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.
Florals Iris of Dali's Youth
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Florals Iris of Dali's Youth MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Editions Graphiques Internationals EDITION NUMBER: 62/3...
Etching
Les Marionettes II — Erotic Surrealism, Signed etching, 1969
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Hans Bellmer, 'Les Marionettes II', etching with hand coloring, 1969, edition 150, Flahutez 58-8. Signed and annotated 'HC' in pencil. A fine impression on brown Fabriano hand-made laid paper; the full sheet with margins (3/4 to 3 1/4 inches), in excellent condition. Archivally sleeved, unmatted. Image size 13 7/16 x 11 7/8 inches; sheet size 19 1/8 x 13 1/4 inches. A 'Hors Commerce' impression. From a suite of 11 etchings created by Bellmer to illustrate 'On the Marionette Theatre...
Etching
"Figure on a blue background" original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Catalogue reference: Mourlot 244. This charming Miro lithograph was printed by Mourlot for XXe Siecle in 1957 for issue number 8 "Art et humour au XXe Si...
Lithograph
Dolphins, Original Etching, Surrealist, 1974, Framed, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Dolphins Etching from 1974. Dimensions of work: 56 x 38 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Leblanc. Referencja: R. Michler, L.W. Lopsinger, Salvador Dalì, ...
Etching
Sanctificetur Nomen Tuum - Lithograph - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Sanctificetur Nomen Tuum - From "Pater Noster" is a lithograph on papre realized in 1964. Very Good condition. Dated and signed in plate. Pater Noster Pater Noster is a beautiful...
Lithograph
Naked Woman Lying Down - Original etching handsigned and numbered
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre-Yves Tremois Gorgone and a naked woman Original etching, 1970 Handsigned by the artist Numbered / XXIV copies (total edition of 90 + XXIV) Size 57 x 45 cm (c. 22,4 x 17,7 in)...
Etching
$1,346
Village in the desert. Contemporary, semi-abstract, landscape, horizontal, oil
By Sanne Bleka
Located in Oslo, NO
The picture is painted in a modern style. The artist creates motifs of harmoniuse landscapes from the future. The idyll of an eco-friendly village has a positive effect on the viewer...
Oil
The Fall, Original Etching, Surrealist, 1974, Framed, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - The Fall Etching from 1974. Dimensions of work: 56 x 38 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Leblanc. Referencja: R. Michler, L.W. Lopsinger, Salvador Dalì, ...
Etching
$15,000
"Into the blue" surreal, swimmer, turquoise, young woman, athletic, figurative
Located in Edgartown, MA
“Since I was young, I have loved nature – the trees, flowers, and butterflies. Growing up in Phoenix, AZ these things were not around and so I began to paint the world in which I wan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Cover me with your wing. Restorative. Symbolic. Spiritual. Christian.
Located in Oslo, NO
This surrealist painting depicts a small human figure curled up in a nest-like form, as if seeking comfort and safety. The figure is gently covered by a vast, white bird’s wing that ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Floral Still Life Postage Stamp Surrealist Collage painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mabel Barnsbee (1892-1980). Miniature Watercolor Painting Surrealist Postage Stamp Collage. Image measures 4.5 x 6.5 inches. Measuring 11 x 13 inches in original frame. The Mysti...
Paper, Watercolor
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
"New Destinations" (2024) By Christopher Clark, Oil & Acrylic Painting of Bird
Located in Denver, CO
Christopher Clark's "New Destinations" is an original, handmade oil & acrylic painting that depicts an abstracted landscape with a bright sunset and a bird taking off in flight. Chr...
Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Roar if You Dare, Oil Painting
By Kat Silver
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The surreal painting depicts a carnival scene unfolding beneath a cloudy night sky. Tents, a Ferris wheel, and white bunnies scatter across the scene. At the c...
