Question 1

What is figurative Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

In figurative Surrealist works, natural forms — humans, animals, objects — are depicted, although they are generally dislocated or mutated.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

Surrealism is characterized by symbolism, unexpected combinations and non sequiturs.

Question 3

What is an example of Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

Salvador Dalí’s painting The Persistence of Memory,1931, is a quintessential example of Surrealism.

Question 4

Where did Surrealism start?

Accepted Answer

Surrealism started in Paris, according to numerous historians. It was there that André Breton published the Manifesto of Surrealism in 1924, and the first collective exhibition of Surrealist painting was held at the Galerie Pierre in November of 1925. Surrealist art features 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 to re-envision how sculptures, paintings, prints, performance art and more could respond to the unsettled world around them. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Surrealist art.

Question 5

What is Representational Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

Representational Surrealism is the term for art that uses realistic imagery to depict the workings of the unconscious mind. Salvador Dalí's paintings The Persistence of Memory and Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening are examples of this type of Surrealist art. The opposite of Representational Surrealism is Abstract Surrealism. Instead of incorporating real objects, artists who worked in this style featured non-representational shapes, colors and imagined forms in their works. Some examples of Abstract Surrealism include Jean Arp's Danger of Death and Torn-Up Woodcut. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of Surrealist art.

Question 6

When did Surrealism start?

Accepted Answer

Surrealism started in the 1920s, following the conclusion of World War I. Surrealist artists were informed by the Dada movement, which originated in 1916 in 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. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Surrealist art.

Question 7

Who is the father of Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

The father of Surrealism is Salvador Dalí.

Question 8

Who is the grandfather of Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

The grandfather of Surrealism was Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Active during the Italian Renaissance, the painter predated Surrealism by 400 years, but his imaginative portraits inspired Salvador Dalí and other Surrealists. He was particularly well-known for substituting fruits, vegetables and other foods for the facial features of his subjects. Some of his most famous paintings include Vertumnus, The Librarian, Summer and The Jurist. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Surrealist art.

Question 9

Who is the Surreal artist Salvador?

Accepted Answer

The Surreal artist Salvador is Salvador Dalí. Instantly recognizable by his waxed, upturned mustache, the flamboyant Dalí was one of modern art’s most distinctive figures. He remains an icon of the 20th-century avant-garde Surrealist movement. The dreamlike images he painted were drawn from the depths of the unconscious. He also brought this uncanny eye to sculptures, prints, fashion and film, with collaborators including Luis Buñuel and Alfred Hitchcock. Some of his most famous works include The Persistence of Memory, The Great Masturbator and Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Salvador Dalí art.

Question 10

What is the definition of Surrealism in art?

Accepted Answer

In art, the definition of Surrealism is a movement that emerged in the 1920s and was defined by dreamlike and uncanny imagery. It was often guided by a variety of techniques, such as automatic drawing, to channel psychological experiences. 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.” Artists who produced Surrealist art included Max Ernst, Salvador Dalí, Man Ray, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Frida Kahlo and Meret Oppenheim. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Surrealist art.

Question 11

What did André Breton do for Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

What André Breton did for Surrealism was help establish its principles. In 1924, he authored the Surrealist Manifesto, which clearly defined the movement. He also served as a leader of Surrealism, and his writings and artworks influenced other Surrealist artists, such as René Magritte and Joan Miró. Shop a diverse assortment of André Breton art on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What was the main focus of Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

The main focus of Surrealism was delving into the unconscious mind to confront and grapple with the horrors and uncertainty of post-World War I Europe. 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. Find a large selection of Surrealist art on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is the difference between Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism?

Accepted Answer

Surrealism is classical in orientation while Abstract Expressionism is romantic in orientation.

Question 14

What is the main idea behind Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

The main idea behind Surrealism is to enable subconscious creativity.

