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 Game of Time", Surrealist Oil on Canvas, 1967
Located in Astoria, NY
John Philip Capello (American, b. 1939), "The Game of Time", Oil on Canvas, 1967, signed lower right, signed, titled, dated, and artist's stamp verso, giltwood frame. Image: 28.5" H...
Canvas, Oil
Psalm - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1960s
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Psaume is an artwork realized by March Chagall, 1960s. Lithograph on brown-toned paper, no signature. Lithograph on both sheets. Edition of 6500 unsigned lithographs. Printed by M...
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
$22,000Sale Price|20% Off
Flora Dalinae Viola Cogitans Etching, Surrealist, Signed, 7/200, 1968
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
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
Another Form
Located in Zofingen, AG
A mythical creature emerges as a new form of consciousness, born after numerous internal transformations. The human, the animal, and the celestial merge into a single image, where ev...
Canvas, Acrylic
Flesh Wheel Barrow by Salvador Dalí - Drawing, Ink on paper, Surrealist art
Located in London, GB
*PLEASE NOTE UK BUYERS WILL ONLY PAY 5% VAT ON THIS PURCHASE. Once an order is placed we will arrange the VAT of 20% to be reduced to 5%40 Flesh Wheel Barrow by Salvador Dalí (1904-...
Paper, Ink, Pen
Casanova : Birdy on the Tongue - Original etching (Field #67-4 F)
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI (1904-1969) Casanova : Birdy on the Tongue, 1967 Original etching Printed signature in the plate On Rives vellum 38 x 28 cm (c. 14.9 x 11 inch) REFERENCES : - Catalog...
Etching
She Will Change Everything!, Impressionist Still Life, Oil on Canvas
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Surreal still life is made in an expressive style with elements of mysticism and symbolism. The painting attracts attention with a deep, muted color scheme and a mysterious plot that...
Oil
Immersion into Childhood Associations. 2000. Oil on canvas. 90/100 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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Pot 2 - 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
Cityscape
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Cityscape" c.1990 is an original color serigraph by Ukrainian/American artist Anatole Krasnyansky. It is hand signed and numbered 24/350 in black ink by the artist. The artwork size is 9.35 x 11.15 inches, framed size is 19.75 x 21.75 inches. Custom framed in a gold and silver frame, with off white matting. 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
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
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$6,360Sale Price|20% Off
LINCOLN IN DALIVISION Platinum Bas Relief with Original Box
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Lincoln in Dalivision Platinum Bas Relief MEDIUM: Bas Relief SIGNED: Embossed Signature. The Bas Relief bears the artist signature toward the bottom...
Metal
Grotesque Etching on Chamois Paper, 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
Walk along Lupie street Figurative Surrealism Original oil Painting
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: 2023 Style: Portrait Surrealism, T...
Canvas, Oil
$457
Jean COCTEAU and Raymond MORETTI : The symbiosis - Original Hansigned Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Cocteau and Raymond Moretti The Symbiosis Between Fish and Aquarius Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate, handsigned by Raymond Moretti Numbered 1/79 - Very look ...
Lithograph
$18,000Sale Price|20% Off
Don Quixote Etching by Salvador Dali, Surrealist, Signed, 1966
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Don Quixote MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: 80/100 MEASUREMENTS: 30" x 22" YEAR: 1966 FRAMED: No CONDITION:...
Etching
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
Memories of Surrealism Surrealist King Etching Japon Paper Signed 1971
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
French Mod Surrealist Commedia dell'arte Circus Scene Oil Painting J.P. Serrier
Located in Surfside, FL
Jean Pierre Serrier (French, 1934-1989) Oil on canvas painting depicting four figures Hand signed lower right. Measures (frame) 26.5" x 30" wide, and (sight) 18.25." x 22.25" wide....
Canvas, Oil
Tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, Electronics - Original Handsigned Etching
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI (1904-1969) Tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, Electronics, 1975 Original etching Signed in pencil Justified trial proof (Essai) On Arches vellum 56 x 76 cm (22 x 29.9 in) ...
Etching
Portrait de Marguerite Drypoint Etching, Surrealist, Signed, 1969
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Portrait de Marguerite (Portrait of Marguerite) Original drypoint etching with roulette and hand-applied watercolor on Japanese paper, from the deluxe edit...
