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.
Invisible Man With Peonies
By Paul Richard
Located in New York, NY
The painting belongs to Richard's Invisible Man series, a recurring motif, in which the artist leaves only the trappings of formality, cloth, collar, and hat, to stand in for a pers...
Oil
Purgatory 13 - The Second Terrace - Color woodcut - 1963 (Field p. 189)
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Purgatory 13 - The Second Terrace Color woodcut on paper Printed signature 1960/63 Printed on paper Vélin BFK Rives Size 32,8 x 26,4 cm (c. 13 x 10") REFE...
Woodcut
$1,600
70s Modernist Swiss Dada Surrealist Painting Signed Andre Thomkins Brush Drawing
Located in Surfside, FL
This is titled "Karrierist" the German word for careerist and depicts a surreal face on a figure with a Salvador Dali esque quality about it. Published by Edition Hansjörg Mayer, St...
Lithograph, Offset
$750
1970s Modernist Swiss Colorful Surrealism Signed Dada Lithograph Andre Thomkins
Located in Surfside, FL
This one is titled "What do you and I and she sea... sieh" and depicts a surreal figure of a robed woman walking in an abstract landscape by a lake in yellow, green, red and blue wit...
Lithograph, Offset
Bird Lady 30x26" Framed
Located in Southampton, NY
In continuing with representing fine artists that are connected to the music industry we are please to announce that we are the only gallery in the United States representing the wor...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Pigment
Jean Cocteau (after) - Europe's Colors - Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Lithograph after a drawing by Jean Cocteau Title: Profil Signed in the plate Dimensions: 33 x 46 cm Edition: 600 Luxury print edition from the portfolio of Sciaky 1961
Lithograph
Protector (diptych)
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
This artwork, part of the "Classical Series," is composed of two vertical canvases that engage in a dialogue through their shared symbolism and subtle narrative differences. At the t...
Oil
$14,000
Fantasy from the Cinema, Surrealist Watercolor on Paper, Signed, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Famed poster and stage scenery artist Walter Schnackenberg shifts gear and paints a nightmarish vision from his imagination. The exagerated expressions and macabre quality of the sce...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor, Pen
Marcel Dzama, Farewell loved ones (black)
By Marcel Dzama
Located in Hamburg, DE
Marcel Dzama (Canadian, b. 1974) Farewell loved ones (black), 2018 Medium: Lithograph on wove paper Dimensions: 68 x 50 cm Edition of 20: Hand-signed and numbered Condition: Mint
Lithograph
Adveniat Regnum Tuum - Lithograph attr. to Salvador Dalí - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Adveniat Regnum Tuum - From "Pater Noster" is a lithograph on paper realized in 1964. Very Good condition. Dated and signed in plate. Pater Noster Pater Noster is a beautiful art...
Lithograph
The Beach at Noon, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The beach can be a surreal place where rock formations can create fantastic shapes such as I saw at the Cote de Granite Rose in Brittany. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece com...
Oil
Golfers 45 - oil painting, figurative artwork, contemporary minimalist art
By Stephanie Ho
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
Ironman 02 - original figurative landscape painting - contemporary Art
By Stephanie Ho
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
$4,773
Frozen Planet 74 - original figurative landscape painting - contemporary Art
By Stephanie Ho
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
$4,364
Frozen Planet 81 - original figurative landscape painting - contemporary Art
By Stephanie Ho
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
$2,397Sale Price|69% Off
La Petite Chouette Sculpture, Surrealist Ceramic, Circa 1960-1970
Located in CANNES, FR
Jules Agard ( 1905 - 1986 ) " la petite chouette " circa 1960 - 1970 " Pièce unique " Sculpture en terre rouge de Salernes montée au tour représentant une petite chouette ( d...
Ceramic
$750
1970s Modernist Swiss Colorful Surrealism Signed Dada Lithograph Andre Thomkins
Located in Surfside, FL
This one is titled "Walk in a Broken Lake" and depicts a surreal figure of a robed woman walking in an abstract landscape in yellow, green, red and blue with a Salvador Dali esque qu...
Lithograph, Offset
$750
1970s Modernist Swiss Colorful Surrealism Signed Dada Lithograph Andre Thomkins
Located in Surfside, FL
This one is titled "Halemaid" and depicts a surreal figure of a robed woman in yellow red and blue with a Salvador Dali esque quality about it. Published by Edition Hansjörg Mayer,...
Lithograph, Offset
$750
1970s Modernist Swiss Colorful Surrealism Signed Dada Lithograph Andre Thomkins
Located in Surfside, FL
This one is titled "Little Animals" and depicts drawings of small animals over an abstract forest background in green, red and tan with a quality of surrealism about it. Published b...
Lithograph, Offset
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled (Outsider Art Surrealist Figural Sculpture)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Rocco Monticolo (b. 1931). Untitled, 2022. Found antique object, wood, paint. Signed on reverse of face. Monticolo was born in Italy in 1931 and came to America in 1946. He joined ...
