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 Evil Queen", Ceramic Surrealist Teapot Sculpture, 15in, Signed, 2010+
By Cheryl Tall
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original wall sculpture by San Diego artist, Cheryl Tall. It's 15 inches tall, with a length of 12 inches and a depth of 8 inches. ...
Ceramic
$1,118Sale Price|40% Off
Sorcière Bleue Color Lithograph on Arches Paper, Surrealist, E.A. 4/35
By Leonor Fini
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Leonor Fini (Buenos Aires, 1907 – Paris, 1996) Title: Sorcière Bleue (Blue Witch) Date: ca. 1970–1972 Technique: Color lithograph on Arches paper Edition: E.A. 4/35 (Épreuve ...
Lithograph
$2,350
"About Love" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"About Love" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Ed. of 3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the...
Photographic Paper
$1,350
"Pygmalion and Galatea 3" Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. of 15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Pygmalion and Galatea 3" Photography 24" x 24" in Ed. of 15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the ar...
Photographic Paper
Jean COCTEAU and Raymond MORETTI: Faces - Original Hansigned Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Cocteau and Raymond Moretti Faces and Fishes Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate, handsigned by Raymond Moretti Numbered EA 1/10 - Very look for proof bearing n...
Lithograph
$560
Untitled, Figurative, Charcoal on Paper by Modern Indian Artist "In Stock"
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Anita Roy Chowdhury - Untitled Charcoal on Paper 11.5 x 14 inches, 1960 (Framed & Delivered) In this tender charcoal drawing, she beautifully portrays a quiet moment between mother ...
Paper, Charcoal
$345
Exotic - Original Abstract Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Art on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian painter Silvia Pavarini is known for her distinctly feminine artworks that resonate with the quiet whispers of nature. Each piece she creates embodies an ongoing dialogue wit...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
La Lyre, Surrealist Etching by Félicien Rops
Located in Long Island City, NY
Felicien Rops, Belgian (1833 - 1898) - La Lyre, Year: 1958, Medium: Etching, Image Size: 8.75 x 6 inches, Size: 12.5 x 9.75 in. (31.75 x 24.77 cm), Description: From the collection...
Etching
LA SORCIERE - (The Witch)
Located in Santa Monica, CA
KURT SELIGMANN (1900–1962 American, born in Switzerland,) LA SORCIERE - (The Witch) 1934 Etching and aquatint, unsigned ? possibly a proof aside from The ...
Etching, Aquatint
Voodoo, Vodou Ceremony - Bawon Samdi -Father of the Spirits
Located in Miami, FL
This large, breathtaking oil on canvas is one of the finest examples of the artist's work. Casimir is an overlooked and undervalued postwar master. The painting showcases a highly co...
Canvas, Oil
The bride - Original handsigned lithograph
By Michèle Battut
Located in Paris, IDF
Michèle BATTUT The Bride Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil Limited /275 copies On vellum 83 x 60 cm (c. 32.6 x 23.6 in) Excellent condition
Lithograph
$2,350
"Shot 2" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Shot 2" Black & White Photography 39" x 39" in Edition 1/3 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Not framed. Ships in a tube...
Photographic Paper
Surrealist Beach & Guitar - Original handsigned lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean-Pierre HENAUT (1942-) Surrealist Beach & Guitar Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil Limited /275copies On vellum 60 x 54 cm (c. 24 x 22 in) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Small surreal house, green and yellow, oil on board
Located in Carballo, ES
Ventura A. Pérez (1992) is one of the most seductive artists on the contemporary Spanish scene. After earning a doctorate in contemporary art from the University of Vigo, he moved to...
Oil, Wood Panel
Surrealist Mixed Media Insect Painting with Floral Textile and Pink Wooden Panel
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This surrealist mixed media wall piece features a hyperrealistic oil painting of a caterpillar's body, paired with floral textile and a soft pink wooden panel in a bold and unexpecte...
Canvas, Oil, Textile, Wood
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Original Surrealist “Before the Dreamtime” Figurative in Oil Paint
Located in Soquel, CA
Vibrant surrealist creation oil painting “Before the Dreamtime” with birds and figures by Harald Dry Schmit Compelling and vibrant, we're pleased to offer this surrealist figurative...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Paper Bird - Etching by Enrico Benaglia - 1990s
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph realized in 1990s. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 120. Very good condition.
