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.
Algun Dia - figurative painting, landscape painting
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful surrealist painting by Mauricio comes rolled in a tube and needs to be stretched when received. In his pieces, Mauricio combines his figurative expertise along with su...
Canvas, Oil
The Surrealist Dream, King Ubu - Original Lithograph (Mourlot #426)
By Joan Miró
Located in Paris, IDF
Joan MIRO The Surrealist Dream, King Ubu, 1966 Original lithograph (Atelier Mourlot, Paris) Unsigned Numbered 34 / 75 copies On Arches vellum 54 x 75 cm (c. 21.2 x 29.5 in) REFEREN...
Lithograph
Pizza Party - Colorful Food Still Life Mixed Media Collage Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C. Bernhardsson is a Swedish artist whose collage artworks bring together bold color, geometric structure, and layered visual textures. Florals, foliage, buildings, and everyda...
Paper, Mixed Media
Cup Mezzotint Print, Surreal Contemporary Art, Signed Edition of 18
Located in Palm Springs, CA
In Cup, Sean Caulfield transforms a familiar vessel into an enigmatic and symbolic form. Rendered with the rich tonal depth characteristic of mezzotint,...
Mezzotint
Stallion and a Unicorn -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, African, Horse
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
A Stallion and a Unicorn explores the duality of action and aspiration, grounding us in the tension between lived reality and imagined possibility. The stallion embodies patriotism r...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$60Sale Price|20% Off
L'Ange du Foyer Surrealist Offset Print, Late 20th Century, Unframed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This original exhibition poster features L'Ange du Foyer, one of the most iconic and recognized images by the surrealist master Max Ernst. Created for the Max Ernst exhibition at the...
Offset
$960Sale Price|40% Off
Códice Miguelito III, Surrealist Style, Framed, 2010+
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
-Pedro Friedeberg signed digital giclee print featuring a fantastical architectural scene inspired by “Mickey”. Includes whimsical figures, optical art elements, and surreal details....
Giclée
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
$6,360Sale Price|20% Off
Les Betes Sauvages: Surrealist Etching, Signed, 1975, 189/450
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Les Betes Sauvages Dans le Desert MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Levine & Levine EDITION NUMBER: 189/450 MEASU...
Etching
$999
Immigrant Experience - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, African, Landscape
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
At first glance, The Immigrant Experience presents a simple paper boat. Yet within its fragile form lies the weight of a nation’s story. Set adrift on turbulent waves, the boat evoke...
Canvas, Acrylic
Taiwanese Contemporary Art by Lemoi Ning - In Ocean World
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...
Acrylic, Canvas
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
$510Sale Price|25% Off
Surreal Dreamlike Village Scene with Figures, Dog & Moonlit Sky - British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Surreal Dreamlike Village Scene with Figures, Dog & Moonlit Sky by British Artist, John Charlesworth (British, b. 1947) Art measures 7 x 5 in (17.8 x 12.7 cm) Fram measures 10 x...
Oil, Board
Going Places, Surrealist Screenprint by Mark Kostabi
By Mark Kostabi
Located in Long Island City, NY
A play on the famous Rene Magritte painting “The Son of Man” but set inside the New York City subway system by Mark Kostabi. A surreal pop artwo...
Screen
$459
Jean COCTEAU and Raymond MORETTI : Celebration - Original Hansigned Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Cocteau and Raymond Moretti Célébration Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate, handsigned by Raymond Moretti Numbered EA 1/10 - Very look for proof bearing n°1 On ...
Lithograph
$3,033Sale Price|20% Off
Les Songes Drôlatiques de Pantagruel, Original Lithograph, 1973, Signed
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
(after) Marino Marini - "Cavalier et cheval, orange et jaune" pochoir
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: pochoir (after the lithograph). Printed by the atelier of Daniel Jacomet, and published in Paris in 1955 by Heinz Berggruen. The image measures 5 x 3 3/4 inches (130 x 97 mm)...