Drypoint, Etching
Taiwanese Contemporary Art by Lemoi Ning - Monde Drôle Voyage
Located in Paris, IDF
Acrylic on canvas Lemoi Ning is a Taiwanese artist born in 1981 who lives and works in Taipei, Taiwan, She has embarked on a creative journey in 2021 that will bring to life the en...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Texas In Fuschia - Vibrant Architectural Colorful Landscape Mixed Media Collage
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
original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Catalogue reference: M 236. Printed by Mourlot in 1956 and published in Paris by Maeght for the Jacques Prevert catalogue. Size: 9 x 7 3/4 inches (228 x ...
Lithograph
Salvador Dali Surrealist Etching, Signed, 1970, Don Juan: Le Banquet
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Don Juan: Le Banquet Medium: Hand-colored drypoint etching on Japon paper Date: 1970 Edition: LXXXIV/C Frame Size: 30 1/4" x 24 1/2" Sheet Size: 25 3/4" ...
Etching
Chevalier Surrealiste, Signed Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
An original hand-signed and numbered Dali lithograph entitled "Chevalier Surrealiste". A rare example that it accompanied with the original fo...
Lithograph
XXe Siecle Homage a Marc Chagall, Hand Signed Lithograph, Mourlot 572
By Marc Chagall
Located in Aventura, FL
Lithograph in colors on Arches wove paper. Hand signed lower right by Marc Chagall. Hand numbered 70/75 lower left. Sheet size: 19.62 x 14.12 inches. Image size: 12 x 9 inches. ...
Paper, 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
"Henry IV" Salvador Dalí, Surrealist, Shakespeare, Illustration, Stylized
Located in New York, NY
Salvador Dalí Henry IV, from the Shakespeare II Suite, 1970 Signed lower right, numbered lower left, inscribed on the reverse Color etching and drypoint on B.F.K. Rives vellum paper ...
Paper, Etching
$2,595
Salvador Dali Surrealist Etching, Signed, 1980, from Neuf Paysages Portfolio
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Fantasmes de la plaine d'Ampurdam from begonia Portfolio: Neuf Paysages Medium: Etching Year: 1980 Edition: 3/49 Frame Size: 22" x 22" Sheet Size: 14 7/8...
Etching
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Tramp (pet dog, beagle, troubadour guitare, animal portrait, surrealist painting
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
"Tramp," by Rudolf Kosow, is a whimsical painting that delights in its surreal juxtaposition of scale and serenity. At the center is a beagle's face, depicted with lifelike detail and expressiveness, eyes glistening with a calm intelligence that beckons the viewer into a state of contemplation. Positioned against the backdrop of the dog's vast visage, a small, solitary figure strums a guitar. The musician, dressed in casual attire, appears as a wandering troubadour, his music resonating with the quietude of the scene. This miniature man, though diminutive in size, plays a significant role in the narrative, providing a sense of companionship and shared experience. The painting's title, "Tramp," suggests a free spirit, both in the itinerant musician and the beagle, known for its adventurous and exploratory nature. Kosow's piece is an ode to the wandering souls and the moments of unexpected harmony they encounter. Through "Tramp," we are reminded of the melodies that score our journeys and the silent kinship we find along the way. It is an invitation to embrace the music of life, to find connection in the tranquility of existence, and to acknowledge the symphonies that unfold in the presence of kindred spirits, regardless of their size or form. keywords; painting on canvas, surrealist painting, animal vs human, americana, nature, man, man vs nature, surrealism, giant animal...
Canvas, Oil
Sigismund in Chains, Original Etching, Surrealist, 1971
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Sigismund in Chains Etching from 1971. The edition of 265 on Arches paper. Dimensions of work: 38 x 28 cm. Publisher: Editeuropa Anslat/Bergrgruen. R...
Etching
$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
Let's Move In Together - Abstract Color Drenched Architecture 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
$31,600Sale Price|20% Off
Symphony Bicyclette Lithograph, Surrealist, Signed, Edition 52/200
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Symphony Bicyclette MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: 52/200 MEASUREMENTS: 35.25" x 25.5" YEAR: 1970 FRAMED:...