Etching
Untitled, (Aerial Circus Series)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Untitled, (Aerial Circus Series), 1968. Ink on Strathmore illustration board, 27 × 30 inches. Signed and dated. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers ...
Paper, Ink
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, Untitled, from Miro Sculpture, 1974
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1974 album miro sculpture (Miro Sculpture). Publi...
Lithograph
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Composition (Spies/Leppien 218), La Ballade du Soldat, Max Ernst
By Max Ernst
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin d'Arches paper. Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, La Ballade du Soldat, 34 Lithographies Originales de Max Ernst, 1972. P...
Lithograph
Linea Electa - Lithograph - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Vinea Electa 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 1969. Signed an...
Lithograph
Untitled (Too Tired, Shelly)
By Marcel Dzama
Located in Toronto, Ontario
With his unmistakable version of contemporary Surrealism, Marcel Dzama is one of the most successful contemporary Canadian artists. Born in Winnipeg in 1974, Dzama had an internation...
Ink, Mixed Media
$475
Popess of Flowers - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian painter Silvia Pavarini is known for her distinctly feminine artworks that resonate with the quiet whispers of nature. Each piece she creates embodies an ongoing dialogue wit...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
In a Playful Labyrinth With Nature - Whimsical Figurative Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian painter Silvia Pavarini is known for her distinctly feminine artworks that resonate with the quiet whispers of nature. Each piece she creates embodies an ongoing dialogue wit...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
$3,800
"Solitary Confinement" (2016) By Diego Glazer, Original Surrealist Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Diego Glazer's "Solitary Confinement" is an original, handmade oil painting that is framed and ready to hang. The framed measurements are 22 in H x 26 in W. About the Artist: For a...
Canvas, Oil
$475
Flowers Colored Crystals and Awareness - Whimsical Figurative Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian painter Silvia Pavarini is known for her distinctly feminine artworks that resonate with the quiet whispers of nature. Each piece she creates embodies an ongoing dialogue wit...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
Dawn, End of a Dream - Handsigned Original Lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Andre Goezu Dawn, End of a Dream Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil Numbered on 275 copies On vellum 65 x 47 cm (c. 25.59 x 18.5 inch) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Surrealist Colorful Portrait of a Couple, Family at Play
By Dan Solojoff
Located in Surfside, FL
Dan Solojoff, Russian (1908 - 1994) Daniil Andreyevich Solojef born in St. Petersburg on February 27 (February 14) 1908 and died on 21 in Paris 1, is a poet, painter and illustrator...
Oil, Gouache, Board
$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
On the Edge of Landscape
By Valton Tyler
Located in Dallas, TX
In The New York Times Arts in America column, Edward M. Gomez writes of Valton Tyler, "visionary seems the right word for describing his vivid, unusual and technically refined paintings, prints and drawings, whose style defies convenient labels. Abstract, surreal, cartoonish, sci-fi fantastic, metaphysical, apocalyptic-Baroque - all of these fit but also fall short of fully describing his art." (Edward M. Gomez, "Futuristic Forms Frolic Under Eerie Texan Skies...
Canvas, Oil
"Revisiting the Boogieman" - Surrealist Painting, still life - Arcimboldo
By Guy Robinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Revisiting the Boogieman" features hues of blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, and black. Guy Robinson is inspired by the work of Paul Klee, Albrecht Durer and Giuseppe Arcimboldo. ...
Linen, Oil
Gaining Perspective, Oil Painting
By Kat Silver
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A surreal scene depicts a colossal woman standing amid farmland, her gaze fixed on a bird flying from her birdcage torso. A viaduct emerges from the base of her...
Oil
$2,400
"Sacred Grove #6" - Surrealist Painting, still life, vegetables - Arcimboldo
By Guy Robinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Sacred Grove #6" features hues of blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, and black. Guy Robinson is inspired by the work of Paul Klee, Albrecht Durer and Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Atlanta b...
