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.
Tribute to Haring, Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas, 21st Century
By Ferjo, Fernando de Jesus Oliveira
Located in Aventura, FL
Original oil painting on canvas. Hand signed lower front by Ferjo. Canvas image size 20 x 24 x 1 inches. Canvas is stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of au...
Canvas, Oil
$750
"Toulouse Canal de Brienne Bridge" (2024) By Christopher Clark, Oil & Acrylic
Located in Denver, CO
Christopher Clark's "Toulouse Canal de Brienne Bridge" is an original, handmade oil & acrylic painting that depicts an abstracted landscape with a small bridge going over a river sur...
Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
El Cuarto Amarillo, Signed Etching by Jose Luis Cuevas
Located in Long Island City, NY
With a title translating to "The Yellow Room", this print by José Luis Cuevas features several pained figures standing around, seemingly in wait. El Cuarto Amarillo José Luis Cuevas...
Etching
$950Sale Price|62% Off
A 1959 Black & White, Mid-Century, Surrealist Abstraction by Desmond McLean
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1959 black and white, Mid-Century, Surrealist watercolor on paper by artist Desmond McLean in a cerused black frame. Image size: 12" x 30". Framed size: 19 3/4" x 25 3/4". McL...
Watercolor
Rune Andersson's The Hands A Remarkable Swedish Conversation Piece
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rune Andersson (1936– ) Sweden Händerna (The Hands), 1968 signed and dated a tergo oil on panel and relief framed approximately 66 × 57 cm (26 × 22.4 in) Provenance: Private colle...
Plaster, Oil, Board
Headdress
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
Leonor Fini was born in Argentina in 1907 but travelled and lived in Europe with her mother from a young age. By 1931, she was in Paris, in the full swing of the Surrealist movement....
Etching
Gathering of Sad Clowns, Surrealist Lithograph by Marcel Marceau
Located in Long Island City, NY
Marcel Marceau, French (1923 - 2007) - Gathering of Sad Clowns, Portfolio: Le Troisieme Oeil (The Third Eye), Year: 1981, Medium: Lithograph on Arches Paper, signed and numbered i...
Lithograph
$5,100
"Ascension" Oil Painting, Spiritual Surrealism, Gold Leaf, Signed, 20x16 inch
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting by Kristy Gordon (b. 1980, British Columbia, Canada). The composition mirrors western depictions of Christ’s ascension to heaven, surrounded by angels, while his foll...
Gold Leaf
Hebru Brantley Gaia (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Hebru Brantley GAIA (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia): Hebru Brantley’s ethereal art toy features his much iconic, Lil Mama character as Gaia, the...
Vinyl
High Wire, Surrealist Lithograph by George Russin
Located in Long Island City, NY
High Wire George Russin, American (1910–2010) Date: circa 1980 Lithograph, signed in pencil Image Size: 23 x 15.5 inches Size: 29 x 21 in. (73.66 x 53.34 cm)
Lithograph
$3,850
Lady Covered With Affection -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Africa
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 Oluw...
Canvas, Acrylic
Metamorphosis Cat (A)
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
Leonor Fini was born in Argentina in 1907 but travelled and lived in Europe with her mother from a young age. By 1931, she was in Paris, in the full swing of the Surrealist movement....
Etching
Nexus - Squirrel Leaps Between Trees and Table Setting, Original Oil, Framed
By John Hrehov
Located in Chicago, IL
Desert cactus, in full bloom, sit atop a table scape while a squirrel leaps between snow covered pines in the background in John Hrehov's painting titled "Nexus". The saturated colors bring a liveliness and warmth to this surreal scene. This piece is floated in a white wooden frame measuring 32h x 25w x 2d inches. John Hrehov Nexus oil on canvas 30h x 24w in 76.20h x 60.96w cm JHR022 John Hrehov Education 1985 MFA-Painting, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1981 BFA-Painting, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH. Solo Exhibitions 2017 John Hrehov, Paintings and Drawings. Tom Thomas Gallery, Indiana University East, Richmond, IN. 2012 Shades from White to Black, New Drawings. Denise Bibro Fine Art, New York, NY. 2011 John Hrehov: Charcoal. Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne. 2009 John Hrehov: A Survey 1999-2009 Denise Bibro Fine Art, New York, NY. Paintings and Drawings. Seerveld Gallery, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL. 2004 John Hrehov: Drawings and Paintings. Denise Bibro Fine Art, New York, NY. 2002 Paintings. Denise Bibro Fine Art, New York, NY. 2001 Charcoal. Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne. John Hrehov, Paintings and Drawings. Wood Street...
