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.
Wild Flowers 2 - Abstract Vibrant 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, Acrylic
Lucky Road - Abstract Large Scale Lively Geometric 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, Acrylic
Strategy
Located in Zofingen, AG
Strategy (series “1000 and 1 Night”) In this work, the theme of falling in love shifts into the realm of power and control. The space is constructed like a game board, where movement...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Cliche, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson commissioned a formal family portrait, insisting their beloved pet elephant, Elbert, be included. Elbert is family, after all. When the co...
Oil
$1,800
A Surrealist 1950s Mid-Century Modern Still Life Painting, Black Cat on a Table
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Early 1950s Abstract, Surrealist Mid-Century Modern Still Life Painting (Black Cat on a Table) by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Depicting a capt...
Canvas, Board
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Where Am I? - 21st Century, Contemporary, Surrealism, African Nature, Boy Child
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Where am I?" is a piece that delves into themes of identity, place, and imagination. These dream-like and imaginative scenes create a fantastical atmosphere, inviting viewers to exp...
Acrylic, Canvas
Bluebird, Tulip Petals - Framed Botanical Flowers & Birds Still Life Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The figurative surrealistic paintings of Carlos Gamez de Francisco are heavily influenced by his Cuban upbringing in a Russian-governed academic setting. This presence exposed Franci...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Lobster Party 2 - Seafood Still Life Collage Mixed Media Artwork 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, Mixed Media
Tea Rex, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A surreal scene unfolds at a genteel afternoon tea, where women in period clothing share stories with an unexpected dinosaur companion. Something about the mome...
Oil
$2,588
Signed Oil Painting Cadaqués 2001 – Organic Surreal Composition on Cardboard
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Antoni Pitxot Title: Untitled (Cadaqués, 2001) Medium: Oil on cardboard Dimensions: 23 × 17 cm (9.05 × 6.69 in) Framing: Unframed Signature: Signed “Pitxot 01” upper right In...
Oil
Island. Women's Sculpture Head, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Guigen Zha presents a stylized portrait of a woman’s head, adorned with floral and tree-like elements against a backdrop of blue sky, moon, and seascap...
Acrylic
$4,275
Confident Figure - Original Figurative Abstract Man in Purple Suit on Blue Wall
By Iqi Qoror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iqi Qoror's surreal figurative paintings are arresting in their earthy palettes offset by pops of fluorescent textile embroidery. His artworks revolve around questions of trust, inte...
Wool, Canvas, Thread, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Planning for the Future - Blue Jay Birds Still Life Framed Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The figurative surrealistic paintings of Carlos Gamez de Francisco are heavily influenced by his Cuban upbringing in a Russian-governed academic setting. This presence exposed Franci...
Canvas, Acrylic
Landscape 2 - Abstract Color Drenched Architectural Modern 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
The Spilt, Oil Painting
By Kat Silver
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A surrealist painting captures the tension between prey and predator. In the foreground, a rabbit stands wary while a fox snarls nearby. Others of their kind sc...
Oil
$2,109Sale Price|40% Off
Echoes of Picasso oil on board painting surrealism
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Gustavo Úbeda (Herencia, Ciudad Real, 1930 – São Paulo, 1994) Title: Ecos de Picasso (Echoes of Picasso) Medium: Oil on board Dimensions: 81 x 100 cm (31.9 x 39.4 in) Signatu...
Oil, Board
Mid-20th Century Magical Realism, Surrealist Painting, Cleveland School Artist
By Paul Riba
Located in Beachwood, OH
Paul Riba (American, 1912-1977) Untitled Oil on panel Signed lower right 30 x 18 inches 39.25 x 27.25 inches, framed Paul Riba was a painter of Magic Realism. He explored the unrea...
Oil
"Honfleur Street" (2024) By Christopher Clark, Cityscape, Oil & Acrylic
Located in Denver, CO
Christopher Clark's "Honfleur Street" is an original, handmade oil & acrylic painting that depicts an abstracted cityscape bustling with people and the sun brightly reflecting off of...
Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
"The Post-Truth Era V", Surrealist Portrait, Brown, Collage, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker’s “The Post-Truth Era V “ is an acrylic painting on canvas with collage 20 x 16 inches in blues, whites, tans and browns. In our post-truth era it is next to impossible to...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
A Home in the Woods - Original Birds Portrait Still Life Framed Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The figurative surrealistic paintings of Carlos Gamez de Francisco are heavily influenced by his Cuban upbringing in a Russian-governed academic setting. This presence exposed Franci...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,605Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Large French Surrealist Oil Painting Figures on the Beach
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Surrealist composition French School, dated 1975 verso oil on canvas, framed framed: 33.5 x 27 inches canvas: 32 x 25.5 inches inscribed verso provenance: private collection, France ...
Oil, Canvas
London Bus - London cityscape impressionism painting - contemporary art
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
$1,500Sale Price|58% Off
Moonlight Acrylic on Masonite, Surrealist, Signed, 1963, Framed
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
Title: Moonlight Signed Date: 1963 Leonardo Nierman Mendelejis (Mexico City, November 1, 1932 – June 7, 2023) was a Mexican artist known primarily for his painting and sculpture....