Steel
The Baseball Bouquet, Dodgers - Still Life Collage Mixed Media Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a Swedish artist whose textured watercolor and collage artworks bring together bold color, geometric structure, and layered visual textures. Florals, foliage...
Paper, Mixed Media
Town House New York - Original Architectural 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
Totem Pathfinder Wolverine Guardian of Wild Trails
Located in Oslo, NO
"Totem Pathfinder"- portrays a wolverine-like guide rendered on paper in mixed media - acrylic and watercolour pencils - blending bold, textured layers with fine, luminous strokes. T...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
Pink Composition Lithograph, Surrealist Style, 1974, Unframed Print
By Max Ernst
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph realized by Max Ernst in 1974. Not signed. as issued. Printed by Atelier Pierre Chave in Vence, France. Excellent condition. This lithograph was realized by th...
Lithograph
Leonor Fini, rare lithograph on Arches paper, circa 1980
By Leonor Fini
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Rare print handsigned by surrealist artist Leonor Fini, inscreasingly esteemed with the movement of rediscovering art by women. This rare original lithograph is an artist proof in ve...
Paper
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Surreal Floral Still Life Painting, Silent and Unseen III by Joerg Dressler
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
JOERG DRESSLER "Silent and Unseen III" Acrylic on Panel 20 x 16 inches _____________________________________ Joerg was born in Hanau, Germany. He received his MFA from the Hochschul...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Surreal Collage: 'Dem Bones'
Located in New York, NY
Barnett, a surrealist artist incorporates discarded mechanical objects and gadgets into his artwork. His work is characterized by its unique and ecl...
Paper, Color Pencil
Untitled X, Surrealist Lithograph by Wojtek Kowalczyk
Located in Long Island City, NY
Untitled X Wojtek Kowalczyk, Polish (1960) Date: 2005 Lithograph, signed in pencil Size: 13.5 in. x 19.5 in. (34.29 cm x 49.53 cm)
Lithograph
The Shrine of Gold: Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Presented paintings and drawings by Rusudan Khizanishvili, created in 2024-2025, all focus on offerings, albeit of different types. There is not a single tautology or repetition in t...
Canvas, Oil
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
Tout se Tient - Lithograph by R.S. Matta - 1975
Located in Roma, IT
T'ou't se tient is a print realized by the Chilean artist Roberto Sebastian Matta (1911-2002). This color lithograph on wove paper, was edited by the French magazine "XXe Siécle",...
Lithograph
Mothmask Whimsical Macabre Etching with Original Complete Hand Painted Color
Located in Miami, FL
"Mothmask", 1989 by Roberto Gil de Montes Roberto Gil de Montes is a bicultural artist of Mexican descent who lives and works between Los Angeles and Mexico. His paintings explore id...
Watercolor, Gouache, Etching
The Hell of Cruel Beauties - Etching and Drypoint - 1972
Located in Roma, IT
The Hell of Cruel Beauties is a contemporary artwork realized in 1972. Etching and drypoint on watermarked paper Chiffon de la Dore, (image cm 18x13; sheet cm 31x45) Hand signed an...
Etching
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
"Real 3" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Real 3" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ...
Photographic Paper
The Private Life. A quiet evening. A dog in an antique armchair.
Located in Oslo, NO
A solitary dog seated comfortably in an antique armchair beneath an ornate chandelier becomes the central character of this quietly theatrical scene. The familiar domestic interior i...
Paper, Watercolor
Aurea
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
"Aurea: A Tribute to the Golden Dot." In the fabric of the universe, mathematics reveals patterns that transcend time and space. In the fabric of art, these patterns intertwine with ...
Oil
“Traveling Together” 2012 colorful Abstract oil on board Armenian Artist VATCHE
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
“Traveling Together” is a colorful, abstract, surrealist painting by Armenian artist, Vatche Geuvdjelian painted in 2012. Artist’s Statement “𝘛𝘩�...
Oil, Board
Touchdown Blooms, LA Rams - Quirky Still Life Collage Mixed Media Art on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a Swedish artist whose textured watercolor and collage artworks bring together bold color, geometric structure, and layered visual textures. Florals, foliage...
Paper, Mixed Media
Gerard Tunney, Midsummer night's dreamers, Original figurative painting
Located in Deddington, GB
A dancer looks upwards towards the sun as her fellow dancers sleep during rehearsals. The ballet is based on Shakespeare’s famous play. The green colours and foliage echo the forest ...
Acrylic
Family II, Signed Surrealist Etching and Aquatint by John Fenton
By John Fenton
Located in Long Island City, NY
John Nathaniel Fenton is a twentieth century American painter, printmaker and painter who studied at the Art Students League, New York, and at Atelier 17, Paris. He also studied unde...