Oil
$585
Dali, Power of Imagination - Original Silver Print Photograph, Signed & numbered
By Marc Lacroix
Located in Paris, IDF
Marc LACROIX (1927-2007) Dali, Power of Imagination, 1971 Original silver print photograph Signed in ink Numbered on 99 copies On silver print paper 57 x 47 cm (c. 22.4 x 18.5 inch)...
Silver Gelatin
Digital Iris Print "Theatres of the Body " Pencil Signed w Initials ed. 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
City of Refuge
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Ralph Steadman Title: City of Refuge Medium: One color silkscreen on White Rising Stonehenge Deckle Edge Paper Size: 22 x 30 Inches Edition: of 250 Year: 2006 Notes: Custom ...
Screen
"Candied Azure" - Original Oil Still Life Painting on Linen Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Artist Bio: Robin Hextrum is a contemporary oil painter who lives and works in the Denver area. She grew up in a small coastal town called Stinson Beach in Northern California where ...
Oil, Linen, Panel
Venice is a Woman and a World - Handsigned lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Patrick BRISSAUD Venice is a Woman and a World Orignal lithograph Handsigned in pencil Numbered / 175 copies On Arches Vellum 54 x 74 cm (c. 22 x 30 in) Excellent condition
Lithograph
$7,377
Red Royal Ostrich Buckingham Palace -original interior wildlife oil painting-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
$1,038Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Surrealist Oil Painting Calm Orange and Grey Colors 20th Century
By Jack Penouel
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition by Jack Penouel (French 1936-2018) oil on canvas, framed framed: 32 x 26 inches canvas : 31 x 25 inches provenance: the artists esta...
Oil, Canvas
A Sunflower in the City - Original Abstract Architectural 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, Mixed Media
Return Home
Located in Atlanta, GA
Georgian artist Merab Gagiladze was born in Tbilisi. In 1987 he began his formal art education at the Tbilisi College of Art, School of Ceramics. In 19...
Oil
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Incident II (Pug face dog man's best friend vintage oil painting surreal)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
"Incident" by Rudolf Kosow is a visually stunning oil painting that masterfully utilizes surrealism and a subtle color palette to emphasize the unexpected juxtaposition of a giant pu...
Canvas, Oil
Lithographs II (1044), Surrealist Abstract Lithograph by Joan Miro
By Joan Miró
Located in Long Island City, NY
Joan Miro was a Spanish Surrealist artist, world-renowned for his unique art style that blended surrealist fantasy and modern life. This lithograph is part of the series "Lithographs...
Lithograph
"Femmes et Oiseaux devant la Lune" original pochoir
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original pochoir stencil print in five 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
Victory Over the Sun, Serigraph, Modern, 1973, Excellent
By Kazimir Malevich
Located in OPOLE, PL
Kazimierz Malewicz (1879-1935) - Victory over the Sun Silkscreen / Serigraph from 1973. Edition XLVI/L. Dimensions of work: 41.5 x 29.5 cm Publisher: Galerie Gmurzynska, Cologne....
Serigraph
$1,297
French Surrealist pastel drawing 'The queen's journey' by Marchand des Raux
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A striking Surrealist work by the French 20th Century artist Louis Marchand des Raux. Louis Marchand des Raux was a self-taught amateur painter who caught the eye of the famous deal...
Paper, Pastel
Pubertat Lithograph, Surrealist Style, Signed, Edition 217/300, 1973
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph on Arches paper, with watermark. From the suite "The Four Ages of Man". Edition of 217/300. Published by Galerie Spectra, Zurich. Hand signed and numbered in penci...
Lithograph
$450Sale Price|50% Off
Cactus Landscape (Comanche Native American surrealist painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Cactus Landscape, ca. 1975-80. Gouache on Arches rag paper, Sheet measures 23 x 30 inches. Image measures 22 x 29 inches. Signed lower left. Excellent condition. Unframed.