Lithograph
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Owner (black Lab dog, sleeping lady, vintage dress, animal, surrealist painting)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
In "Owner," Rudolf Kosow captures a tender moment of connection that is as powerful as it is subtle. The main subject of the painting is a large black Lab, soulful dog, its fur textu...
Canvas, Oil
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
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
$4,336Sale Price|44% 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
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
Imaginations & Objects of The Future Cybernetic Lobster Telephone
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Imaginations & Objects of The Future Cybernetic Lobster Telephone MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Merrill Chase,...
Etching
"Dream"
By Vasyl Demkiv
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A woman...Who is she? What does she think about? What does she dream about? Where do her thoughts fly? What kind of soul does she have? Why do I miss you so much? Why don't I feel fe...
Metal
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
Egg in the Cage, Surrealist Oil Painting, Signed, 1983, 50x40 cm
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas realized in 1983. Signed and dated. A striking and contemplative surrealist composition depicting an empty birdcage suspended before an arched opening overlooking a s...
Oil
Japan 1966 Exhibition Poster Lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Height: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)Width: 22.5 in (57.15 cm) Unsigned SHIPS ROLLED IN TUBE
Lithograph
"Space Elephant" Etching and Photolithograph, Signed Artist's Proof, 1971
Located in Astoria, NY
Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989), "Space Elephant", Etching and Photolithograph in Colors on Arches paper, 1971, from the "Memories of Surrealism" suite, published Transworld Art, ...
Paper, Etching, Lithograph
RENÉ MAGRITTE Le Maître d'École - 1955 Limited edition Lithograph - Surrealism
Located in Madrid, Madrid
LE MAÎTRE D'ÉCOLE, 1955 (THE SCHOOLMASTER) 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
$4,503
Emperors and Albert Bridge - surrealist wildlife animal oil 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
Le Retour - 20th Century, Surrealist, Lithograph, Figurative Print
Located in Sint-Truiden, BE
Color lithograph after the 1940 oil on canvas by René Magritte, printed signature of Magritte and numbered from the edition of 300. The lithograph features the dry stamps of the Mag...
Lithograph
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
$1,450
Marc Chagall Lithograph Petit Cheval Noir " Little Black Horse" Signed & Framed
By Marc Chagall
Located in Plainview, NY
Marc Chagall ( Russian 1887- 1985) Petit Cheval Noir (Little Black Horse), lithograph, signed in the plate, printed in Paris at Mourlot Studios and presented in a clean, gallery-styl...
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
$102,852
Salvador Dalí. “The Wood of Arden”. Watercolor and gouache on cardboard. 1948.
Located in Barcelona, CT
Salvador Dalí (Figueras, May 11, 1904 - Figueras, January 23, 1989) “The Wood of Arden”, a decorated sketch of Act III of “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare, directed by Luchin...
Watercolor, Gouache, Cardboard
Nobility Of Time, Bronze Sculpture, Incised Signature, Edition of 350
Located in Aventura, FL
Bronze sculpture with three different patinas. Conceived in 1977 and first cast in 1984. Incised Salvador Dali signature on top of the base. Stamp numbered 264/350 on the back ed...
Paper, Lithograph
Les Chants de Maldoror
Located in New York, NY
Heliogravure, etching, and drypoint, 1934. From the deluxe edition of 40 with the drypoint remarqué, before the published edition of 100 printed from the reduced plate. From the po...
Etching, Drypoint
$3,300
Quietude From Turmoil - Original Colorful Mixed Media Surrealist Landscape Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Robert Lebsack creates artworks using mixed media with ink, acrylic, and charcoal on archival copies of newspapers, textbooks, and sheet music. As a visionary artist, Lebsack weaves ...
Paper, Charcoal, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
(after) Julio Gonzalez - "Personnage virulent" lithograph
By Julio González 1
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
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
Salvador Dali "Tristan and the Dragon" Drypoint Print
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: Tristan and the Dragon Series: Tristan et Iseult Date: 1970 Medium: drypoint printed in color Unframed Dimensions: 17.7" x 13" Framed Dimensions:...
Drypoint