Etching
$768Sale Price|80% Off
Erhu
By James Jean
Located in Dallas, TX
Erhu is a signed and numbered time-limited edition of giclée prints. The erhu, or spike fiddle, typically has two strings, but the instrument being played here is missing a tuning sp...
Lithograph
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Dropping In, Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas, 36x36 Inches, Unframed
Located in Kingston, WA
a child jumping into the world, metaphorically A boy suspended between reality and dreams is enveloped by a tree whose branches both confine and liberate. The elements of earth and ...
Canvas, Oil
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
Salvador Dali - The Laurels of Happiness - Original Signed Engraving
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - The Laurels of Happiness - Original Signed Engraving Handsigned in pencil and Numbered Edition: F195/195 - Printer: Atelier Rigal. - Paper: Rives vellum ; each etchi...
Etching
Fairy Etching by Salvador Dalì, 1968, Unframed, Edition of 299
Located in Roma, IT
Etching and drypoint realized by Salvador Dalì to illustrate Pierre Ronsard's "Les Amours de Cassandre". Published by Argillet, Paris, in 1968. Edition of 299 pieces. One of 165 sp...
Etching
"Conflab" Oil on Canvas 18x22"
Located in Southampton, NY
In continuing with representing fine artists that are connected to the music industry we are please to announce that we are the only gallery in the United States representing the oil...
Canvas, Oil
$9,500
HENRY MOORE Seven Sculpture Ideas I ETCHING AQUATINT & ROULETTE 10 COLORS 1982
By Henry Moore
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Henry Moore Seven Sculpture Ideas I (Cramer 589) Etching, aquatint and roulette in 10 colors, 1982, on Arches, signed in pencil. 39/50 From the numbered edition of 50. Published by ...
Archival Paper, Etching, Aquatint
Beach Scene oil on canvas by Louis Wolchonok
Located in Hudson, NY
About the artist: Louis Wolchonok studied art at the National Academy of Design, City College of New York, Julian Academy in Paris, and the Brooklyn Academy of Fine Art. In addition ...
Canvas, Oil
The Order of the Heart in the Hand
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Order of the Heart in the Hand is a mixed media painting (acrylic and gold enamel on hand-aged canvas) with a canvas size of 48 x 48 inches, signed 'afn' lower center and framed in a contemporary black moulding. Anne Faith...
Enamel
Original Large Colorful Surrealist Acrylic Painting with Small Human Figures
By Chanivet
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Original large colorful surrealist acrylic painting on canvas in luminous blue and violet, animated by small multicolored human figures and an intricate dotted background with the op...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Rod, Original Etching, Surrealist, 1974, Framed, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - The Rod Etching from 1974. Dimensions of work: 56 x 38 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Leblanc. Referencja: R. Michler, L.W. Lopsinger, Salvador Dalì, C...
Etching
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
COSI FAN TUTTE
Located in New York, NY
color etching and aquatint. Edition 1/100 Fantastical Surreal Fantasy
Etching, Aquatint
Love Ride - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Horse, Couple
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Surrealist View Original Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed, 30x24 Inches
By Ferjo, Fernando de Jesus Oliveira
Located in Aventura, FL
Original oil painting on canvas. Hand signed lower front by Ferjo. Canvas image size 30 x 24 x 1 inches. Canvas is stretched. Artwork is in excellent condition. Certificate of au...
Canvas, Oil
$1,773
1975 Vintage Original Surrealist Still Life Tempera Painting - Grapes & Pears
Located in Bristol, GB
GRAPES & PEARS Size: 28.5 x 34 cm (including frame) Tempera on board A brilliantly executed and charming surrealist still life composition, executed in tempera on board and dated 19...
Tempera, Board
$650
Socre Up, Surrealist Mixed Media Drawing on Paper by Juan Sanchez Juarez
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ink, Pencil and watercolor, signed and dated l.l. Size: 16 x 12 in. Frame Size: 30 x 25 in.
Ink, Watercolor, Pencil
No Images Nor Idols Make for Robert, 1963 Signed Etching by Peter Paone
By Peter Paone
Located in Long Island City, NY
No Images Nor Idols Make for Robert Ingersoll to Break. by Peter Paone, American (1936) Date: 1963 Etching, signed in pencil Edition of AP Image Size: 20 x 16 inches Size: 30 x 22 in...
Etching
La Cattedrale Nocturna
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Eugene Berman (1899-1972) La Cattedrale Nocturna, 1951. Gouache and india ink on paper. Sheet measures 16 x 20 5/8 inches. Framed measurement: 24.5 x 28.5 inches. Signed with art...
Paper, India Ink, Gouache
“Olé” Photography 24" x 36" inch Edition 1/7 by Brian Ziff
By Brian Ziff
Located in Culver City, CA
“Olé” Photography 24" x 36" inch Edition 1/7 by Brian Ziff Giclee (Archival Ink) Print on Canson Platine Fibre Rag Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA signed by the ar...
Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée