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.
A Dream Within a Dream Surrealism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Tigran Hovumyan Figurative Surrealist Oil Painter Artwork Title: A Dream Within a Dream Medium: Original Oil on Linen Dimensions: 48" x 36" x 1" inch, ( 122 x 91 x 3 cm) Year: 2026 ...
Oil, Canvas
Garden Under the Moonlight - Original lithograph (Mourlot #896)
By Joan Miró
Located in Paris, IDF
Joan MIRO Garden Under the Moonlight, 1973 Original lithograph (Mourlot workshop) Printed signature in the plate Unknown edition run, unnumbered as issued, apart from a numbered run...
Lithograph
I'm okay
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sometimes, fear and a sense of security, tension and calm, the desire to hide and the desire to stay in the open all exist within me at the same time. They aren’t necessarily contrad...
Canvas, Acrylic
$600,000Sale Price|20% Off
Early Dawn Mosaic on MDF Panel, Signed, 2023, 39.5 x 58.5 in
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn Title: Early Dawn Year 2023 Size: 39 3/8 x 53 1/8 inches (100 x 134.9 cm) Mosaic on MDF panel Signed in the front and Signed on the back. About the Artist Scott ...
Mosaic
Salvador Dalí Signed Lithograph, Don José’s Final Appearance, 1968
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph by Salvador Dalí (1904–1989), Don José’s Final Appearance: the Bats Symbolizing Death, from the celebrated Carmen suite inspired by Georges Bizet’s opera. The work i...
Lithograph
Surrealist Collection, Abstract Figurative Body, Surreal Icons in Primary Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Surrealist Collection Medium: Acrylic Painting on Watercolor Paper Size: 100x 70 cm (40x 28 inches). Year: 2026 Artist: Alberto de Blobs Artist's signature: Right co...
Paper, Acrylic
$7,500
Griswold Point December 2021 Signed Limited Edition Giclée on Hahnemühle Paper
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn (American, b. 1946) Title: Griswold Point December Medium: Archival pigment print (giclée) Hahnemühle fine art paper Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 9/200 Yea...
Giclée
original lithograph
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1979 and published in Barcelona by La Poligrafa in an edition of 1000. Size: 10 x 7 1/2 inches (255 x 188 mm). Not signed.
Lithograph
$2,250
Les Bijoux Indiscrets (The Indiscrete Jewels), Signed print by Rene Magritte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Les Bijoux Indiscrets (The Indiscrete Jewels) by Rene Magritte, 1898 - 1967 Date: 1975 Medium: Lithograph, signed in the plate Edition: 575 Size: 10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.56 cm) Frame ...
Lithograph
Hell 22 - The Liars - Original Woodcut 1963 (Field p 189 à 200)
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Hell 22 - The Liars, 1963 Wood engraving from "Divine Comedy" with the signature printed in the plate On BFK Rives vellum 32,8 x 26,4 cm (c. 13 x 10") REF...
Woodcut
Courtside Blooms, Knicks - Floral Sports Inspired Still Life 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
$7,500
Early November Pennsylva 2021 Signed Limited Edition Giclée on Hahnemühle Paper
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn (American, b. 1946) Title: Early November, Pennsylvania Medium: Archival pigment print (giclée) Hahnemühle fine art paper Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 1/20...
Giclée
Salvador Dalí 1970s Surrealist Dated and Signed Work on Paper
Located in Roma, IT
Salvador Dalí 1970s Surrealist Dated and Signed Work on Paper This significant work on paper is a silkscreen print by Salvador Dalí (1904–1989), part of the famous series dedicated ...
Lithograph
The Colors of Los Angeles - Large Abstract City 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
Lunar Eclipse Signed Limited Edition Giclée on Hahnemühle Paper
By Scott Kahn
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Scott Kahn (American, b. 1946) Title: Lunar Eclipse Medium: Archival pigment print (giclée) Hahnemühle fine art paper Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 31/200 Year: 2021 S...
Giclée
The Kingdom
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: The Kingdom MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: 40/350 MEASUREMENTS: 29.4" x 21.45" YEAR: 1980 PUBLISHER: Le...
Lithograph
$1,942Sale Price|32% Off
Surreal Anthropomorphic Interior, Dalí Circle Cadaqués Spanish Oil Painting art
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surreal Anthropomorphic Interior, Dalí Circle Cadaqués Spanish Oil Painting Artist: Antoni Pitxot Technique: Oil on cardboard Date: 1996 Signature: Signed “Pitxot 96” lower left Ins...
Oil
$43,429
Sirens Combing Their Hair with Coral and Ant, 108-Piece Porcelain Set, 1977
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) “Sirenas peinadas con coral y hormiga” 108-Piece Porcelain Dinner, Tea and Coffee Service Designed in 1977 and produced in 1978 An extensive porcelain tab...
