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.
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from The Flowers of Evil, 1964
By Leonor Fini
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Leonor Fini (1907–1996), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil), originates from the 1964 issue published by Le Cercl...
Lithograph
$450
Digital Iris Print "Effective Disbelief" Pencil Signed w Initials edition of 15
By Charles Long
Located in Surfside, FL
This is for the one print listed here. Internalized Page Project Vol II. color Iris digital prints on paper, each initialed on verso and numbered from edition of 15. printed & pu...
Digital
Salvador Dali - The Lane of the Birches - Original Stamp-Signed Etching
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - The Lane of the Birches - Original Stamp-Signed Etching Stamp signed by Dali Edition of 294 copies. Paper : Arches vellum. Dimensions : 16x12". Catalogue Raisonné ...
Etching
The Dirndl Model / - The strangeness of the homeland -
Located in Berlin, DE
Reiner Schwarz (*1940 Hirschberg), The Dirndl Model, 1969. Lithograph, 33 cm x 26 (depiction), 59 cm x 42 cm (sheet size), signed “R.[einer] Schwarz” in pencil lower right, dated “[1...
Paper
Digital Iris Print "Heinz Dilemma" Pencil Signed with Initials edition of 15
By Charles Long
Located in Surfside, FL
This is for the one print listed here. Internalized Page Project. color Iris digital prints on paper, each initialed on verso and numbered from edition of 15. printed & published...
Digital
$500
Collage, Assemblage Cardstock Painting David Gilhooly California Funk Surrealism
Located in Surfside, FL
DAVID JAMES GILHOOLY (American, 1943-2013), Mixed media collage 6 x 4 inches, Hand signed and dated verso titled: "Many frivolous titles come to mind" A man on horseback, man and ...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Les Chiens Ont Soif XII, Surrealist Lithograph by Max Ernst
By Max Ernst
Located in Long Island City, NY
Max Ernst, German (1891 - 1976) - Les Chiens Ont Soif XII, Portfolio: Les Chiens Ont Soif, Year: 1964, Medium: Lithograph, Edition: 165/320, Size: 17 x 24.5 in. (43.18 x 62.23 c...
Lithograph
Preparatifs d'oiseaux I Aquatint Etching, Hand Signed, HC Edition
By Joan Miró
Located in Aventura, FL
Aquatint and etching in colors on Rives BFK paper. Hand signed lower right by Joan Miro. Hand numbered HC lower left (there is also a main edition of 75). Sheet size: 19.25 x 23.8...
Paper, Etching, Aquatint
A Colorful Expressionist 1950s Mid-Century Modern Still Life Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vibrant, Expressionist 1950s Mid-Century Modern Still Life Painting by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Depicting a bright and cheerful studio still life sce...
Oil, Masonite
Dulcinea - Lithograph attr. to Salvador Dalí - 1957
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on japan paper, realized in 1856/57. Hand signed and numbered. Edition of 300. Ref. Michler-Lopsinger n. 1002 Excellent condition.
Lithograph
Mid-Century Cosmopolitan Illustration Surreal Family Narrative
By Jon Whitcomb
Located in Miami, FL
A complex story is portrayed in one picture. American Glamour Illustrator Jon Whitcomb interprets a Mid-Century Cosmopolitan story about a beautiful blond actress who, on set, appea...
Gouache, Illustration Board
Amours Legendaires Etching, Surrealist Style, Limited Edition of 30
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 30x25 cm. Limited edition of 30 prints, numbered and hand signed. Excellent conditions.
Etching
D'or. V Abstract gold leaf /blue framed painting, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By Sia Aryai
Located in Yardley, PA
D’OR Abstract gold leaf framed painting Gold leaf is brilliant for modern painting. Brings to life elegant details that appear as an icon. Painting is 12X16â€
Acrylic
Les Fermières Libertines
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Edition of 50 prints. Perfect conditions. Image Dimensions : 20 x 32 cm
Etching
Salvador Dali - Cleopatra - Original Etching
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - Cleopatra Original Etching Dimensions: 28x 18.7cm 1969 Edition: /165 Plate signed References : Field 68-7-I page 48
Etching
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
The Key to When
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Time is but a concept that we create to keep existence in an order. This piece seeks to encourage questioning time, the impact and control it might have on existence and just where i...
Canvas, Acrylic
Plate 4 From Espriu-Miro, Signed Aquatint Etching, 44/50, 1980s
By Joan Miró
Located in Aventura, FL
Aquatint and etching in colors with engraving and carborundum on Guarro paper. Hand signed lower right by Joan Miro. Hand numbered 44/50 lower left. Sheet size: 34 x 27.75 inches....