Lithograph, Stencil
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
Woman with Butterfly, Surrealist Landscape painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Luis Lara (20th-century, Mexican) Woman with Butterfly — Surrealist Composition ca. 1960. Pen and ink with watercolor on paper, 12.5 x 16 inches. Framed measurement: 16.5 x 18 in...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
$60Sale Price|20% Off
Max Ernst 'Ursachen Der Sonne, The Sun' 1989- Surrealist Vintage
By Max Ernst
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This rare exhibition poster features Max Ernst's Ursachen ("Causes"), part of the acclaimed "Collection of European Masters" series published by Achenbach Editions for the Kunstsamml...
Offset
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
Multi-Facet, Large Surrealist Oil Painting by Ramon Santiago
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Ramon Santiago, American (1943 - 2001) Title: Multi-Facet Year: 1974 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed and dated Size: 40 x 34 inches
Canvas, Oil
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Pot 7 - 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
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
Our House, limited edition color print, signed and numbered
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Our House, limited edition color print, signed and numbered Maggie Taylor's digital creations are emblematic, afterimages that invite, transport, and are unforgettable. Taylor's im...
Archival Pigment
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 fabled personification of Mother E...
Vinyl
Dance, Lithograph, Modern, 1939, Signed in plate, Excellent
Located in OPOLE, PL
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) - Dance Lithograph from 1939. Dimensions of work: 52 x 35 cm Publisher: Tériade, Paris. On the back there are two lithographs signed in plate. The prin...
Lithograph
Large Sunset Oil painting DEEP INSIDE 129, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
DEEP INSIDE is an large original abstract seascape oil painting inspired by the quiet horizon where sea and sky meet. Soft gradients create a feeling of infinity, while a thin horizo...
Oil
$63,188
Marc Chagall. Study for “Moïse brisant les Tables de la Loi”. 1955. 23 x 15 cm
By Marc Chagall
Located in Barcelona, CT
Marc Chagall (Liozna, Russian Empire, 1887 – Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, 1985). Study for “Moïse brisant les Tables de la Loi”. 1955. India ink, wash and gouache on paper. 23 × ...
India Ink, Gouache
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
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Pot 9 - 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
Le Lézard aux Plumes d’Or - LIthograph by Joan Mirò - 1971
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
Le Lézard aux Plumes d'Or is a beautiful colored lithograph on mother-of-pearl Japan paper from the series realized by Joan Miró in 1971. Signed on the lower right corner. Printed by...
Lithograph
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
$1,250
Echoes of Hope - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Fabric, African
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Hope often speaks in quiet ways—through resilience, through healing, and through the strength to keep looking forward. In this piece, layered fragments of color and texture come toge...
Fabric, Canvas
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
Salvador Dali "Untitled 20 (Les Songes)"
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Dali, Salvador Title: Untitled 20 (Les Songes) Series: Les Songes Drolatiques de Pantagruel Date: 1973 Medium: Lithograph with color backgrounds Unframed Dimensions: 25....
Lithograph
"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
Salvador Dali, Untitled, from The Three-Cornered Hat, 1958
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Salvador Dali (1904–1989) Title: Untitled (Sans titre) Year: December 20, 1958 Medium: Engraving on papier d'Auvergne, filigrane au Tricorne, specialement fabrique feuille a ...
Engraving
Art Brut figurative abstract Philadelphia Artist
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jesse Soifer (1932-2013). Untitled #03, 1964. Ink on paper, sheet measures 12 x 14 inches. Unsigned. Estate stamp on verso sheet with assignation number. Early Life and Recognit...
Paper, Ink
original lithograph
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This lithograph was printed in 1953 for the "Improvisations" portfolio, published by the Artists Equity Association of New York on the occasion of the 19...
Lithograph
Surrealist, lithograph, Bird, Fish, Victor Brauner, 1960's
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Victor Brauner (1903-1966) Traces interstices (inscribed on the stone in the image) Color lithograph on wove paper, 1963 Unsigned (as issued) Published by Gualtieri di San Lazzaro fo...
Lithograph
$1,100Sale Price|26% Off
Spirit of 76
By Martha Hamlin Visser't Hooft
Located in Buffalo, NY
A whimsical gouache painting by American female surrealist Martha Visser't Hooft depicting a butterfly in a patriotic color scheme. Martha Visser't Hooft was born in Buffalo in 19...