Porcelain
$980Sale Price|45% Off
Códice Miguelito I Giclée Print, Surrealist Style, Framed, 2010+
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
PEDRO FRIEDEBERG, GRAPHIC, SURREALIST WORK, IMPORTANT MEXICAN ART, EXQUISITE FRAME . . . Artist and designer Pedro Friedeberg is known for his surrealist paintings, prints, and sculp...
Giclée
$3,200Sale Price|30% Off
Surrealist Mineral Still Life with Dalinian Organic Forms and Textured Surface
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surrealist Mineral Still Life with Dalinian Organic Forms and Textured Surface Artist: Antoni Pitxot Soler (Figueres, 1934 – Barcelona, 2015) Title: Surrealist Mineral Still Life wi...
Oil
$2,350
Harvest is Ready - 21st Century, Contemporary, Surrealism, African Nature, Child
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. Akanji Bolaji (b...
Canvas, Acrylic
Salvador Dali : The Blue Horsemen, Original signed print, Field #73-1 J
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI (1904–1989) The Blue Horsemen Original print (etching) Signed on the plate On Japanese paper, 28 x 38 cm (11 x 14.9 in) REFERENCES: - Field Catalogue Raisonné #73-1 J...
Etching
$5,530Sale Price|30% Off
Neptune, Original Lithograph, Surrealist, 1970, Signed, Excellent
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Neptune Lithograph from 1970. Edition of 187/250. Dimensions of work: 68 x 50 cm Publisher: Simeon Wajntraub. On B.F.K Rives paper as stated in the F...
Lithograph
Waiting Portrait Surrealism Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Figurative 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, T...
Canvas, Oil
$1,137
René Magritte - LES AMANTS Limited Surrealism French Art Contemporary
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LES AMANTS, 1928 (THE LOVERS) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition: 275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: New, in mint condition and never f...
Paper, Lithograph
Portrait of Woman, Figurative Surrealism Original oil Painting
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Figurative Surrealism Original Painting Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2023 Style: Surrealism, Title: Sti...
Canvas, Oil
Beaujolais - Abstract Muted Tone Architectural Still Life 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
$450
Flower Pot 4 - 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
$17,749
Pablo Picasso - Bouquet de Fleurs - Color lithograph on Arches paper - 1958
Located in Varese, IT
Color lithograph on Arches paper, edited in 1958. Limited edition of 200 copies, numbered as 20/200 in lower left corner. Hand-signed in pencil by artist in lower right corner. Pape...
Lithograph
House on a Hill 2 - Abstract Colorful Architectural 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
The Sad Clown, Figurative Surrealism, Original oil Painting, Handmade artwork
By Ashot Yan
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Figurative Surrealism Original Painting Artist: Ashot Yan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Linen, Year: 2018 Style: Figurative Surrealism, ...
Canvas, Oil
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Le Seize Septembre Offset Print, Surrealist, 1998, Authorized Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This reproduction of the Magritte painting is the only authorized and approved copy in its current format. It has been sanctioned by the appropriate authorities managing Magritte’s e...
Offset
$4,571Sale Price|33% Off
Surreal Abstract Mineral Landscape with Cadaqués Rock Forms Oil Canvas Painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Surreal Abstract Mineral Landscape with Cadaqués Rock Forms Artist: Antoni Pitxot i Soler Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 41 × 33 cm / 16.1 × 13 in Signature: Signed lower right D...
Oil
"Flight Risk" illustrative photography, surrealism, paper airplane motif
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Flight Risk" is a limited edition photographic print by Andrew Pinkham and is made from archival pigment on cotton rag. This piece measures 20"h x 20"w unframed an...
Rag Paper, Archival Pigment
$1,145Sale Price|33% 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
Star-Crossed, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Two astronauts sit across from each other, the table between them barely separating their bodies as they lean in close. It was a first date, and they had a wond...
Oil
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Walking Creature: Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract, 2005
Located in Soquel, CA
Walking Creature, Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract by Michael William Eggleston Bold and imaginative contemporary figurative abstract by San Francisco artist Michael William...
Oil, Board
Time Stillness of Time
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Time Stillness of Time MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Levine & Levine, New York EDITION NUMBER: EA MEASUREMENTS...
Lithograph
$34,720
Les Caveliers de l'Apocalypse, Original Etching, Surrealism, 1971, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Les Caveliers de l'Apocalypse Drypoint etching on chromolithograph, embossed from 1971. The edition of 197/197 on Rives paper. Countersigned by the edi...
Drypoint, Etching, Embossed Print
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Believe - 21st Century, Contemporary, Surrealism, African Nature, Fashion
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Believe is a moving meditation on hope, self-worth, and the courage to look past our limits. Standing on a bed of clouds, the figure wears an oversized blue coat and giant red boots,...