Masonite, Acrylic
Dancing Lovers
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I've blended abstract, figurative, and surreal elements to capture the fluid motion and raw emotion of an intimate dance. The intertwining forms, awash in shade...
Oil
$1,573Sale Price|20% Off
Mid 20th Century French Surrealist Oil Painting Nude Woman Standing
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nude in Landscape French Surrealist artist, mid 20th century oil painting on board, ornately framed frame: 40 x 31 inches board: 29 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, Paris ...
Oil
$539Sale Price|23% Off
Surrealist scene oil on canvas painting surrealism
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Oil on canvas. Signed Aress. Oil mesures 33x24 cm. Frame mesures 48x39 cm.
Canvas, Oil
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
White Stone Surrealist Painting, Late 20th Century, Cleveland Female Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Sally Lachina (American, 20th Century) White Stone, 1994 Acrylic on canvas Signed and dated lower right, signed, dated and titled verso 42 x 42 inches Sally Lachina is an American a...
Acrylic
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Dutress and Her Cat -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Animals
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 Oluw...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,782Sale Price|40% Off
Large Scale Surrealist Oil on Canvas, 'Noah's Ark and the Animals'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Very large scale late 20th century oil on canvas of Noah's Ark and the Animals by British artist Derek Carruthers. Signed to the bottom right. A magical, highly colourful and energe...
Canvas, Oil
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Nude Figurative in Oil on Artist's Board
Located in Soquel, CA
Nude study by Andy Smith (American, 20th Century). A woman is seated, slightly leaning to the left of the composition. The background fades from a rusty red to a dark blue, changing ...
Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Gaze 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Men
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 Oluw...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,400
"Reclining Man" (2015) By John Tarantola, Surrealist Nude Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
John Tarantola's original nude portrait "Reclining Man" (2015) is a beautiful surrealist oil on panel painting that depicts a young man lying in the nude, against a surreal scene of ...
Oil, Panel
I was offended.
Located in Zofingen, AG
She is offended. And no gifts, champagne or words will melt this ice. What did her Man do - we can only guess. May be he forget about the anniversary, bought the wrong flowers, cheat...
Canvas, Oil
The Tub, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This painting is a modern reinterpretation of the English nursery rhyme "Rub-a-dub-dub, Three Men in a Tub," first published in Mother Goose's Melody in 1798. I...
Oil
"My Peace", Surreal, Dove, Bird, Blue, White, Oil Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
Anita Zotkina’s “My Peace” is an 8 x 10 x 0.7 inch surrealist oil painting on canvas depicting a luminous white dove standing within a quiet atmosphere of soft blue and lavender tone...
Canvas, Oil
Diving Deep, Oil Painting
By Kat Silver
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A mesmerizing underwater scene comes to life where an enchanting mix of sea creatures, humans, and scuba bunnies coexist in perfect harmony. The submerged wor...
Oil
$10,549
Love
Located in London, London
Red, cow, kiss, girl, love, passion, animal. extra-large red painting, XXL, large oil on canvas painting, abstract expressionism. The painting will be shipped rolled, without stretc...
Oil, Acrylic
Don't Hurt Me
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 painti...
Oil, Linen
Italian Surrealist Colorful Metal Enamel Plaque Painting Wall Hanging Art Luigi
Located in Surfside, FL
Biomorphic Surrealism. Signed Luigi, Enamel on metal (probably copper). Mounted to a plexi or acrylic purple mounting. I am assuming it is Italian as it is signed Luigi but it might ...
Enamel
$9,000
"Yggdrasil" (2025) Original Surrealist Landscape and Still-Life, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Robin Hextrum's "Yggdrasil" is an original oil painting on stretched canvas. Artist Statement: This painting is part of my "Magical Realism" series. Yggdrasil is the tree of life ce...
Linen, Oil
Surrealist Photo Collage Assemblage Art Butterfly Mouth Ivan Chermayeff
Located in Surfside, FL
Ivan Chermayeff (1932-2017): Butterfly Mouth Mixed media collage, 2002, hand signed 'Ivan Chermayeff' and dated lower right, titled lower left. Bears label from David Findlay Jr. Ga...
Paper, Mixed Media
Knight In Armour w/ Horse, Large Magical Realist Landscape
By Paul Riba
Located in Beachwood, OH
Paul Riba (American, 1912-1977) Knight in Armour, 1973 Oil on board Signed and dated lower right 39.5 x 47.5 inches 48.5 x 57 inches, framed Paul Rib...
Oil
"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
Untitled Micro-Gestalt H4
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Acrylic and ink on canvas
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
The Unfolding Silence, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman appears surrounded by swirling, luminous strokes. Flowing lines move through her figure, giving her a dreamlike appearance and a poetic presence. The bl...
Acrylic
$3,853Sale Price|20% Off
Golfers 45 - original figurative landscape painting - contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. Step into the serene and orderly world of "Golfers 45," a char...