Linen, Oil
$131Sale Price|25% Off
Avant de S'Endormir Offset Print, Surrealist, Unframed, 15.75x11.25\"
By Leonor Fini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From the portfolio containing six reproductions of some of Fini's famous images, such as: La Passagere, Vesper Express, Heliodora, La Serrure and Le Bout du Monde. Published by Frede...
Offset
TIE Fighter Beatles Oversize Pop Art Print Signed Limited Edition
By BATIK
Located in London, GB
TIE Fighter Beatles by B A T I K Pop art work featuring the Fab Four Paul McCartney , George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon running away from Star Wars TIE fighters chasing...
Black and White, Archival Pigment
Triumph of the Surreal Moon - Handsigned Original Lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Roland CUCEJ (1958-) Triumph of the Surreal Moon Original lithograph with gold leaf embossing Handsigned in pencil On vellum 57 x 74 cm (c. 22.44 x 29.13 inch) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Jardin Fantastique
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork. titled "Jardin Fantastique" c.1990, is an oil painting on canvas by noted Haitian surrealist artist Murat Saint Vil, b.1955. It is signed at the lower left corner by th...
Oil
The Apparition of Saint James - Woodcut - 1963
Located in Roma, IT
The Apparition of Saint James - Song 26 - Paradise is a woodcut print realized in 1963 for a series illustrating the Medieval poem of the "Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. Plate n...
Woodcut
Lover with Samothrace - Original handsigned lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Francis de SAINT GENIES (1925-2018) Lover with Samothrace Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil Limited /250 copies On vellum 76 x 56 cm (c. 30 x 22 in) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Pink Composition - Lithograph by Max Ernst - 1974
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
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-20th Century Surrealist Engraving, Pencil Signed, 17.5x10.25
By Paul Colin
Located in Belgrade, MT
This piece is a limited edition, pencil signed by the artist on the print and in the plate. It is part of my private collection of artists from the School of Paris era. It is in very...
Engraving, Lithograph
Sedet Sola Civitas - Lithograph - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Holy Bible - Sedet sola civitas is Color lithograph on heavy rag paper realized in 1964. It is part of Biblia Sacra vulgatæ edition is published by Rizzoli-Mediolani between 1967 an...
Lithograph
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Forest Embrace", Sureal, Green, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Collage, Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker’s “Forest Embrace” is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 38.5 x 26 inches in a rich variety of greens, silver greys and whites, with blue and yellow accents, is fr...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
The Archangel Gabriel - Woodcut - 1963
Located in Roma, IT
The Archangel Gabriel - "The Divine Comedy" - Song 32 - Paradise is a woodcut print realized in 1963 for a series illustrating the Medieval poem of the "Divine Comedy" by Dante Ali...
Woodcut
"To the Place I Dream Of" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
To the Place I Dream Of
Oil
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Miro, The Three Eggs, from XXe Siecle, 1968
By Joan Miró
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Joan Miro (1893–1983), titled Les Trois Oeufs (The Three Eggs), from the album XXe Siecle, Nouvelle serie, XXIXe Annee No. 31, Decembre 1968, originates ...
Lithograph
$2,500
Lo que esta atras , Oil, Mixed Media, Hyperrealism, Modern Cuban Art, Surreal
Located in Houston, TX
LOOK FOR FREE SHIPPING AT CHECKOUT (Lo que esta atras) shows the hyperrealism of modern Cuban art that is now available to the world art market. What is Behind is one of many of the hyperrealism paintings by the artist. Brian Sanchez recently showed at the Art Fair in Dallas, Texas. This has a custom made frame. Brian Sanchez's paintings of oil and mixed media of Hyperrealism for example What is Behind have already appeared in magazines and publications in Latin American Art magazines. Artist Statement: In a way, when I start a painting, it's like starting a journey. A journey that explores my past, philosophy and the human subconscious. My creations in my view are very symbolic. There are many elements in it that have latent meanings, whether collective or personal. They also have a strong philosophical and psychological charge, mainly delving into the subconscious and the dark part that we possess and repress, contrasting it with the pleasant or tender part that we want to simulate. The origin of things has a great meaning in me. This is how my inspiration arises in the world of childhood - as the origin of man - abstract symbols that simulate cells - origin of life -, the wheel - origin of civilization. I also use circles to symbolize cycles of time and life. Passage of time, nostalgia, pain, loneliness, human darkness, disturbing and perhaps bitter elements, I contrast them like enigmas in environments of apparent calm. Innocent figures with heartbreaking and enigmatic worlds. I exploit all the techniques, even sometimes I use unconventional materials until I reach the desired point of maximum expression. Influenced mainly by Klimt, Flemish medieval masters, Chagal, Pedro Pablo Oliva, Joan Miro...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Roses are Red - Contemporary colourful figurative surrealistic painting
Located in DE
Gamez de Francisco paints and photographs very passionately, making statements filled with symbolism. He frequently includes insects in his artwork. He says: Flying insects represent...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,895
Salvador Dali Color Lithograph, Signed, 1972, Twelve Apostles, Christ/Patricius
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Christ (Patricius) Portfolio: 1972 The Twelve Apostles (Knights of the Round Table) Medium: Lithograph Year: 1972 Edition: 38/350 Frame Size: 29 7/8" x 2...
