Skip to main content

Christopher Klein Art

American, b. 1954

Christopher Klein was a former illustrator for National Geographic Magazine. Klein was born in 1954, Washington DC. Klein spent 26 years at National Geographic Magazine. His career at National Geographic brought him around the world. He lived with people from Egypt to South America, studied history and artifacts of ancient times and delved into the intricacies of creatures like tarantulas and horseshoe crabs. His research transformed into illustrations filling the pages of National Geographic Magazine. In retirement, he is back to his surrealistic roots combining his love of surrealism with the breadth of his life experience. “Surrealism is a way for me to create my own world,” says Klein. “Whether it be an archeological recreation, deep sea representation, or a futuristic scene, my use of realistic juxtapositions proved to be my key to scientific art with the National Geographic Society. My ability to render in high detail and a vivid imagination are the prerequisites for creating accurate paintings of historic people, the places they lived and worshipped, as well as the inner workings of both animals and machines. After 26 years of scientific art, my work is now going full circle back to my fine art roots in surrealism, now reflecting realistic images in unnatural settings or unnatural images in even more bizarre environments.”

to
7
7
4
Wisdom Trumps Violence - Surreal Oil Painting with a Leopard, an Owl, and a Man
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Toying (e.g., rider on toy horse) with violent threats is not wise. The sounds (e.g., horn) of violence (e.g., spear and leopard) will never overtake wisdom (e.g., owl and pearl). This masterfully painted surrealist artwork draws in the viewer with its extraordinary detail. The artwork is framed. Christopher A. Klein Wisdom Trumps...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

The Spring Piper - Highly Detailed Allegoric Painting with Cat Lady and Crows
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
An imaginary human hybrid representing “mother nature” resides in a ruined building symbolic of a decaying society. As the crows flutter and the human hybrid plays a bucolic tune, green shoots emerge from the ruins symbolizing rebirth and victory of nature over human destruction of the environment. This painting is framed in a simple black wooden frame measuring 20.5 x 16.5 inches. Christopher A. Klein The Spring...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Desert Desert - Surreal Rural Scene, Hyper-realistic Original Oil Painting
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
As a Mexican musician sings and plays the guitar dressed for the day of the dead. He is being unknowingly stalked by a mythical beast. Little does he know that he is singing about ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

The Sound of the Changing Season - Surreal Rural Scene, Hyper-realistic
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
A violinist, playing a melancholy tune, helps conjure up the change of season from fall to winter on Halloween, as represented by the black cat. The cat is holding the Tempest in the Teapot kettle. The raven, who is bursting forth from the steam of this tempest, represents the cold, dark and harsh winter to come. Juxtaposing and altering unrelated natural objects with the machinations of man to create a scene of an impossible surreal world, the viewer enters the mind of artist Christopher Klein...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

The Duet -Original Oil Surreal Painting of Man with Tree Growing Out of His Head
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Christopher A. Klein b. 1954, Washington DC Christopher Klein spent 26 years at National Geographic Magazine. His career at National Geographic br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

MusCATteer - Surreal Rural Scene, Hyper-realistic Original Oil Painting, Framed
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Juxtaposing and altering unrelated natural objects with the machinations of man to create a scene of an impossible surreal world, the viewer enters the mind of artist Christopher Klein...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Heli Hatchlings, Surreal Oil Painting - Giant Chameleons Crab Apples Helicopter
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
The smiling figures in the helicopter, hatching from a frozen crab-apple, have false hopes that they are on a fun adventure, unaware of the imminent danger- they are about the chameleon’s prey. Fortune can turn on a dime. Such is the subject of Christopher Klein...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Related Items
Hummingbird IV
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gwen Wong's work is both painterly and allegorical, caught somewhere in the middle between the representational painter and the narrator. "I am inspired by the idea of a childhood re...
Category

2010s Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

"Salvador Dalí"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This pyezhazh I saw in a deserted place. It was dusty and strong wind. The wind stopped blowing and I saw this surrealism. The painting is framed in an antique frame. Size in a frame...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

"Salvador Dalí"
"Salvador Dalí"
H 18.9 in W 24.81 in D 0.79 in
Hummingbird XVI
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gwen Wong's work is both painterly and allegorical, caught somewhere in the middle between the representational painter and the narrator. "I am inspired by the idea of a childhood re...
Category

2010s Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hummingbird V
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gwen Wong's work is both painterly and allegorical, caught somewhere in the middle between the representational painter and the narrator. "I am inspired by the idea of a childhood re...
Category

2010s Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hummingbird XV
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gwen Wong's work is both painterly and allegorical, caught somewhere in the middle between the representational painter and the narrator. "I am inspired by the idea of a childhood re...
Category

