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.
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
$3,157Sale Price|20% Off
Les Songes Drôlatiques de Pantagruel, Planche II
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Les Songes Drôlatiques de Pantagruel, Planche II Lithograph from 1973. Edition 10/250 on Japon paper. Dimensions of work: 76 x 56 cm Publisher: Carpen...
Lithograph
$4,935Sale 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
$275
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
"La Deese de Cythere" from the suite "l'Art d'Aimer d'Ovide"
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled, "La Deesse de Cythere" from the suite, "l'Art d'Aimer d'Ovide" 1976. is an original wood engraving on Japan nacre paper by artist Salvador Dali 1904-1989. It i...
Woodcut
Lovers - Thétis and Pelée - Original etching handsigned and numbered
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre-Yves Tremois Thésis and Pelée 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 goo...
Etching
Nude Figurative in Oil on Artist's Board
Located in Soquel, CA
Nude study by Andy Smith (American, 20th Century). A woman is seated, slightly leaning to the left of the composition. The background fades from a rusty red to a dark blue, changing ...
Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board
$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
A Loving Couple - Original etching handsigned and numbered
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre-Yves Tremois A loving couple Original etching, 1970 Handsigned by the artist Numbered / XXIV copies (total edition of 90 + XXIV) Size 57 x 45 cm ...
Etching
Song of Songs - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1960s
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Song of Songs is an artwork realized by Marc Chagall, 1960s. Lithograph on brown-toned paper, no signature. Lithograph on both sheets. Edition of 6500 unsigned lithographs. Printe...
Lithograph
Surrealist Large Painting Royal College of Art LGBTQ+ Female Crocodile
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, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pen
$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
$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
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
Valentines Night - Original Romantic Playful Still Life Collage Artwork 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
Dali La barque de Nocher, L´espoir Lithography
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
La Barque de Nocher, L'espoir. Part of the Divine Comedy collection. Paper dimensions: 65 x 50 cm; plate dimensions: 40 x 30 cm. Numbered in pencil and signed in the plate. 50/ 350. ...
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
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
Zen : Water Drops on the Sand - Original handsigned etching - Numbered / 200
Located in Paris, IDF
Hiroshi ASADA Zen : Water Drops on the Sand Original etching and aquatint Handsigned in pencil Numbered / 200 On Arches vellum 16.5 x 21 cm (c. 6.5 x 8 in...
Etching, Aquatint
$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
$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
$2,595
Salvador Dali Surrealist Etching, Signed, 1980, from Neuf Paysages Portfolio
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Paysage fossile imaginaire from moon Portfolio: Neuf Paysages Medium: Etching Year: 1980 Edition: 3/49 Sheet Size: 14 7/8" x 14 7/8" Signature: Initialed...
Etching
(after) Julio Gonzalez - "Personnage au livre" pochoir
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: pochoir (after the drawing). Printed in Paris in 1957 by Jacomet and published by the Galerie Berggruen for a rare catalogue. Image size: 6 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches (173 x 98 mm). ...
Lithograph, Stencil
$5,777Sale Price|30% Off
Le chavelier de la mort
Located in OPOLE, PL
This work will be exhibited at Art on Paper NYC, September 4–7, 2025. – Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Le chavelier de la mort Lithograph from 1972. The edition of 187/250. Dimensi...
Lithograph
Imaginations & Objects of The Future Liquid Tornado Bath Tub
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Imaginations & Objects of The Future Liquid Tornado Bath Tub MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Merril Chase, Chicago/Al...
Etching
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
"Spike Milligan (If)"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
"Spike Milligan(If) is a riotous homage to absurdity, theatricality, and the razor wit of British humor. This surreal silk composition draws inspiration from Milligan’s nonsensical p...
Silk
Surrealist Photo Collage Assemblage Art Butterfly Mouth Ivan Chermayeff
Located in Surfside, FL
Ivan Chermayeff (1932-2017): Butterfly Mouth Mixed media collage, 2002, hand signed 'Ivan Chermayeff' and dated lower right, titled lower left. Bears label from David Findlay Jr. Ga...
Paper, Mixed Media
Landscape 2 - Abstract Color Drenched Architectural Modern 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, Mixed Media
Sports The Golfer
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Sports The Golfer MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: XII/CI MEASUREMENTS: 23.87" x 18.87 YEAR: 1973 FRAMED: N...