Lithograph
Bottom of Summer Oceans, Abstract Surrealist Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
Sebastian Matta-Clark was born in 1943, twin of Gordon Matta-Clark. Son Of Chilean Surrealist Roberto Matta Sebastian, known as Batan died in 1976. He showed 3 exhibitions in his sho...
Canvas, Oil
"To The Shade" (2024) by Morgan Cameron, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Morgan Cameron’s (US based) “To The Shade” (2024) is an oil painting on panel that depicts a surreal portrait of a skeleton cowboy. About the artist: I am an oil painter based ou...
Oil, Panel
Passing Clouds - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Fantasy Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian painter Silvia Pavarini is known for her distinctly feminine artworks that resonate with the quiet whispers of nature. Each piece she creates embodies an ongoing dialogue wit...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
$450
Italian Surrealist Aquatint Etching Enrico Baj Pop Art Nude Mod Cherubs Angels
By Enrico Baj
Located in Surfside, FL
Enrico Baj (1924-2003) Italian, limited edition print. Hand signed and numbered in pencil from limited edition of 100 Aquatint etching Image size: cm 39.5 x 29.5, sheet cm 53 x 39 ...
Etching, Aquatint
"The Famished Vampire" (2024) By Timothy Von Rueden, Original Graphite Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
"The Famished Vampire" (2024) by Timothy Von Rueden is an original handmade graphite drawing that depicts an imprisoned vampire, who's hands are bound and has a cage on his head.
Paper, Graphite
$982Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Surrealist Oil Painting Figurative Scene Nudes on Motorbikes
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figurative Abstract French School dated 1972 oil painting on board overall size: 19.5 X 19 condition: overall very good and pleasing provenance: from a private collection of this art...
Oil
Invasion de l'Espace - Lithograph by Man Ray - 1975
By Man Ray
Located in Roma, IT
Invasion de l'espace is a vintage print by the American artist and exponent of Dadaism Man Ray (Philadelphia 1890 - Paris 1976). This color lithograph on paper, was edited by the Fr...
Lithograph
The Attic - Modern Surrealistic Oil Painting
Located in Salzburg, AT
Pawel Sepielak is a Polish painter, book illustrator and printmaker.
Canvas, Oil
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Leonor Fini, Untitled, from Fruits of Passion, 1980 (after)
By Leonor Fini
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite heliogravure, titled Sans titre (Untitled), after Leonor Fini, from the album Fruits de la passion, trente-deux variations sur un theme de Leonor Fini (Fruits of Passi...
Lithograph
A Colorful, 1942 Modern Surreal Abstract by Hananiah Harari "The Baroque Portal"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Colorful 1942 Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "The Baroque Portal", the artwork is mixed medi...
Paper, Gouache, Mixed Media
$799
Original Paris le 14 Juillet Bastille Day vintage travel poster, linen-backed
Located in Spokane, WA
Original "Le 14 Juillet à Paris" Poster by Gromaire, Linen-Backed, 1956, Excellent Condition. First edition lithograph poster, an after of a 1956 painting by Marcel Gromaire, spons...
Lithograph