Canvas, Acrylic
Mid-century Theatrical Surrealist Signed Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a striking mid-century theatrical surrealist work by the Chilean artist Fabio Lemus, who was active during the mid-20th century. STYLE: Lemus was noted for his whimsical...
Masonite, Oil
René Magritte - LE CHEF D'OEUVRE OU... Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LE CHEF D'OEUVRE OU LES MYSTÈRES DE L'HORIZON, 1965 Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 131/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: N...
Lithograph
Twin Trees at Sunrise - Architectural Colorful Still Life 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
$1,485
La Cascade - 20th Century, Surrealist, Lithograph, Figurative Print
Located in Sint-Truiden, BE
Color lithograph after the 1961 oil on canvas by René Magritte, printed signature of Magritte and numbered from the edition of 300. The lithograph features the dry stamps of the Mag...
Lithograph
TIE Fighter Beatles Pop Art Print, Signed Limited Edition, 40x30 in
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
Espana, Surrealist figure - Original lithograph, 1982
By Joan Miró
Located in Paris, IDF
Joan MIRO Espana, Surrealist figure, 1982 Original lithograph in colors (atelier Arte, Maeght) Printed signature in the plate On thin paper 95 x 60 cm (c. 37.4 x 23.6 in) Referenc...
Lithograph
$4,988Sale Price|28% Off
In Spite of it All (Window, Skyscape, Warm, Dreamy, ~29% OFF)
By Annieo Klaas
Located in Kansas City, MO
Annieo Klaas In Spite of it All 2024 Oil on Canvas 84 x 48 inches (213.36 x 121.92 cm) Signed lower right COA provided *On stretcher frame - gallery wrapped - ready to hang Annieo ...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$8,500
1970 Mod Surrealist Painting Collage David Hare Abstract Landscape Summer Land
By David Hare
Located in Surfside, FL
David Hare Summer Land, 1970 Acrylic or oil paint and collage on board Dimensions: 26 X 36 inches. Framed measuring 29 x 38 inches. Hand signed, dated and titled on tape to verso 'S...
Acrylic, Board
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
Soles de Ninive Silkscreen Print, Surrealist Framed Art, 2014
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
PEDRO FRIEDEBERG, GRAPHIC, SURREALIST WORK, IMPORTANT MEXICAN ART, EXQUISITE FRAME . . . Pedro Friedeberg signed print featuring a fantastical surrealistic scene. Includes whimsical ...
Serigraph
$9,040
La Tauromachie Individuelle, Original Heliogravure, Surrealist, 1966, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - La Tauromachie Individuelle (Bullfight) Heliograviure with stencil from 1966. The edition LXIX/C on Japanese paper. Dimensions of sheet: 51.4 x 64.8 cm...
Heliogravure
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
Moses and Monotheism
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled, "Moses and Monotheism" 1979, is a copper embossed bas relief by artist Salvador Dali, 1904-1989. It is hand signed in felt pen at the lower right corner. The art...
Copper
Litografia Original VI (Abstract, Modern, Surrealism)
By Joan Miró
Located in Kansas City, MO
Joan Miró Litografia Original VI Color Lithograph Year: 1975 Size: 13.25 × 10 inches (33.65 x 25.4 cm) Catalogue Raisonné: Weber, Genf, 949 (p86) Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris, Fr...
Lithograph
Circus - 25 illustrated books - Vintage poster - 1982
By Marc Chagall
Located in Paris, IDF
After Marc CHAGALL Circus Offset vintage poster, 1982 On heavy paper 66 x 46 cm / 26 x 18" INFORMATION : Vintage poster for the exhibition "25 livres illustres" at Patrick Cramer Ga...
Offset
City Layers - Abstract Colorful Architectural 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
$1,619Sale Price|63% Off
Nudist Woman Surrealist Oil Painting, Signed, Mid-20th Century
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nudist Women, Signed Oil Painting By French artist Claude Benard, (1926 - 2016) Signed by the artist on the lower left hand corner, Oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 32 x...
Oil
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
Île Saint-Louis - River Seine Paris France Surrealist Oil on Board Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
* No US duty or taxes to pay on this item * A very beautiful signed and dated 1972 oil on board depicting a surrealist view of the Île Saint-Louis in Paris at sunset. Striking and ...
Oil, Board
$850
"Morning Herald", Contemporary, Surrealist, Rooster, Blue, Pink, Oil Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
Anita Zotkina’s “Morning Herald” is a 11 x 14 inch oil on canvas painted in 2026. This contemporary surrealist painting features a rooster standing firmly on a wooden railing against...
Canvas, Oil
With a solo show at the Denver Art Museum and a commission from the Met, the Cree Canadian painter has become an international sensation.
Gallerists Douglas Gold and Eli Sterngass tell us how they uncover lost treasures by stellar artists from the past 160 years.
The eccentric artist's abode is a veritable cabinet of curiosities.
What he says may inspire you to pick up a paintbrush.