Question 15

How did Max Ernst use Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

Max Ernst used Surrealism to process the traumas he experienced during World War I. His early works consisted largely of collages, which allowed him to represent the shards, rubble and explosions from his wartime experience. In 1922, Ernst moved to France, where he soon became affiliated with Surrealism, the avant-garde art movement taking shape in Paris. Alongside Man Ray, Joan Miró and others, Ernst was among the first visual artists to experiment with the imagery and techniques that became associated with Surrealist art. Ernst’s greatest contribution to the Surrealist movement is often considered his invention of frottage, wherein an artist rubs a pencil or crayon over a paper atop a textured surface, and later grattage, where a similar technique is applied with paint. Both methods showcase Ernst’s fascination with the unconscious and serendipitous elements of artistic creation, a theme that connected the Dadaists and the Surrealists. Explore a range of Max Ernst art on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Was Meret Oppenheim Dada or Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

Most experts state that Meret Oppenheim was part of Surrealism, not Dada. Oppenheim moved to Paris to attend art school in 1932. There, she met sculptor Alberto Giacometti, who introduced her to Man Ray, Max Ernst and André Breton, considered the founder of the Surrealist movement. Within a year, Oppenheim was exhibiting her paintings with the Surrealists, the first female artist to do so. One of her most famous works is the 1936 Object, the enduringly disconcerting fur-covered teacup, saucer and spoon. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Meret Oppenheim art and furniture.

Question 17

How did Max Ernst contribute to Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

Max Ernst contributed to Surrealism by pushing the boundaries of the movement with his unconventional methods of printmaking, drawing and collage. He invented frottage (French for “rubbing”), wherein an artist rubs a pencil or crayon over a paper atop a textured surface, and later grattage (French for “scraping”), where a similar technique is applied with paint. Both methods showcase Ernst’s fascination with the unconscious and serendipitous elements of artistic creation, a theme that resonated with the Dadaists and the Surrealists. Ernst had deep knowledge of psychoanalysis and Sigmund Freud’s dream theories, which were big influences on Surrealists. He was among the first Surrealists to use Freud’s work to examine his own creative impulses. He also published a series of books of his collages, all of which were deeply symbolic and often philosophical. Explore a selection of Max Ernst art on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Who are the three artists that were most famous for Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

The three artists that were most famous for Surrealism are arguably Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst and Man Ray. Dalí is one of the best-known icons of the 20th-century avant-garde Surrealist movement. His dreamlike images, drawn from the depths of the unconscious, were deployed in paintings, sculptures, prints and fashion, as well as in film collaborations with Luis Buñuel and Alfred Hitchcock. Max Ernst was a pioneer in both the Dada and Surrealist movements, the boundaries of which he pushed with his unconventional methods of printmaking, drawing and collage. Ray was a famous American filmmaker, painter and photographer who achieved commercial success and worldwide acclaim with his uncanny images. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Surrealist art.

Question 19

What are the principles of Surrealism of André Breton?

Accepted Answer

The principles of Surrealism of André Breton held that the art movement was “a violent reaction against the impoverishment and sterility of thought processes that resulted from centuries of rationalism.” In his 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, he established that Surrealism sought to explore the unconscious workings of the human mind, a concept first explored by psychiatrist Sigmund Freud. Breton also wrote that Surrealism was "the invisible ray which will one day enable us to win out over our opponents," suggesting that he believed the ultimate aim of the movement was to impart social change during the turbulent time between the two world wars. Find an assortment of Surrealist art on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How did Joan Miró contribute to Surrealism?

Accepted Answer

Joan Miró contributed to Surrealism by producing pieces that incorporated nonobjective imagery and evoked the subconscious. With his wide-ranging oeuvre, including strikingly original paintings, prints, ceramics, sculptures, metal engravings and murals, the Catalan modernist was a critical force in moving 20th-century art toward complete abstraction. In addition to impacting fellow Surrealists, the radical visual world Miró created with its expressive lines, signature symbols and biomorphic shapes influenced American Abstract Expressionists such as Jackson Pollock and Color Field painters like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Joan Miró art.

Surreal And Print

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Prints

Oliver Hazard BensonThe Blue Night - Surreal Giclee Print, Artist Proof, Matted and Framed, 2017

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiBalloons. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiPierrot. Limited edition print, Surreal, Established Polish artist, 2024

1980s Contemporary Animal Prints

Fabrizio ClericiSurreal Ram - Original Screen Print by Fabrizio Clerici - 1980s, 1980 ca.

