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.
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
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
$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
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
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
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
$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
The House at the End of the Road - Original Framed Blue Floral Artwork on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carlos Gamez de Francisco’s "The House at the End of the Road" is a striking blend of hyperrealism, figurative surrealism, and imaginative narrative art. This 12-inch round acrylic p...
Canvas, Acrylic
She Blooms, Original Painting
By Diana Rosa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A surreal palm landscape features a stylized woman with heart-shaped sunglasses. Her form blends seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. She extends her s...
Acrylic
Flamingo Chair, Original Painting
By Diana Rosa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman in a red dress lounges on a green chair adorned with two stylized flamingos. Large, bold leaves surround her as she gazes forward. Her red sunglasses ...
Acrylic
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
$2,668Sale 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
Equestrian Style and Decor II - Contemporary surrealistic horse 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, Oil
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Not Alone - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women, Flora
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
$6,001Sale Price|27% 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
$80Sale Price|20% Off
Angel Among Humans. No. 8. Antonio Monasterio : "Angel" Series
Located in Firenze, IT
Antonio Monasterio – Angel Among Humans. No. 8 Medium: Mixed media on paper (pastels, wax crayons, red pen) Dimensions: 56 x 44 cm Signature: Signed lower right in cursive Support: W...
Paper, Crayon, Wax Crayon, Pen, Color Pencil
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
$1,088Sale Price|25% Off
surreal woman face oil on canvas painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Miquel Torner de Semir (1938) - Surrealist figure - Oil on canvas Oil measures 46x38 cm. Frameless. Miquel Torner de Semir (1938) Catalan painter attracted by the Middle Ages and I...
Oil, Canvas
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Cloud Fishing - 21st Century, Contemporary, Surrealism, African Nature, Boy
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Cloud Fishing" is a metaphorical exploration of the ephemeral and the unknown. Through my work, I aim to capture the essence of chasing something elusive and intangible – like fishin...
Acrylic, Canvas
$890
A Walk in Fantasy, Abstract Figures and Plants, Surreal Painting in Vivid Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
In this series, Perrine explores the profound relationship between light and color, both essential elements in her artistic expression. Without light, there would be no colors, and i...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Paper
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
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
$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
Micro Gestalt Series #3b
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Acrylic and ink on canvas.
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
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
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
A Duck Flying Above the Clouds - Original Floral Surrealist Artwork on Canvas
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
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century San Francisco Nocturnal Surrealist Oil Painting
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Nocturnal Surrealist Oil Painting--San Francisco Unreal Dreams by Russell Tripp Dramatic and atmospheric San Francisco surrealist figurative painting by Russell R. Tripp...
Oil, Board
Untitled Micro-Gestalt H4
By Airom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Acrylic and ink on canvas
Canvas, Ink, 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
$3,947Sale 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
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
Legend about a white Cow 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: Portrait Surrealism, T...
Canvas, Oil
$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
Newcomer, 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: 2019 Style: Portrait Surrealism, Tit...
Canvas, Oil
Israel : Sunset on the Lake of Galilee - Original Oil on Canvas, Handsigned
Located in Paris, IDF
Meyer LAZAR (1923-1995) Israel : Sunset on the Lake of Galilee, 1968 Original oil on canvas Signed lower right Titled on the back On canvas 55 x 46 cm (c. 22 x 18in) Excellent cond...
Oil
Yellow Reflection woman in yellow gown mirror peacock and children images
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This image is a depiction of Oshun an orisha in the religion of Santeria . She is often pictured dressed in yellow and white with peacocks small children and waterfalls ABOUT Stephen...
Linen, Oil
Antique Italian Super Realist Surreal Landscape Framed Signed Modern Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique Italian modernist landscape oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Brooklyn, NY collection. Measuring: 23 by 33 inches overall. Handsomely framed in d...
Oil, Board
Tangent - Surreal Still Life - Coffee Table Setting, Oil on Panel
By John Hrehov
Located in Chicago, IL
This painting is John Hrehov’s Tangent, an oil on panel from 2025. In it, a modern red sofa runs straight across the back of the room, set against a grid of tall windows that open on...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
$10,889
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...