Canvas, Oil
$3,480Sale Price|20% Off
Patiently Waiting 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Black Woman, Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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 Authent...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,320Sale Price|20% Off
At The Warehouse - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman, Dog
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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 Authent...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,632
Surrealist Painting Royal College of Art LGBTQ+ artist Blue Fountain Pink Poodle
By Isabel Rock
Located in Norfolk, GB
Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences while a surreal narrative takes the audience on a journey into the imagination. In October 2023 Isabel won the Evelyn Williams Drawing Award at the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize. Known as the UK’s most prestigious annual open exhibition for drawing; part of the prize is a solo show at Hastings Contemporary, scheduled for 2024. Whilst Isabel always has a tale to tell for each of her images, you may or may not choose to go on the journey with her or you may indeed have a different story, one of your own that jumps off the page at you and you decide to follow. Artwork Details: Isabel Rock , 'Just another Day in Paradise', mixed media on best archival paper, 85cm x 140cm, unframed, 2022 In Rock's own words, 'It was just another day in Paradise for the Pink Poodle People of the Everlasting Fountain of Eternal Joy. Since every day was Paradise it was just another normal day filled with love, ecstasy and wonder. It started slowly at first, things began to appear in paradise, strange objects that the Pink Poodle People did not know what to do with. Some had sharp edges, others were so and smelt strange, bad strange. Some things glittered and shone. Every day more of these objects would arrive in Paradise. ' If this happens every day then soon Paradise will be full of these strange objects. Some of them are nice but many are bad and smelly. One day there will be no Paradise, only bad, sharp and smelly things.' But the Pink Poodle People did not know what to do with the objects and every day more arrived.' Artwork Provenance: from the Artist Studio A certificate of authentication comes from Gallery Art 1821 photo credits, Isabel working, black and white shots, James Brown About Isabel Rock and her work: Taking inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints and Indian miniature painting Rock has developed a unique collage technique that combines bold structures with large-scale woodblock prints and intricate detailing. The subject is a grand mixture of humour, drama, hidden morals, fanciful characters, modern culture, mythical beings and fantastical situations. Rock creates a world that pulls you in and demands your attention. Quality of line is paramount, the drawings are created using a dipping pen and acrylic ink. An essential tool is a squirrel...
Paint, Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Pen
20th Century Surrealist Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Beachwood, OH
Surrealist Landscape Oil on canvas 'R. Lee Glenn' verso 30 x 24.25 inches 31.75 x 26.75 inches, framed Surrealism aims to revolutionize human experience. It balances a rational visi...
Oil
Micro Gestalt Series #3b
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Acrylic and ink on canvas.
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
Meeting Figurative Surrealism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Tigran Hovumyan Figurative Surrealist Oil Painter Artwork Title: Meeting Medium: Original Oil on Linen Dimensions: 36" x 47" x 1" (91 x 120 x 3 cm) Year: 2012 Unframed, Stretched o...
Canvas, Oil
$950
A Surrealist 1950s Mid-Century Modern Studio Painting, "Seated Nude with Mirror"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking Surrealist Abstract 1950s Mid-Century Modern Interior Scene "Seated Nude with Mirror" by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Oil on Masonite, dating fr...
Oil, Masonite
$1,058Sale Price|60% Off
Vintage Oil Painting of Fantasy Cottage in the Woods with Flowers & Gardens
Located in Preston, GB
Vintage Oil Painting of Fantasy Cottage in the Woods with Flowers & Gardens Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 40 x 28 inches
Canvas, Oil
Surrealist Large Painting Royal College of Art LGBTQ+ Female Crocodile
By Isabel Rock
Located in Norfolk, GB
Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences while a surreal narrative take...
Paint, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pen
Performance, Nude Figurative Art Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Figurative art, Nude women painting Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2019 Style: Figurative Art, Title: Performance, Size: 47"...
Canvas, Oil
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Priscilla At Dusk - 21st Century, Surrealism, Africa Woman with Guitar, Musical
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 Bor...
Canvas, Oil
Tryst Acrylic on Board, Surrealist Landscape Painting, 1970s, Framed
Located in London, GB
Fleur Fenton Cowles 'Tryst' Acrylic on board 45 x 61 cm FRAMED DIMENSIONS: 66.8 x 81.7 cm Alongside being an artist Fleur Cowles was a socialite, writer, diplomat and fashion edit...
Acrylic, Board
The Côte d'Azur. Sun, Sea and Sand. Mid-Century Oil on Canvas.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid-century oil on canvas of a summer scene on the Côte d'Azur. The work is signed but the artist unknown. This artwork is a vibrant and eclectic composition that captures the essen...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
CABINET OF CURIOSITIESoriginal large Paula Craioveanu oil Surreal FRAMED
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Cabinet of Curiosities" Oil on canvas Large original, one-of-a-kind, painting 39x27in Shipped stretched and framed. In this new series artist explores and brings together the old an...
Canvas, Oil