publisher: Edition Waintrop, Paris. Reference: Michler/Löpsi...
Lithograph
$475Sale Price|20% Off
Opposite of sentimental... . Limited edition print, Surreal, Established artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
Size of sheet is ca. 21 x 29 cm (A4) Contemporary figurative giclee print by Polish artist Rafal Olbinski. Print is signed, numbered and has a stamp of an artist's atelier. It comes...
Paper, Color
(after) Julio Gonzalez - "Personnage virulent" lithograph
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: lithograph (after the watercolor). Printed in Paris in 1957 by Mourlot and published by the Galerie Berggruen for a rare catalogue. Size: 7 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches (183 x 113 mm)....
Lithograph
$1,903Sale Price|27% Off
Signed Oil Painting Cadaqués 2001 – Organic Surreal Composition on Cardboard
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Antoni Pitxot Title: Untitled (Cadaqués, 2001) Medium: Oil on cardboard Dimensions: 23 × 17 cm (9.05 × 6.69 in) Framing: Unframed Signature: Signed “Pitxot 01” upper right In...
Oil
20th Century Surrealist Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Beachwood, OH
Surrealist Landscape Oil on canvas 'R. Lee Glenn' verso 30 x 24.25 inches 31.75 x 26.75 inches, framed Surrealism aims to revolutionize human experience. It balances a rational visi...
Oil
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Figures, from Cardboards 1959–1965, 1965 (after)
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph and pochoir after Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Personnages (Figures), from the album Miro, Cartones 1959–1965 (Miro, Cardboards 1959–1965), originates from...
Lithograph
$24,796Sale Price|20% Off
Salvador Dali, Atomic Era, from Don Quichotte de la Manche, 1957
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Salvador Dali (1904–1989), titled Ere Atomique (Atomic Era), from the folio Pages choisies de Don Quichotte de la Manche (Selected Pages of Don Quixote o...
Lithograph
"The Moon" original lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1938 and published in Paris by Teriade for the art revue Verve (volume 1, number 2). Andre Masson was invited to contribute an original compos...
Lithograph
Abstract - Surrealist Lithograph
Located in Houston, TX
Surreal lithograph with light lavender and blue colors, 1982. Titled and numbered on lower left and signed lower right in pencil. Displayed on a white mat with a gold border and fi...
Paper, Lithograph
$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
Untitled - Etching by Johnny Friedlaender - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an etching on wove paper realized by Johnny Friedlaender (Pless, 1912 - Paris, 1992). Signed and numbered 64/95. 76 x 56,5 cm, o. R. Embossing stamp: Manus Presse.
Etching
Mulier e Latere Viri - Lithograph - 1964
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
Ex Aegypto Vocavi Filium Meum - Lithograph - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Ex Aegypto Vocavi Filium Meum 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...
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
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
Rooftop Views - Framed Abstract Colorful Pastel Architectural 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
"Into the Night, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Sara Scribner's (US based) "Into the Night" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a woman in a long pink dress walking towards a background ...
Oil, Panel
Passing Clouds - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Fantasy 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
"Bird Form" from the suite "Bestiary and some Correspondences"
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Bird Form" from the suite "Bestiary and some Correspondences" 1968 is an original color lithograph on Arches paper by renown British artist Graham Vivian Sutherl...
Lithograph
Salvador Dali "Tulip (Lips)" Etching, 1972
Located in Astoria, NY
Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989), "Tulipa Crudeliter Basiantes" [Tulips Cruelly Kissing], Etching and Heliogravure in Colors on Arches Paper, 1972, from the "Florals (Surrealist Fl...
Paper, Etching, Photogravure
$1,436Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Full Moon Above the Earth, from Derriere le Miroir, 1961
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Pleine lune au-dessus de la Terre (Full Moon Above the Earth), originates from the April 1961 folio Derriere le Miroir, No....
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
Lono's Fighting Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Ralph Steadman Title: Lono's Fighting Chair Medium: One color silkscreen on White Rising Stonehenge Deckle Edge Paper Size: 22 x 30 Inches Edition: of 250 Year: 2006 Notes: ...
Screen
Veggie Head - Original contemporary artwork - surrealistic animal painting
By JJ Galloway
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...
