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.
$9,500
Obsession of the Heart (The World), Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dalí
Located in Long Island City, NY
Obsession of the Heart Salvador Dali, Spanish (1904–1989) Portfolio: Visions Surrealiste Date: 1976 Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 150 Size: 29 x 21 in. (73.66 ...
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
The Immaculate Conception, Signed Surrealist Lithograph 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...
Lithograph
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
Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) – Le Printemps – Color lithograph on paper
Located in Varese, IT
'Le Printemps'. Color lithograph on paper from the series 'Les Quatre Saisons', edited in 1972. Limited edition, numbered as 90/195 in lower left corner. Hand-signed in pencil by ar...
Paper, Lithograph
$12,500
Christ
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Christ MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: 62/125 MEASUREMENTS: 25.5" x 19.75" YEAR: 1964 FRAMED: No CONDITION: Excellent RE...
Etching
Mitocondria, Surrealist Screenprint by Antonio Peticov
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antonio Peticov, Brazilian (1946 - ) - Mitocondria, Year: 1979, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 150, Image Size: 22 x 26.5 inches, Size: 23.5 x 27.5...
Screen
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
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
René Magritte - LE DOMAINE D'ARNHEIM Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LE DOMAINE D'ARNHEIM, 1962 (THE DOMAIN OF ARNHEIM) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 155/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: Ne...
Paper, Lithograph
Ephemeral Torment - Digital Print by Kevin Abanto - 2023
By Kevin Abanto
Located in Roma, IT
Ephemeral Torment captures the essence of a haunting narrative, portraying a twisted and shrunken human figure in a symphony of despair. The canvas becomes a vessel for poignant emot...
Digital
Le Cavalier Triomphant Drypoint Etching, Surrealist, Signed, 1973
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Le Cavalier Triomphant Drypoint etching on chromolithograph, embossed from 1973. The edition HC. Countersigned by the editor. Additionally dedicated b...
Etching, Drypoint
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Dali, Femme à tete de Roses (after)
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Femme à tete de Roses Year: 2004 Medium: Lithograph on wove paper Size: 30.25 x 22 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Unsigned and unnu...
Lithograph
Tomano Monote (Cupcake Boy)
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Alejandro Colunga is a renowned Mexican artist born in 1948 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. He is part of the Nueva Mexicanidad movement and is celebrated for his surrealist and fantastical...
Etching, Aquatint, Gouache
A Colorful 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Hananiah Harari "The Military"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Colorful, 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "The Military", the artwork is ink and colored pencil ...
Paper, Color Pencil, Ink
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
$18,118
Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) - Colombe volant - Color lithograph on Arches paper
Located in Varese, IT
Color lithograph on Arches paper, edited in 1952 . Limited edition of 200 copies, numbered as 180/200 in lower left corner. Hand-signed in pencil by Pablo Picasso in lower right cor...
Paper, 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
$2,595
Salvador Dali Surrealist Etching, Signed, 1980, from Neuf Paysages Portfolio
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Espace paysage from cobea Portfolio: Neuf Paysages Medium: Etching Year: 1980 Edition: 3/49 Frame Size: 22" x 22" Sheet Size: 14 7/8" x 14 7/8" Signature...
Etching
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Códice Miguelito III Giclee, Surrealist Print, Framed, 2010- Present
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
-Pedro Friedeberg signed digital giclee print featuring a fantastical architectural scene inspired by “Mickey”. Includes whimsical figures, optical art elements, and surreal details....
Etching
$425
TREMOR Signed Mini Lithograph, Surreal Landscape Multicolor Sewing Thread Spools
Located in Union City, NJ
TREMOR 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
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Códice Miguelito III, Surrealist Style, Framed, 2010+
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
-Pedro Friedeberg signed digital giclee print featuring a fantastical architectural scene inspired by “Mickey”. Includes whimsical figures, optical art elements, and surreal details....
Giclée
$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
"The Cat", Surrealist John Devoluy (1903-1982) Oil on canvas
Located in New York, NY
John Devoluy (1903-1982) The Cat, 1950 c. Oil on canvas 28 3/4 x 24 inches l 73 x 61 cm With frame: 30 3/4 x 26 inches l 78 x 66 cm Signed lower left John Devoluy was born in 1903 a...
Canvas, Oil
Espriu - Miró II, Surrealist Aquatint Print, Signed, 15/50, 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in OPOLE, PL
Joan Miro (1893-1983) - Espriu - Miró II Etching and aquatint with carborundum from 1975. The edition of 15/50 on on Guarro paper with Sala Gaspar watermark. Dimensions of work: 70.3 x 85.7 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Sala Gaspar, Barcelona. Reference: Dupin 870; Cramer 197. The work is in Good condition. -- Joan Miró’s Espriu...
Aquatint
Changes in Great Masterpieces Persistence de la Memoire
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Changes in Great Masterpieces Persistence de la Memoire MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: E 144/150 MEASUREME...
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
Miró Lithographe II - Plate X - Lithograph by J. Mirò - 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
"Miró Lithographe II - Plate X" is a lithograph realized by Joan Miró in 1975. Perfect conditions. It comes from the set of 11 lithographs realized for the catalogue "Miró Lithograp...
Lithograph
Framed Drue Lithograph by Surrealist Leonora Carrington
Located in Columbia, MO
Leonora Carrington (British-Mexican 1917 - 2011) was a painter, writer, and key figure in Surrealism whose work explored the sacred, the mystical, and the magical in everyday life. B...