Gouache, Rag Paper
Surrealist Beach - Original handsigned lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean-Pierre HENAUT (1942-) Surrealist Beach Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil Limited /275 copies On vellum 54 x 76 cm (c. 21.25 x 29.92 in) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Papageno original lithograph limited edition painting
By Karl Hodina
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Papageno original lithograph limited edition painting Original lithograph signed by hand. Perfect state
Lithograph
Rebirth
Located in Zofingen, AG
There is a state in which fragility ceases to be something that needs to be hidden. White and golden petals rise upward, as if a flame born from within—in this movement, weakness tra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Floral Still Life Postage Stamp Surrealist Collage painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mabel Barnsbee (1892-1980). Miniature Watercolor Painting Surrealist Postage Stamp Collage. Image measures 4.5 x 6.5 inches. Measuring 11 x 13 inches in original frame. The Mysti...
Paper, Watercolor
Design III a - Screen print by Getulio Alviani - 1971
Located in Roma, IT
Scren print in yellow and blue, realized in 1971. Edition by Griffelkunst Hamburg. Signed in pencil below the image, centered. Image dimension: 47 x 47 cm Besides geometrically in...
Screen
$737Sale Price|30% Off
Daphnis & Chloé - Original Lithograph - platesigned - numbered
Located in Sint-Truiden, BE
Marc Chagall (1887-1985) (after) - Cycle Daphné & Chloé Original lithograph Print 131/333 copies, from 1985, guaranteed SPADEM, signed in the plate. Numbered in pencil, on Arches vel...
Lithograph
$10,500
Bullfight No. 5 original signed limited edition lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Paonia, CO
Bullfight No. 5 is a signed limited edition ( 4/300 ) original lithograph by Salvador Dali from the Taureaumachie Suite of five original lithographs. Published by Phyllis Lucas...
Lithograph
The Joko Portrait Surrealism Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Portrait 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, Tit...
Canvas, Oil
The New Great Depression 5, dramatic, black & white, noir, mystery, genre
By Tom Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dramatic imagery from Tom Bennett’s series of black and white monotypes, blending surrealistic mindscapes with stark realism About Tom Bennett: With quick brushstrokes, Tom Bennett ...
Archival Paper, Monotype
Velasquez Le Reddition De Breda by Salvador Dali 1974 lithograph
Located in Paonia, CO
Velasquez Le Reddition De Breda is one of six graphics from the series Changes in Great Masterpieces published by Sidney Lucas, 1974. Mas...
Lithograph
$562
I need your wings. Symbolic. Restorative. Spiritual. Christian. Angelic. Small.
Located in Oslo, NO
This surrealist painting “I need your wings”portrays a weary woman sitting on the ground with an invisible weight. Her posture expresses exhaustion and surrender, a quiet moment of ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The shoulder. Love. Family. Anniversary. Symbolic. Restorative. Spiritual.
Located in Oslo, NO
The painting “Shoulder” is a quiet and deeply intimate portrayal of closeness beyond words. We see a woman leaning gently against a man’s shoulder, their faces hidden, emphasizing th...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Blue Cow - Original lithograph - Mourlot #488
By Marc Chagall
Located in Paris, IDF
Marc CHAGALL The Blue Cow, 1967 Original lithograph (Mourlot workshop) Not signed On paper 31 x 24 cm (c. 12 x 10 in) REFERENCE : Catalog raisonne Mourlot #488 Edited by XX Siecle ...
Lithograph
Blue Houses, Signed Surrealist Drawing with Wash by Peter Paul
Located in Long Island City, NY
Blue Houses by Peter Paul, German (1943) Date: 1980 Drawing with wash, signed and dated middle right Size: 27.5 x 22 in. (69.85 x 55.88 cm)
Paint
Israeli Modernist Surrealist Etching Cut Pear
Located in Surfside, FL
20.75x14.5 sheet size. 9.5x7.75 image size Shlomo Zafrir is active/lives in Israel, France. Shlomo Zafrir is known for cubist painting. Shlomo Zafrir is a painter and, at the same t...
Etching
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Apto - figurative painting, landscape painting, 89X97 cm
Located in New York, NY
"Apto" explores the relationship between identity, memory, and loyalty through a surreal composition inspired by the visual language of René Magritte. A faceless figure stands motion...