Acrylic, Oil
"Ashore" (2024) Original Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Nadezda's beautiful handmade oil on panel painting "Ashore" (2024) is a portrait of a young girl clutching her face contently while resting in a white decorative chair, captured in a...
Oil, Panel
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
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Horse and Rider - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Horse, Men Polo Player
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The majestic animal and confident rider blend in perfect harmony, capturing the essence of freedom, trust, and partnership. The brushstrokes convey dynamic movement, while the bond b...
Canvas, 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
Impression Figurative Surrealism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Tigran Hovumyan Figurative Surrealist Oil Painter Artwork Title: Impression Medium: Original Oil on Linen Dimensions: 45" x 30" x 1" (114 x 76 x 3 cm) Year: 2024 Unframed, Stretched...
Canvas, Oil
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, ...
Oil, Canvas
Large Rhinoceros, 20th Century Magical Realism, Cleveland School Artist
By Paul Riba
Located in Beachwood, OH
Paul Riba (American, 1912-1977) Rhino Oil on paper Signed lower right 22.5 x 29 inches 27.5 x 34.25 inches, framed Paul Riba was a painter of Magic Realism. He explored the unreal ...
Oil
Surreal Painting of A Mirror in Field
Located in Houston, TX
Surreal Anthony Martin landscape painting of a Lonely Mirror in a Field in egg tempura. The bright and airy field contrasts with the dark, bulky mirror to give the painting an uneasy...
Egg Tempera
Surreal Composition, Madrid 1939
Located in Buffalo, NY
Oil on board by Spanish artist Mariano Andreu Estany (1888-1976). Amazing quality and fine detail. Excellent original condition. Signed lower left, "Mariano Andreu '39". Image si...
Oil
Waterside Dream - Abstract Color Drenched Architectural 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
$1,200
Hopeful (black labrador, dog pet, woman, vintage, animal, surrealist painting)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
In this moving piece by Rudolf Kosow, the canvas captures a tender and intimate moment between species. The focus is a deeply expressive black dog, portrayed with a level of detail t...
Canvas, Oil
Random Access, Surrealist Oil Painting by Mark Kostabi
By Mark Kostabi
Located in Long Island City, NY
Random Access Mark Kostabi, American (1960) Date: 1988 Oil on Canvas, signed and dated lower right, signed, title and dated on verso Size: 42 x 30 in. (106.68 x 76.2 cm)
Oil
'Tryst' acrylic on board by Fleur Fenton Cowles
Located in London, GB
Alongside being an artist Fleur Cowles was a socialite, writer, diplomat and fashion editor. She was the founder of the influential but short-lived magazine Flair in 1950, known for ...
Acrylic, Board
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Question of Time - original painting on round canvas Paula Craioveanu
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"A Question of Time", acrylic on canvas, 20in, round. See both round painting from the same series in the video. Shipped directly from New York, US, well packed and ready for hanging...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,168Sale Price|20% 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
$580Sale Price|20% 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
Self-Portrait in Paris, Painting by Robert Nicoidski
By Robert-Louis Nicoidski
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Robert-Louis Nicoidski, Swiss (1931 - 2001) Title: Self-Portrait in Paris Year: circa 1978 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.r.. Size: 57 x 44.5 in. (144.78 x 113.03 cm) Frame...
Canvas, Oil
"Soft Steps", Surreal, Cat, Yellow, Green, Pink, Blue, Oil Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
Anita Zotkina’s "Soft Steps" is a 14 × 11 × 0.7 inch oil painting on canvas, created in 2025. The work features a feline figure moving through soft tones of yellow, green, pink, and ...
Canvas, Oil
Out of This World, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"A panther in space, now that's out of this world," says artist Miranda Gamel. She depicts a surrealist image of the ebony fe...
Oil
"Smoking Lady" (2024) By Nadezda, Original Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Nadezda's beautiful new oil on panel painting "Smoking Lady" (2024) is an abstract portrait of a woman wearing a black dress smoking inside of her brightly colored house, she is stan...
Oil, Panel