Paper, Engraving, Etching, Aquatint
Tiger Gaze Original Surrealist Painting, Oil on Canvas, 21st Century
By Ferjo, Fernando de Jesus Oliveira
Located in Aventura, FL
Original painting on canvas. Hand signed on front by Ferjo. Image size: 70 x 50 inches. Canvas is not stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of authenticity inc...
Oil, Canvas
Mother (Homage to Whistler) Surrealist Painting, Signed, 69.5x85 in.
By Ferjo, Fernando de Jesus Oliveira
Located in Aventura, FL
Original painting on canvas. Hand signed lower front by Ferjo. Canvas size 69.5 x 85 inches. Painting will ship unstretched, rolled in an extra large tube. Artwork is in excellen...
Canvas, Oil
Mines de Rien, Surrealist Etching and Aquatint by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Mines de Rien, Year: 1957, Medium: Etching and Aquatint on Rives, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 46/50, Image Size: 5.25 x 4.5 inche...
Etching, Aquatint
"A passing era"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
2015 Catalogue Published in the artist’s personal catalogue: ‘Oleksandr Khrapachov. Painting, Drawing’. – Kyiv: Sofia-A. – 2015. – 88 pp. : 100 ill. ==/=÷÷÷ # ‘The Passing Era’ — ...
Canvas, Oil
Face II (Aquiles).
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
Face II (Aquiles) is a large format work that is part of the classical series, continuing its exploration of the iconic figures of mythology. In this Rostro II, the protagonist is Ac...
Linen, Oil
Overall rhythm. Original painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
The work speaks to a state in which the world ceases to be perceived as something frightening or potentially threatening. A sense of connection, curiosity, and playfulness emerges. I...
Canvas, Acrylic
Musicians Floating Amongst a City Landscape Scene
Located in Astoria, NY
David Newman (American, b. 1956) Musicians Floating Amongst a City Landscape Scene, Oil on Canvas, wood frame. Image: 70" H x 80.5" W; frame: 71.25" H x 81" W x 1.75" D. Provenance: ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,707Sale Price|73% Off
Le Grand Duc Ceramic Sculpture, Surrealist, Circa 1960, Signed, Unique
Located in CANNES, FR
Jules Agard ( 1905 - 1986 ) " Le grand Duc " sculpture en terre blanche de Salernes montée au tour représentant un hibou Grand-duc . Ses formes sont mises en valeur par des engobe...
Ceramic
Exquisite Corpse, Cadavre Exquis, Spanish Surrealist Drawing 3 Artists
By Xisco Mensua
Located in Surfside, FL
Provenance: This piece was deaccessioned from the Bass museum in Miami Beach florida. This piece is a good museum example of Exquisite corpse, also known as exquisite cadaver (from ...
Paper, Charcoal, Carbon Pencil
John Dronsfield - British 1930s Surreal watercolour of a City Square
Located in London, GB
JOHN DRONSFIELD (1900-1951) City Square Signed l.l., inscribed with title (beneath the mount) Watercolour Unframed, in mount only 31 by 26 cm., 12 ¼ by 10 ¼ in. (mount size 45 by...
Paper, Watercolor
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from The Flowers of Evil, 1964
By Leonor Fini
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Leonor Fini (1907–1996), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil), originates from the 1964 issue published by Le Cercl...
Lithograph
"Femme et Oiseaux dans la Nuit" original pochoir
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original pochoir stencil print in four colors. Catalogue reference: Dupin 50. Printed in 1947 in an edition of 1500 by Meriden Gravure and published by Curt Valentin for the ...
Lithograph, Stencil
Psychedelic Cloud, Surrealist Poster Signed by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Long Island City, NY
Peter Max was born in Berlin in 1937 but his family moved to China when he was still very young. In fact, the young Max would move frequently with his family, learning about a variet...
Offset
Don’t let me fall. Symbolic. Faith. Spiritual. Christian. Small
Located in Oslo, NO
This surrealist painting «Don’t let me fall” captures a fragile moment suspended between fear and faith. A small human figure stands at the very edge of a cliff, arms stretched wide....
Canvas, Acrylic
Ivanhoe - Rowena
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Salvador Dali Ivanhoe - Rowena 1978 Lithograph 29 1/2 x 21 1/2 in. Edition of 250 Pencil signed and numbered; certified authentic by Frank Hunter of the Sal...