Oil, Panel
$2,975Sale Price|25% Off
La Cage Figurative Drawing on Archival Paper, Vintage Artwork
Located in CANNES, FR
Bension Rabinowicz dit Benn né à Bialystok (Poland ) en 1905 - Paris 1989 ) " La Cage " .circa 1943. " en Hommage à Jean Paulhan ." dessin au crayon de couleur sur papier ...
Archival Paper
El Ultimo viaje del buque fantasma, Plate I
By Wifredo Lam
Located in Fairlawn, OH
El Ultimo viaje del buque fantasma, Plate I Color lithograph, 1976 Signed and numbered in pencil (see photos) Edition: 99 (6/99) From: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, El Ultimo viaie del buq...
Lithograph
Framed 1962 Lion of Judah Lithograph Print, Surrealist, Good Condition
By Marc Chagall
Located in Naples, Florida
Lithographs in color on wove paper Printed by Mourlot Frères, Paris Published by André Sauret, Monte Carlo, 1962 Reference: Mourlot 365–366; Cramer Books 49 ...
Paper, Lithograph
Paris Fire, Cityscapes Lithograph by Marcel Marceau
Located in Long Island City, NY
Marcel Marceau, French (1923 - 2007) - Paris Fire, Portfolio: Le Troisieme Oeil (The Third Eye), Year: 1981, Medium: Lithograph on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edi...
Lithograph
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
$400
Hide
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Play on words Hide. Information hide, skin hide, hide and seek.
Canvas, Ink, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$3,743Sale Price|20% Off
Surrealist Mineral Still Life with Dalinian Organic Forms and Textured Surface
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surrealist Mineral Still Life with Dalinian Organic Forms and Textured Surface Artist: Antoni Pitxot Soler (Figueres, 1934 – Barcelona, 2015) Title: Surrealist Mineral Still Life wi...
Oil
$4,500
Dali, "The Grand Inquisitor Expels the Savior" from After 50 Years of Surrealism
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an original etching by Salvador Dali from the "After 50 Years of Surrealism" portfolio, which consists of 12 original etchin...
Etching
Currier & Ives Fire! Fire! Fire!
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Currier & Ives Fire! Fire! Fire! MEDIUM: Lithograph + Collage SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Phyllis Lucas, New York EDITION NUMBER: 106/250 MEASU...
Lithograph
Untitled from Le Surrealisme en 1947, Surrealist Etching by Bruno Capacci
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruno Capacci, Italian (1906 - 1996) - Untitled from Le Surrealisme en 1947, Year: 1947, Medium: Etching, Edition: 950, Size: 9 x 7.75 in. (22.86 x 19.69 cm), Printer: Mourlot, Pari...
Etching
Plage de Cadaques
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Plage de Cadaques MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: Epreuve d'Artiste MEASUREMENTS: 26" x 19.75" YEAR: 1967 FRA...
Etching
Les Rois Mages L’Incantation
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Les Rois Mages L'Incantation MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Editions Argillet EDITION NUMBER: XLIX/C MEASUREMENTS: 15" x 11" YEAR...
Etching
$4,532
Live it Up-original surreal contemporary wildlife interior painting- modern art
By Nathan Neven
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...
Canvas, Oil
L'oeuf Cosmique, Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - L'oeuf Cosmique, Year: circa 1946, Medium: Etching, numbered in pencil, Edition: Epreuve d'Artiste, Image Size: 9.75 x 8 inches, Size: 14.5 x...
Etching
Tristan & Isolde
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Salvador Dali Tristan & Isolde 1972 Lithograph in Black and White Surface Rowlux with Color Added, Covered with Transparent and with Blue, Gold and Red ...