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Deming King HarrimanSagittarius, zodiac digital collage print, surreal, astrology, metallic edge, 2018

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiNew York. Limited edition print, Surreal, Established Polish artist, 2024

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiAn angel. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiA model. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiA ballerina. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiOwn heaven. Limited edition print, Surreal, Established Polish artist, 2020

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiConventional sentiment. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiSilent confession. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Deming King HarrimanScorpio, zodiac digital collage print, surreal, astrology, metallic gold edge, 2018

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiThe Moon. Paris. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiNature of reality. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiCodependent change of manners. Limited edition print Surreal Established artist, 2020

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiOn a horizon. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Czeslaw TumielewiczSisters - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2015

1980s Pop Art Nude Prints

Ray SmithSueño de un Boy Scout by Ray Smith surreal nude print in green and yellow, 1988-89

2010s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Rafał OlbińskiMagic of an opera. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Prints

Deming King HarrimanChimera III, Print of Original Relief Collage, Surreal, Creature, Bright, 2018, 2018

2010s Contemporary Portrait Prints

Natasha LelencoSurreal Portrait of Mr. Cabbage on Purple Background. 25 Limited Edition Print, 2024

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Jenny TothFinger Parrot, monochromatic print bold graphic, surreal bird, hands, 2016

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Czeslaw TumielewiczKing & queen - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2018

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Czeslaw TumielewiczThe stairs - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2018

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Czeslaw TumielewiczA pendulum - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2005

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Czeslaw TumielewiczA passion - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2010

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Czeslaw TumielewiczFurniture with a drawer - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal, 2004

Early 2000s Contemporary Landscape Prints

Siergiej TimochowLandscape with trees - XXI Century, Figurative Monotype Print, Surreal, 2008

1930s Surrealist Prints and Multiples

Jean LurçatEarly Figurative Surreal Silkscreen, 1930s

2010s Art Deco Still-life Prints

Ryan RivadeneyraFlamingo Pink Space, Surreal Still Life Composition, Pastel Palette Giclée Print, 2013

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Siergiej TimochowNude with an eye - XXI Century, Contemporary Figurative Monotype Print, Surreal, 2010

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Deming King HarrimanSurreal Grail V (cup overflowing, wings), 2019

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Deming King HarrimanSurreal Grail VI (halo, starry arch), 2019

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Deming King HarrimanSurreal Grail IX (indigo headpiece, eyes), 2019

1980s Pop Art Nude Prints

Ray SmithCartas de Japon by Ray Smith surreal Dali esque print Japanese portfolio, 1988-89

1980s Abstract Prints

Enzo CucchiSparire 2, Enzo Cucchi dream scape surreal etching, aquatint and silkscreen, 1988

1970s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Holger BäckströmMorning Eye, Magritte-like Surreal Print by Backstrom aka Beck o Jung, 1978

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Deming King HarrimanSurreal Grail VIII (halo, robe, sun overhead), 2019

2010s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Oliver Hazard Benson
The Blue Night - Surreal Giclee Print, Artist Proof, Matted and Framed, 2017

Rafał Olbiński
Balloons. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

Rafał Olbiński
Pierrot. Limited edition print, Surreal, Established Polish artist, 2024

Fabrizio Clerici
Surreal Ram - Original Screen Print by Fabrizio Clerici - 1980s, 1980 ca.

Deming King Harriman
Sagittarius, zodiac digital collage print, surreal, astrology, metallic edge, 2018

Rafał Olbiński
New York. Limited edition print, Surreal, Established Polish artist, 2024

Rafał Olbiński
An angel. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

Rafał Olbiński
A model. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

Rafał Olbiński
A ballerina. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

Rafał Olbiński
Own heaven. Limited edition print, Surreal, Established Polish artist, 2020

Rafał Olbiński
Conventional sentiment. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

Rafał Olbiński
Silent confession. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

Deming King Harriman
Scorpio, zodiac digital collage print, surreal, astrology, metallic gold edge, 2018

Rafał Olbiński
The Moon. Paris. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