Lithograph
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
Planning for the Future - Blue Jay Birds Still Life Framed Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The figurative surrealistic paintings of Carlos Gamez de Francisco are heavily influenced by his Cuban upbringing in a Russian-governed academic setting. This presence exposed Franci...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Cubist Angel
Located in OPOLE, PL
Bronze, hand-patinated and partially polished cast in 1982 using the lost-wax (""à cire perdue"") technique bearing the foundry stamp ""Strehle Kunstguss"" height (including base): 5...
Bronze
Une de Mai
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
$9,000
"Yggdrasil" (2025) Original Surrealist Landscape and Still-Life, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Robin Hextrum's "Yggdrasil" is an original oil painting on stretched canvas. Artist Statement: This painting is part of my "Magical Realism" series. Yggdrasil is the tree of life ce...
Linen, Oil
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
Untitled Micro-Gestalt H4
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Acrylic and ink on canvas
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
Sun Figures, Surrealist Offset Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Derain
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Sun Figures from the Omaggio a Michelangelo Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Offset Lithograph, signature in the printing, Image Size: 13 x 9 in...
Lithograph, Offset
$1,430
Milton, Lost Paradise : The Cup Offered - Original Hand Signed Etching, 1974
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI The Cup Offered Original etching in colour Hand signed in pencil Justified EA (Éprouve d’artiste - artist proof) On Auvergne vellum 58 x 45,5 cm...
Etching
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
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
$3,712Sale Price|25% Off
Mano Sol (rare giltwood sculpture)
Located in Aventura, FL
Carved giltwood sculpture. Signed Pedro Friedberg on the underside of the base. Size: 10 x 3.25 x 1.5 inches. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Artwork is in excellent co...
Gold Leaf
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Untitled, from Sculptures of Miro, 1973
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1973 album Sculptures de Miro, Ceramiques de Miro, et Llorens Artigas (Sculpture...
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
$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 Sheet Size: 14 7/8" x 14 7/8" Signature: Initialed (S.D.) in ...
Etching
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
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Piano surréaliste, Salvador Dali
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Piano surréaliste Year: 1984 Medium: Bronze Edition: 34/350, plus proofs Size: 26.3 x 15.7 x 12 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Inci...
Bronze
(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
Meeting Figurative Surrealism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Tigran Hovumyan Figurative Surrealist Oil Painter Artwork Title: Meeting Medium: Original Oil on Linen Dimensions: 36" x 47" x 1" (91 x 120 x 3 cm) Year: 2012 Unframed, Stretched o...
Canvas, Oil
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
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
$244Sale Price|50% Off
Litografia Original VI (Abstract, Modern, Surrealism, 50% OFF - MUST GO)
By Joan Miró
Located in Kansas City, MO
Joan Miró Litografia Original VI Color Lithograph Year: 1975 Size: 13.25 × 10 inches (33.65 x 25.4 cm) Catalogue Raisonné: Queneau, Miro Lithographe II, 1952-1963, p.35 Publisher: Ma...
Lithograph
Alice in Wonderland
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Alice in Wonderland MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Transworld Art EDITION NUMBER: A IX/XL PAPER: Japon Paper MEASUREMENTS: 29.75"...
Etching
Ladder
Located in New York, NY
Created by Surrealist Fanny Brennan from 1992-96, Ladder is a lithograph in colors on wove paper. Hand-monogrammed in pencil and numbered from the edition of 250, the artwork measure...
Lithograph
Gala, mon seul desir
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Gala, mon seul desir MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Jean Schneider, Basel EDITION NUMBER: EA MEASUREMENTS: 20.9" ...
Etching
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
$29,500
Original Drawing Salom, Herod & Head John Baptist Secret Life of Salvador Dali
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Salom, Herod, and The Head of John The Baptist Original Drawing in "The Secret Life of Salvador Dali" Book MEDIUM: Original Drawing SIGNED: Hand Signe...
Ink
Salvador Dali Color Lithograph, Signed, 1972, Twelve Apostles, Matthew
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Matthew (Geoffrey of Monmouth) Portfolio: 1972 The Twelve Apostles (Knights of the Round Table) Medium: Lithograph Year: 1972 Edition: 41/350 Frame Size:...
Lithograph
"Candied Azure" - Original Oil Still Life Painting on Linen Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Artist Bio: Robin Hextrum is a contemporary oil painter who lives and works in the Denver area. She grew up in a small coastal town called Stinson Beach in Northern California where ...
Oil, Linen, Panel
A Home in the Woods - Original Birds Portrait Still Life Framed Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The figurative surrealistic paintings of Carlos Gamez de Francisco are heavily influenced by his Cuban upbringing in a Russian-governed academic setting. This presence exposed Franci...
Canvas, Acrylic