Lithograph
$1,123
Business
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mixed media painting with a tie that comes through a hole in the upper middle of the painting for a 3D element.
Mixed Media, Acrylic
$3,650
Cloudy
By Paddy Cohn
Located in Hudson, NY
"Clouds, from all sides now, 2025" Cohn delves into the enigmatic qualities of clouds—how they symbolize both the fleeting and the eternal. Cloud illusions are a sensory journey t...
Oil
The Virgin and the Rhinoceros
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - The Virgin and the Rhinoceros Lithograph from 1973. Editon 100/250 on Arches paper. Dimensions of work: 65 x 48 cm Publisher: Carpentier. Reference: ...
Lithograph
Surrealist landscape with animal and figures
By Charles Harris ( Beni Kosh )
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Surrealist landscape with doorway, animal and figures Watercolor on heavy paper, n.d. Unsigned Stamped with the artist's estate stamp (see photo) Provenance: Estate of the artist R...
Watercolor
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Lunettes à hologrammes et ordinateurs pour voir les objets imaginés (F 75-13)
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Baignoire à tornade liquide (Michler/Löpsinger 822-831; Field 75-13), Imaginations et Objets du Futur (Hologram glasses and computers to see ...
Mixed Media, Drypoint, Lithograph, Screen
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Surreal Southwest Modernist Desert Cactus Original Vintage Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist surreal landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1940. Signed. Unframed. Image size, 28"L x 20"H.
Canvas, Oil
Faust Vignettes Mephisto (Le Cercle Magique)
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Faust Vignettes Mephisto (Le Cercle Magique) MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Editions Aegillet, Paris EDITION NUMBER: 66/150 MEAS...
Etching
Figure Below Stained Glass, Surrealist Etching by Frantisek Kupka
Located in Long Island City, NY
Frantisek Kupka, Czech (1871 -1957) - Figure Below Stained Glass, Year: circa 1912, Medium: Etching, stamp signed, Image Size: 9 x 6 inches, Size: 15 x 11 in. (38.1 x 27.94 cm), ...
Etching
Matisse - Les Claires-Voies d'un Jeune Regard Embaument La Fête d'un Vieil Arbre
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Rene Magritte (after), Belgian (1898 - 1967) Title: Les Claires-Voies d'un Jeune Regard Embaument La Fête d'un Vieil Arbre Year of Original: 1952 Year of Printing: 1968 Medi...
Lithograph
The Saturn
By Ryan Schude
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edition of 10 plus 2 AP.
C Print
Homage to Pop Art Diptych, Original Oil Painting on Canvas, 48x72 in
By Ferjo, Fernando de Jesus Oliveira
Located in Aventura, FL
Original oil painting on canvas. Both canvases are hand signed on front by Ferjo. Total Image size: 48 x 72 inches (each canvas is 48 x 36 inches). Canvases are not stretched. Art...
Canvas, Oil
"Tight Rope" (2025) Oil Seascape Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Heather Neill's "Tight Rope" is an extravagant photorealistic oil painting, framed at 23 x 29 inches, and is ready to hang. Artist Autobiography: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, 1958, my ...
Oil, Panel
Mother Goose (Red), Surrealist Etching and Aquatint by Martin Barooshian
Located in Long Island City, NY
Martin Barooshian, American (1929 - 2022) - Mother Goose (Red), Year: circa 1979, Medium: Etching and Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: HC, Ima...
Etching, Aquatint
Parget in Chaos, Surrealist Etching by Jim McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jim McCormick, American - Parget in Chaos, Year: 1969, Medium: Etching on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil, Edition: 20, Image Size: 17.75 x 14.75 inches, Size:...
Etching
$6,100
"Rose” oil painting, figurative, surrealist, symbolist, contemporary, 24x16inch
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting by Kristy Gordon (b. 1980, British Columbia, Canada) soaked in blue hues of ground azurite pigment. Azurite is believed to clear mental blocks and open pathways to de...