Lithograph
4700 Plumas y sombrillas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Andres Vivo
Located in Yardley, PA
Feathers and sun umbrellars Inspired by the the dramatic artworks of Goya.Belongs to my human behaviour series :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certif...
Oil
Acrylic Collage Painting, "The Apple does not fall far from the Tree"
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker’s “The Apple does not fall far from the Tree” is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 26 x 25 inches in greens, blues, pinks and greys. Whether born alive or from an...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Yes, But Does It Float - Original Surreal Oil Painting with Symbolic Imagery
By Mark Bowers
Located in Chicago, IL
Mark Bowers Yes, But Does it Float oil on linen 21.75h x 14.75w in 55.24h x 37.47w cm MJB004 Mark Bowers- Artist Statement With the depiction of landscape playing such a central role in the history of North American art, it seemed to offer many of the critical possibilities I was looking for, and it felt more and more like something I have always known. Something I could easily apply, stage, and manipulate as a diary. My work consists of small-scale highly detailed landscape paintings. They are inspired by the comfort, trepidation, and beauty found in the mundane Chicago Suburbs. I combine nature, decorative house wares...
Linen, Oil
Risque – 31-01-22, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper
By Corne Akkers
Located in Yardley, PA
Different Styles Another variation in the Risque Series. After my last graphite pencil drawing ‘Risque – 22-01-22’ I was searching for something new. I just don’t like to ...
Pencil
$565
San Antonio - Architectural Texas Inspired Still Life Watercolor Painting
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, Watercolor
Safe distances, Digital Print, 55 x 55 cm, Mexican post COVID art, 2021
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Safe distances, by Pedro Friedeberg - Digital Print - 55 x 55 cm - Mexican post COVID art, c. 2021 During the pandemic, the artist stayed for 4 months in Oaxaca on a beach called ...
Gold Leaf
Slava Ukraini – 18-04-22, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Corne Akkers
Located in Yardley, PA
Freedom above All The West has recently become familiar with the phrase ‘Slava Ukraini’. Obviously everyone who is a democrat and values freedom above all can support the meaning of this slogan. It seems as if the world has split into the good and the bad all of a sudden. The free world is pro and some rascalious countries keep supporting Russia’s goals. Strange how Europe and NATO can feel united more than ever whereas recently disunity was rife. Strong Ukrainian Women Vesna – 14-03-22 was my last oil with the Ukrainian theme. Somehow I felt the story for me to tell wasn’t finished yet. My reference graphite pencil drawing ‘Hold Your Horses – 04-01-22’ had the Scythians as theme. Strange why I chose to do an oil ‘Una in Aliam – 01-09-19’ covering the same topic three years back. In particular it tells of the legend of the Amazons. Legend has it they were Scythian warrior women on horseback. No great mind is needed to associate them with modern strong Ukrainian women rising up against the Russian agressor. And so I read the story of a woman from Kiev who bought a sniper rifle just to be able to defend her city and country. This painting is to honor those women and of course all freedom fighters in the Ukraine in general. New World Order There also was another reason to do another Ukrainian painting, to me an urgent one. Instead of fearfully waiting for whatever new world order will arise I decided to create one myself. This painting all makes sense to me. Ukrainian’s struggle is not theirs but ours too. A couple of days ago I commented on a post by Jerry Saltz. I stated law school was the best preparation for my work as an artist. Now I know why. Becoming a master in international law makes me mastering my artistic diction as well. I cannot ever be a soldier but I hold sound weapons in my hands: pencil and brush! Everything Gold The statues symbolize my view on art. I think they are beautiful and the pinnacle of aesthetics. One of them is Anton Gratz’s and the other ones I don’t know who made them. Makes me realize I maybe should start an art movement called ‘back to aesthetics’ by the way. The gold paint is a reference to the world famous Scythian gold...
Oil
"As Seen From Mars" - Surrealist Still-Life, Acrylic and Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
This piece rests at 12 inches by 12 inches, and is wired for hanging. Artist Bio: Shelli Langdale is an American artist living and painting in Chattanooga, TN. She has a Bachelor of...
Oil, Panel, Acrylic
"The Post-Truth Era VII", Surrealist Portrait, Brown, Collage, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker’s “The Post-Truth Era VII” is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 14 x 10 7/8 inches in whites, yellows, greys and green. The post-truth era has seen a resurgence o...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Salvador Dali "Untitled II (Le Tricorne)"
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: Untitled II (Le Tricorne) Series: Le Tricorne (The Three-Pointed Hat) Date: 1959 Medium: Wood engraving Framed Dimensions: 20" x 17.5" Signature:...