Archival Paper, Gouache
Jean Pierre Serrier (1934 - 1989, French) Surrealist Circus Scene
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jean Pierre Serrier (1934-1989, French) Surrealist Circus Scene Oil on canvas Signed lower right Frame: 16.5" W x 14.75" H Canvas: 10.5" W x 8.75" H Jean-Pierre Serrier was born i...
Canvas, Oil
"Expect Darkness to Surround You" - Surrealist Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Andreas Claussen (b. 1988, Hanover, Germany) is a pioneering oil painter whose journey from law studies to the art world underscores his deep-seated passion for visual storytelling. ...
Canvas, Oil
$31,594
Marc Chagall (1887–1985) - Sirène et Poisson - Lithograph on Arches paper - 1967
By Marc Chagall
Located in Varese, IT
Color lithograph on Arches paper, edited in 1967. by Charles Sorlier after Marc Chagall Limited edition, numbered XLII/LXXV in lower left corner. Hand-signed by artist in pencil in...
Paper, Lithograph
"Les chiens ont soif" lithograph
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: lithograph (after the drawing). Printed by Mourlot for the deluxe limited edition portfolio "Les chiens ont soif", this is one of 250 impressions on BFK Rives wove paper (the...
Lithograph
Nadine's Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Created by Surrealist Fanny Brennan from 1992-96, Nadine's Bookcase is a lithograph in colors on wove paper. Hand-monogrammed in pencil and numbered from the edition of 250, the artw...
Lithograph
$10,628Sale Price|20% Off
Une de Mai Lithograph by Salvador Dali, Surrealist, 1972
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Une de Mai Lithograph from 1972. The edition of 49/150. Dimensions of work: 120.5 x 78 cm Publisher: Edition Waintrop, Paris. Reference: Michler/Löps...
Lithograph
$3,500
"Getting the Eye of the Tiger" (2022) by Nathan Durfee, Original Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Nathan Durfee's "Getting the Eye of the Tiger" is an original oil painting depicts a cat in headphones perched on a radio. Artist bio: Nathan Durfee has garnered notoriety for his...
Oil, Wood Panel
Pablo Picasso, "Face Turned Pitcher, " ceramic
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an A.R. turned pitcher created by Pablo Picasso in 1955. It is made with white earthenware clay, decoration in engobes in red and black with glaze inside. It bears the ...
Clay
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
After 50 Years of Surrealism The Laurels of Happiness Hand Signed
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: After 50 Years of Surrealism The Laurels of Happiness MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Transworld Art, NY EDITION NUMBER: F 84/195 M...
Etching
"Version XIV" (2025) Original Surrealist Oil Painting on Cradled Board
Located in Denver, CO
3rd Version's (Ben Patterson) "Version XIV" is a 2025 oil painting on cradled panel measuring 12 x 9 x 1.5 inches. The work is unframed but ready to hang. Artist Statement: US bas...
Oil, Panel
Travel : Boat on the Sea - Original etching with aquatint
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre Alechinsky Travel : Boat on the Sea, 1998 Original etching with aquatint Unsigned On BFK Rives vellum 63 x 92 cm (c. 25 x 37 in) Authenticated with the blind stamp of chalcog...
Etching, Aquatint
$2,595
Salvador Dali Surrealist Etching, Signed, 1980, from Neuf Paysages Portfolio
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Paysage ibérique from passiflore Portfolio: Neuf Paysages Medium: Etching Year: 1980 Edition: 3/49 Frame Size: 22" x 22" Sheet Size: 14 7/8" x 14 7/8" Si...
Etching
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
Cabeza Sobre Fondo Verde, Surrealist Etching by Rufino Tamayo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rufino Tamayo, Mexican (1899 - 1991) - Cabeza Sobre Fondo Verde, Portfolio: Rufino Tamayo 15 aquafuertes, Year: 1979, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in crayon, Edition: 14/...
Etching
$2,350
"Lily 1" Back & White Photograph 39" x 39" in Limited Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Lily 1" Back & White Photograph 39" x 39" in Limited Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the a...
Photographic Paper
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