Oil, Canvas
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
The City 's Conscience
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "The City 's Conscience" 2006 is an original color serigraph by Ukrainian/American artist Anatole Krasnyansky. It is hand signed and numbered 45/495 in black ink by the artist. The artwork size is 24 x 17.5 inches, framed size is 29.5 x 23 inches. Custom framed in a wooden black and gold frame, with fabric liner. It is in excellent condition. About the artist: Anatole Krasnyansky (born in 1930; Kiev, Ukraine) is a Ukrainian-American artist who has gained prominence by pioneering a new watercolor technique. Krasnyansky added paper texture as a component of his watercolors. With this new process, Krasnyansky added texture and depth to the watercolor medium and expanded its expressive possibilities to a level usually associated with oil painting. Biography He was born in Kiev, growing up and living during the times when Ukraine was a part of the U.S.S.R. Krasnyansky received master's degrees in fine art and architecture. He found that the freedom of expression that he needed in his artwork could not be found within the strictures of the Soviet Union and moved to the United States in 1975. In the U.S., Krasnyansky found valuable use for his knowledge of architecture, design and his imagination. and found success in multiple artistic pursuits. Almost surreal, Krasnyansky’s figures are recognizable form while incorporating elements of his Eastern heritage, the cubist ideas of Picasso and Braque, and as well as American culture. Accomplishments Krasnyansky began working as a scenic artist for ABC and CBS, including the production of two Academy Awards shows. He became a set designer for Universal Studios (credits including The Blues Brothers and Battlestar Galactica...
Screen
Marc Chagall Lithograph, Surrealist, 1960, Unsigned, Framed, Paradise
By Marc Chagall
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Marc Chagall Title: Paradise Portfolio: 1960 Drawings for the Bible Medium: Lithograph Date: 1960 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 22 1/4" x 18 3/4" Sheet Size: 14 3/8" x 10 1...
Lithograph
$565
Melrose Green House - Abstract Architectural Watercolor Painting 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
Salvador Dali Pencil Signed Nude on a Rhinoceros Horn
Located in San Francisco, CA
Salvador Dali: 1904-1989. One of the most famous artist of the 20th century. A master surrealist, whose auction prices are well into the millions. This image of a nude on a rhinocero...
Etching
Femme Bleue
Located in OPOLE, PL
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) - Femme Bleue Lithograph from 1958. Dimensions of work: 35.5 x 26.4 cm Publisher: Tériade, Paris. First, original edition. The work is in Excellent con...
Lithograph
$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
$2,617
Modern Salvador Dalí Surrealist Signed and Numbered Original Work on Paper
Located in Roma, IT
Modern Salvador Dalí Surrealist Signed and Numbered Original Work on Paper *Le rêve onirique*, a colour lithograph created by Salvador Dalí in 1974. The sheet belongs to a series ...
Lithograph
Piano surréaliste, Salvador Dali
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Piano surréaliste Year: 1984 Medium: Bronze Edition: 350, plus proofs Size: 26.3 x 15.7 x 12 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Incised...
Bronze
Lucky Road - Abstract Large Scale Lively Geometric 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
Divine Comedy
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dalí’s Divine Comedy is a series of 100 color wood engravings, each corresponding to a canto from Dante Alighieri’s epic poem. Created between 1960 and 1964, these engraving...
Woodcut
$2,500
An Abstract, Surrealist 1950s Mid-Century Modern Interior Still Life Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
A Visually Striking, early 1950s Abstract, Surrealist Mid-Century Modern Still Life Painting by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Depicting a colorful interior ...
Oil, Masonite
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Untitled, from Miro Sculpture, 1974
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1974 album miro sculpture (Miro Sculpture). Publi...
Lithograph
Cat on a Rug
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
LEONOR FINI Cat on a Rug 1973 Color lithograph Ed. 157/230 12.5 x 9 inches
Lithograph
Look Not Upon Me..., Surrealist Etching with Gold Dust by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Salvador Dali, Spanish (1904 - 1989) - Look Not Upon Me..., Portfolio: The Song of Songs of King Solomon, Year: 1972, Medium: Color Etching with Gold Dust on Arches Paper, signed ...
Gold Leaf