Lithograph
1971 L'Académie de Paris Etching, Surrealist, Signed, 184/250
Located in Roma, IT
L'Académie de Paris (The Academy in Paris). Etching on Arches wove paper (watermark), 1971. Signed and numbered 184/250 A. Plate 42.5 cm x 59.5 cm. Sheet approx. 56.5 cm x 75.5 c...
Etching
$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
$375Sale Price|25% Off
STEPPIN OUT Signed Lithograph, Stone Men, Fantasy Sci-fi Landscape
Located in Union City, NJ
STEPPIN OUT is a hand drawn original lithograph by the Austrian artist De Es Schwertberger printed using hand lithography techniques on archival Arches printmaking paper 100% acid free. STEPPIN OUT is a highly detailed figurative drawing printed in light sepia brown ink depicting a procession of muscular stone men walking...
Lithograph
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Pot 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, Still Life, Nature, Floral
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 Aka...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Tete de Veau (Calf's Head) Etching, Surrealist, Signed, 1960s, 49/150
Located in Roma, IT
Etching on chamois-colored laid paper, realized in 1968/69. Plate from "Faust (La Nuit de Walpurgis), published by Argillet, Paris. Edition of 49/150, hand colored. Hand signed an...
Etching
$763
Animal Painting Surrealist Royal College of Art LGBTQ+ artist Birds Circle Life
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 takes the audience on a journey into the imagination. Hugely inspired by Paula Rego, Isabel Rock is part of a formidable group of women artists (Leonora Carrington and Eileen Agar amongst others) working with Surrealism. In October 2023 Isabel won the Evelyn Williams...
Paint, Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Pen
Dali’s Inferno, Signed Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Dali’s Inferno by Salvador Dali, Spanish (1904–1989) Portfolio: Dali's Inferno Date: 1978 Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 2...
Lithograph
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
$1,994Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Oil Painting of Fantasy Cottage in the Woods with Flowers & Gardens
Located in Preston, GB
Vintage Oil Painting of Fantasy Cottage in the Woods with Flowers & Gardens Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 40 x 28 inches
Canvas, Oil
Joan Miró. Untitled. 1934. Pastel and ink on paper. 63.6 x 47.1 cm.
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, CT
Joan Miró (Barcelona, 1893 – Palma, 1983) Untitled. 20/03/1934. Pastel and ink on paper. 63.6 x 47.1 cm. (134 x 110 cm). Signed on the reverse. Provenance: - Pierre Matisse...
Pastel, Ink
$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
Signs of The Zodiac, Libra original lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Paonia, CO
Libra from Signs of the Zodiac by Salvador Dali is from a series of 12 limited edition lithographs. This original hand signed lithograph is Libra, the seventh astrological sign ...
Lithograph
Armando Villagran Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Armando Villagran (Mexican, 1945-1995) Untitled (Figure with Animal), 1991 Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right Canvas: 55"h x 43.5"w, overall (with frame): 56"h x 44"w Born ...
Oil
At the Museum I - surreal, contemporary, figurative, oil on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This surrealist painting by Toni Hamel features a Group of Seven piece and focuses on the theme of climate change. In this imaginative painting, Toni Hamel sends a powerful message ...
Canvas, Oil
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
Souvenir de Voyage - 20th Century, Surrealist, Lithograph, Figurative Print
Located in Sint-Truiden, BE
Color lithograph after the 1961 gouache on paper by René Magritte, printed signature of Magritte and numbered from the edition of 275. The lithograph features the dry stamps of the ...
Lithograph
Ex Aegypto Vocavi Filium Meum, Surrealist Lithograph, Signed, 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
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
French Surrealist Cubist Figurative Abstract Oil Painting Signed 1972
By Andres 33
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: French School, signed and dated 1972 Title: Figurative Abstract Medium: Oil painting on board, framed Size: Painting: 19.75 x 25.5 inches; framed: 21.5 x 27 inche...
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
"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
$1,290Sale Price|40% 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
$4,839Sale 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
$9,375Sale Price|25% Off
Joan Miró “Italia 1969” Hand Signed Lithograph, Galleria del Milione, Milan 1970
By Joan Miró
Located in Miami, FL
JOAN MIRÓ (1893–1983) – “ITALIA 1969” Color Lithograph ⚜ Hand Signed and Numbered ⚜ Gilt Wood Frame ARTWORK DETAILS: ▸ Title: Italia 1969 ▸ Artist: Joan Miró (1893–1983) ▸ Medium: C...
Offset
Savage Beasts in the Desert original lithograph by Salvador Dali 1976
Located in Paonia, CO
Savage Beasts in the Desert or Little Animal Kingdom ( Les Betes Sauvages sans Le Desert ) is an original signed lithograph (+ original etched remarque) by Salvador Dali . L...
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
DALI, The Work and the Man - by Robert DESCHARNES # Hardcover Art Book
Located in Paris, IDF
Dali The Work and the Man by Robert Descharnes Hardcover coffee table art book. Master artist Salvador Dali large coffee table book. Dated 1984. This 453-page book is in English...
Paper
$34,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
RENÉ MAGRITTE LA GRANDE FAMILLE, 1963 Limited edition Lithograph - Surrealism
Located in Madrid, Madrid
LA GRANDE FAMILLE, 1963 (THE LARGE FAMILY) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition: 275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Observations: Lithograph on BFK Rives paper plat...
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
Miro at the Maeght Fondation - Original Signed Lithograph, 1968
By Joan Miró
Located in Paris, IDF
Joan MIRO (after) Miro at the Maeght Fondation, 1968 Original lithograph in colors (Atelier Arte, Maeght) Signed in the plate On thin paper 74 x 51 cm (c. 29,1 x 20 in) REFERENCE :...
Lithograph