Engraving
$513Sale Price|20% Off
Pierrot, limited edition, Surreal, Established Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
Size of sheet is ca. 29.5 x 21 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 com...
Paper, Color
$5,800
"Therapeutic Horse Knowledge, " Oil Pastel on Board signed by Reginald K. Gee
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Therapeutic Horse Knowledge" is an original oil pastel drawing on board by Reginald K. Gee. The artist signed the piece upper left. This piece features a surreal and abstract enviro...
Oil Pastel, Board
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Tequila Revision Tulum Maya Riviera magical seascape warm tropical colors
Located in Brooklyn, NY
oil on canvas heavy duty stretchers framing not necessary influenced by the Tulum seascape after too many tequilas.
Oil
Austin Skyline - Architectural Texas Still Life 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, Watercolor
Surreal Collage: 'Watching'
Located in New York, NY
Combining found elements with those fashioned by my own hand, my work encompasses two- and three-dimensional collage as well as sculptural objects. Infused with a rich sense of histo...
Mixed Media
La Visite des Ambulances - Etching by Jean-Baptiste Réville - Early 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
La Visite des Ambulances is an original artwork realized by Jean Baptiste Réville in early 19th. Century . Etching on paper. Titled and signed on plate on the right corner. Good co...
Etching
Between, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The artwork presents a geometric interpretation of classical architecture through a modernist approach. Bold architecture meets a quiet waterway, creating subtl...
Oil
Spirit Animal, oil soaked bird angel ecology
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Please note; THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THE BEAUTIFUL GOLD FRAME. In this painting, inspired in response to ecological disaster,Audrey Anastasi has shifted her focus away from naturalis...
Canvas, Oil
$635
Central Park Dreams - Architectural Colorful Landscape Collage Artwork
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
Man in a Bowler Hat, Original Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed, 24x30 in
By Ferjo, Fernando de Jesus Oliveira
Located in Aventura, FL
Original oil painting on canvas. Hand signed lower front by Ferjo. Canvas image size 24 x 30 x 1 inches. Canvas is stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of au...
Canvas, Oil
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
Leanna's Dream
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In my appropriation of Henri Rousseau's painting "The Dream," I replaced his nude reclining on the couch with my sister Leanna. I envisioned her magically transported into a lush ju...
Canvas, Acrylic
$15,000
Surrealist Composition, Untitled, Lambert Werner (1900-1983), Oil Canvas, 1937
Located in New York, NY
Lambert Werner (1900-1983) Untitled, 1937 Oil on canvas 21 7/10 × 19 7/10 in l 55 × 50 cm 23 2/3 x 21 2/3 l 60 x 55 cm (Frame included) Signed and dated lower left Exhibition histor...
Canvas, Oil
Touching, Surrealist Lithograph by Federico Castellón
Located in Long Island City, NY
Federico Castellon, Spanish-American (1914 - 1971) - Touching, Year: circa 1965, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 31/100, Image Size: 19.75 x...
Lithograph
$3,310
"Les Erophages" Etching & Aquatint with Gold Ink on Paper signed by Andre Masson
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Les Erophages" is an etching and aquatint with gold ink on Japanese paper signed by Andre Masson. Coming from the corner on the lower left was a boarder of pink with lines and circl...
Paper, Ink, Etching, Aquatint
"Mr Knife, Miss Fork"
By Max Ernst
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: gelatin silver print (photogram). Printed in 1931 and published in Paris for the journal Arts et Metiers Graphiques. A photogram was an experimental technique conceived by Ma...
Photogram
L'Auto-Stoppeur Surrealism Landscape Skeleton Skull Contemporary
Located in Utrecht, NL
L'Auto-Stoppeur Surrealism Landscape Skeleton Skull Contemporary Gérard Willemenot was born on February 11, 1943. World War II and his father's deportation to Mauthausen had a profo...
Tempera, Panel
When time won't tell, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Why do we always say "Only time will tell" ? I think sometimes, he Just don't wanna say it. :: Mixed Media :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an off...
Mixed Media
Salvador Dali - Apparition de Dulcinée - Original Lithograph
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - Apparition de Dulcinée - Original Lithograph Joseph FORET, Paris, 1957 SIGNATURE : printed in the image LIMITED : 197 copies. SIZE : 41 x 33 cm REFERENCES : Field 57...
Lithograph