Rafał Olbiński
Nature of reality. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2024

Rafał Olbiński
Codependent change of manners. Limited edition print Surreal Established artist, 2020

Rafał Olbiński
On a horizon. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

Czeslaw Tumielewicz
Sisters - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2015

Ray Smith
Sueño de un Boy Scout by Ray Smith surreal nude print in green and yellow, 1988-89

Rafał Olbiński
Magic of an opera. Limited edition print Surreal Established Polish artist, 2020

Deming King Harriman
Chimera III, Print of Original Relief Collage, Surreal, Creature, Bright, 2018, 2018

Natasha Lelenco
Surreal Portrait of Mr. Cabbage on Purple Background. 25 Limited Edition Print, 2024

Jenny Toth
Finger Parrot, monochromatic print bold graphic, surreal bird, hands, 2016

Czeslaw Tumielewicz
King & queen - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2018

Czeslaw Tumielewicz
The stairs - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2018

Czeslaw Tumielewicz
A pendulum - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2005

Czeslaw Tumielewicz
A passion - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal Black & white, 2010

Czeslaw Tumielewicz
Furniture with a drawer - Figurative Etching Print Monochromatic Surreal, 2004

Siergiej Timochow
Landscape with trees - XXI Century, Figurative Monotype Print, Surreal, 2008

Jean Lurçat
Early Figurative Surreal Silkscreen, 1930s

Ryan Rivadeneyra
Flamingo Pink Space, Surreal Still Life Composition, Pastel Palette Giclée Print, 2013

Siergiej Timochow
Nude with an eye - XXI Century, Contemporary Figurative Monotype Print, Surreal, 2010

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail V (cup overflowing, wings), 2019

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail VI (halo, starry arch), 2019

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail IX (indigo headpiece, eyes), 2019

Ray Smith
Cartas de Japon by Ray Smith surreal Dali esque print Japanese portfolio, 1988-89

Enzo Cucchi
Sparire 2, Enzo Cucchi dream scape surreal etching, aquatint and silkscreen, 1988

Holger Bäckström
Morning Eye, Magritte-like Surreal Print by Backstrom aka Beck o Jung, 1978

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail VIII (halo, robe, sun overhead), 2019

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail III (seated lady pink, dusk), 2019

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail II (seated lady green, dawn), 2019

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail IV (feathered hat, rosy cheeks), 2019

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail X (hand, horse with rider), 2019

Natasha Lelenco
Surreal Floral Portrait. Leaves and Flowers. Lim Ed on Dibond 24/25, 2024

Oliver Hazard Benson
TnT - Surreal Nude Figure, Fine Point Graphite Drawiing, Matted and Framed, 2000

Deming King Harriman
Surreal Grail VII (nude with cape, radiating halo), 2019

Natasha Lelenco
Floral Crown and Snail: Surreal Portrait with Whimsical Details. Lim. Ed. 25/25, 2024

Elizabeth Quandt
"Knife and Fork" - Surreal Landscape of Cutlery in the Clouds, 1972

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Eschatos #23, Surreal Landscape by Clarence Carter, 1977

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Eschatos #18, Surreal Landscape by Clarence Carter, 1978

Sadao Watanabe
Surreal Composit - Woodcut by Sadao Watanabe - 20th Century, 20th Century

Herbert L. Fink
Vintage Surreal Figurative Etching -- "Metamorphosis", 1982

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Eschatos #28, Surreal Landscape Serigraph by Clarence Carter, 1977

Jacques Villon
Jacques Villon - Surreal Cubism - Original Etching, 1946

Francesco Clemente
Clemente Untitled A: surreal mythical landscape, voyage with ocean and animals, 1986

André Masson
Visage, Surreal Lithograph by Andre Masson, Circa 1960

Mihail Chemiakin
Escargot, Surreal Lithograph by Mihail Chemiakin, circa 1978

Dimitri Petrov
Man and Bird II, Colorful Surreal Abstract Lithograph by Dimitri Petrov, circa 1975

Franz Graw
Reclining Female (Surreal, Colorful, Vibrant, Modern) (25% OFF LIST PRICE), 2021