Gold Leaf
$467Sale Price|20% Off
The way home. Limited edition print, Surreal, Established Polish 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
The Fang of Finances I - Spanish Surrealism Monumental
By Joan Miró
Located in London, GB
This original lithograph in colours is hand signed in pencil by the artist "Miró" at the lower right margin. It is also dedicated in pencil “à René Le Moigne", at the lower left mar...
Lithograph
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modernist Surreal Sunset Abstract Nude Woman Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American school modernist surreal landscape. Oil on canvas, circa 1981. Signed on verso. Image size 30L x 18H. Housed in a period modern frame.
Canvas, Oil
The Visitor
Located in New York, NY
Created by Surrealist Fanny Brennan from 1992-96, The Visitor is an original lithograph in colors on wove paper, hand-monogrammed by the artist in pencil and numbered from the editio...
Lithograph
$44,805Sale Price|20% Off
Morning glory. Surrealistic artwork. Oil on canvas, 65x92 cm
By Leonid Purygin
Located in Riga, LV
Bizarre scene of Lady in bed dreaming socially diverse erotic activities.
Canvas, Oil
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Calder, To San Lazzaro, from San Lazzaro et ses Amis, 1975
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Alexander Calder (1898–1976), titled A San Lazzaro (To San Lazzaro), from the album San Lazzaro et ses Amis, Hommage au fondateur de la revue XXe siecle ...
Lithograph
Surreal Men's Shirts Against and Magritte Sky - Men's Fashion
By Roger Hane
Located in Miami, FL
Stella Illustrator/Artist Roger Hane's painting of three bodyless shirts set against a surreal landscape is more than what it appears to be. The painting w...
Canvas, Acrylic, Board
Teutonia, Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Stefan Vladescu 1992
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Stefan Vladescu, Romanian (1952 - ) Title: Teutonia Year: 1992 Medium: Bronze Sculpture on marble base, signed and dated Size: 18.5 x 10 x 9 inches Base 2 x 11 x 10 inches
Bronze
John Baldessari Sonnabend Gallery 1981 (announcement)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
John Baldessari, Sonnabend Gallery New York 1981: Rare early 1980s John Baldessari exhibition announcement published on the occasion of: "Shape Derived from Subject (Snake): Used as ...
Lithograph, Offset
Les Bijoux Indiscrets, Surrealist Lithograph after Rene Magritte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Rene Magritte Title: Les Bijoux Indiscrets (The Indiscrete Jewels) Year of Original: 1963 Year of Printing: 1975 Medium: Lithograph, signed in the plate Edition Size: 575 I...
Lithograph
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
Salvador Dali - Don Quixote Reading in his Room - Original Lithograph
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - Don Quixote Reading in his Room - Original Lithograph Joseph FORET, Paris, 1957 PRINTER : Detruit. SIGNATURE : plate signed by Dali. LIMITED : 197 copies. SIZE : 4...
Lithograph
$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
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Automation of an Angel II Hyperrealism Mixed Media Surreal Modern Cuban Art
Located in Houston, TX
LOOK FOR FREE SHIPPING AT CHECKOUT. Automation of an Angel II 28" x 24" x 1" mixed media Cuba Automation of an Angel II was recently painted by the Cuban artist Brian Sanchez in 2...
Gold Leaf
Pink Figure Walking Toward a Rainbow in Expressive Landscape Oil and Acrylic
Located in FISTERRA, ES
A pink figure walks toward a rainbow in a dramatic landscape, combining expressive landscape painting with surreal figurative imagery. Pink Walk (original title: Rosa pasea) belongs...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Le 2 Mai 1945, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896–1987) Date: 1945 Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition, Epreuve d'artiste Image Size: 11.25 x 14.5 inches Size: 14 x 16.25 in. (35.56 x 41.28 cm)
Lithograph
Miro a l'Encre I (Cramer 161), Surrealist Lithograph by Joan Miro
By Joan Miró
Located in Long Island City, NY
Joan Miro, Spanish (1893 - 1983) - Miro a l'Encre I (Cramer 161), Year: 1972, Medium: Lithograph on Wove Paper, signed in the plate, Size: 13.5 x 10 in. (34.29 x 25.4 cm), Frame S...
Lithograph