Canvas, Oil
$4,098
The Divine Love of Gala, Original Drypoint Etching, Surrealist, 1973, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - The Divine Love of Gala Drypoint etching with stencil from 1973. F171/195 on BFK Rives paper. Dimensions of work: 65.4 x 50.4 cm Publisher: Transworld...
Drypoint, Etching, Stencil
Land's End (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Land’s End, 1971 Ink on paper, 3.25 × 5 inches Signed and dated. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was born on July 2, 1932, the only child of Ali...
Paper, Ink
The Crow and the Fox - Etching by Marc Chagall - 1952
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Etching on BFK Rives paper, realized between 1927 and 1930. Table from "Les Fables de La Fontaine", published by Tériade in 1952 in and edition of 200. Signed in the plate. Very g...
Etching
Aliyah, Convenant: Eternal Circumcision lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Paonia, CO
Salvador Dali's Aliyah, Convenant: Eternal Circumcision is from the Aliyah, Rebirth of Israel Suite which was created by Salvador Dali for the 20th anniversary of the proclamation...
Lithograph
La Maison Rouge - Abstract Warm Tone Color Drenched Landscape 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
Portrait of a Naturalist Mrs Binoche, Surrealism, Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Surrealism, Portrait, Title: Portrait of Naturalist Mr Binoche...
Canvas, Oil
Twin Female Portrait Painting with Apples Pop Surrealist Acrylic on Framed Board
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Original twin female portrait painting with apples on metal panel, combining pop surrealist portraiture, symbolic still life and contemporary figurative imagery. This original paint...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
![Untitled, Planche 8 (Plate 8) [Set of 2] /// Le Corbusier Surrealism Modern Art](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/le-corbusier-prints-works-on-paper-unite-planche-8-set-of-2-surrealism-modern-art-le-corbusier-abstract-for-sale/a_1212/1759370784810/20161119_131146_master.jpg?width=240)
![Untitled, Planche 8 (Plate 8) [Set of 2] /// Le Corbusier Surrealism Modern Art](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/le-corbusier-prints-works-on-paper-unite-planche-8-set-of-2-surrealism-modern-art-le-corbusier-abstract-for-sale-picture-2/a_1212/a_170114621759370816373/20161119_131135_master.jpg?width=240)
$12,000
Untitled, Planche 8 (Plate 8) [Set of 2] /// Le Corbusier Surrealism Modern Art
By Le Corbusier
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) (Swiss-French, 1887-1965) Title: "Untitled, Planche 8 (Plate 8)" [Set of 2] Portfolio: Unité *Signed by Le Corbusier in pencil lower ...
Etching, Aquatint, Intaglio
$850
Modern Figurative Surrealist Watercolor Painting, Drawing 'Prince of Innocence'
Located in Surfside, FL
Angelic boy with a devil figure. Gary Hansmann (1947-2008) was active/lived in California. He is known for abstract, Surrealism figure painting. Gary William Hansmann was born Dec. ...
Paper, India Ink, Watercolor
Gonzo Spirit
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Ralph Steadman Title: Gonzo Guilt Medium: One color silkscreen on White Rising Stonehenge Deckle Edge Paper Size: 22 x 24 Inches Edition: of 250 Year: 2006 Notes: Custom Fra...
Screen
$1,350
"Pinocchio" Black & White Photograph 31" x 31" in Ltd. Ed. 1/7 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Pinocchio" Black & White Photograph 31" x 31" in Ltd. Ed. 1/7 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issues by the ...
Photographic Paper
The Sun Always Shines on L.A. - Architectural Color Drenched Mixed Media Art
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
New York Skyline: Chrysler Building, Surrealist Print, Signed 3/15
Located in Miami, FL
The New New York Skyline with Chrysler Building is depicted in shimmering sliver light and set against a deep cobalt blue sky. It incorporates the newly constructed supertalls: One...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Hollywood Boulevard - Architectural Colorful Mixed Media Landscape 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