2010s Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Cuddly (black old dog, snout, lady, vintage, animal, surrealist oil painting)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
"Cuddly," a charming painting by Rudolf Kosow, depicts a tender and affectionate moment between a dog and its human companion. The dog’s face, with soulful eyes and a furrowed brow, is portrayed in stunning detail, conveying a sense of gentle wisdom and patience. A small lady figure, fitting perfectly within the curve of the dog's face, leans in close, as if finding comfort and protection in the animal’s embrace. The gesture of the figure, with a hand delicately placed, highlights the trust and love inherent in this bond. This piece beautifully encapsulates the warmth and security that pets provide. Kosow's artwork celebrates the simple, heartwarming connections that form the cornerstone of our relationships with our animal friends, reminding us of the comfort and joy found in their company. keywords; painting on canvas, surrealist painting, animal vs human, americana, nature, man, man vs nature, surrealism, giant animal...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Portrait of a Horse (Pool with Two Figures)" Oil Painting
By Shelli Langdale
Located in Denver, CO
Shelli Langdale's "Portrait of a Horse (Pool with Two Figures)" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a white horse standing at the ...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Panel, Oil

Warm in the Sun
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gwen Wong's work is both painterly and allegorical, caught somewhere in the middle between the representational painter and the narrator. "I am inspired by the idea of a childhood re...
Category

2010s Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Soulmates (brown pet dog, lady, vintage, animal, surrealist oil painting)
By Rudolf Kosow
Located in Quebec, Quebec
Soulmates," a poignant work by Rudolf Kosow, tenderly illustrates the profound bond shared between a dog and a human. In this intimate portrayal, the dog's gaze is imbued with an emotional depth that transcends the boundaries between species. Its eyes, rendered with striking clarity, convey a world of understanding and companionship. The lady, is nestled against the dog's face in a pose that suggests a mutual trust and shared existence. This closeness speaks to a relationship that goes beyond the conventional pet-owner dynamic, hinting at a deeper, spiritual connection—a true meeting of souls. In Kosow's vision, the concept of soulmates expands, encompassing the idea that our most understanding and compassionate partners may not be human at all. The painting's title, "Soulmates," encapsulates the notion that kindred spirits are connected not by words, but by the heart and soul, through gestures of love and moments of silent understanding. With "Soulmates," Kosow invites us to contemplate the essence of connection and the forms it can take. It's a celebration of the unspoken bond that animals and humans can share, an acknowledgment that the purest forms of love and understanding sometimes require no language. This piece serves as a beautiful reminder of the loyalty, comfort, and unconditional acceptance that define the most precious of life's relationships. keywords; painting on canvas, surrealist painting, animal vs human, americana, nature, man, man vs nature, surrealism, giant animal...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Hummingbird XVII
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gwen Wong's work is both painterly and allegorical, caught somewhere in the middle between the representational painter and the narrator. "I am inspired by the idea of a childhood re...
Category

2010s Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Janet and Bill, Surrealist Painting of Woman and Cat w/ Party Hats
By Mary Spain
Located in Beachwood, OH
Mary Spain (American, 1934–1983) Janet and Bill, 1970s Oil on canvas Signed middle right, titled verso 26 x 30 inches 32.5 x 36.5 inches, framed Set in a realm of fantasy, Mary Spai...
Category

1970s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil

Panther in the Grass, Oil Painting, Landscape, Animal Painting, Illustrator
Located in Houston, TX
Panther in the Grass is by artist Jeff Slemons .There is the use of the palette knife which builds up a texture of the oil paints used in this landscape...
Category

2010s Impressionist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Linen, Wood Panel

Previously Available Items
Appalachian Rust - Surreal Rural Scene, Hyper-realistic Original Oil Painting
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Juxtaposing and altering unrelated natural objects with the machinations of man to create a scene of an impossible surreal world, the viewer enters the mind of artist Christopher Klein...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Salvator Mundi - Contemporary Surrealist Painting
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi painting is modified to reflect my feelings about modern Christianity. A scowling Christ wears a crown that represent...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Cat as Catch Can -Surreal Painting, Cat, Medieval Falconry, Bat-Eared Elephant
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Cat as Catch Can During the Renaissance, the popular sport of “catry” (similar to the sport of falconry) was so successful that it caused the extinction of the Dwarf Bat-Eared Flying...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Linen

Temptation of St. Anthony, Surrealist Oil Painting with Female, Bat and Saint
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Temptation of Saint Anthony The ruined cathedral in the background symbolizes the degradation of the world, including religion. A red-horned daemon (the bat) conspires with a female...
Category

2010s Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Unicorn Trader, Surreal Painting, Male Figure, Horse-Like Unicorns, Crystals
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
At first glance, the viewer is drawn in by the Tibetan monk who is displaying his beautiful horses. But with a closer look, we realize they are not horses at all but mystical unicorn-like animals and dotted among the grasses are what appears to be crystals growing. This surrealist painting from Christopher Klein...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Untitled
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Christopher A. Klein b. 1954, Washington DC Christopher Klein spent 26 years at National Geographic Magazine. His career at National Geographic br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Linen

Wisdom of Peace - Wise Owl, Pearl of Wisdom, and Peace Doves, Oil Painting
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
The perfectly round pearl is considered something rare, fine, and valuable and is prized as a precious gemstone the world over. Created over long periods of time in the soft folds o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Amber Waves - Bat Holding Amber Encased Human Floats Above Dystopian Farmland
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Just as amber entombs living things giving us a picture of the past, this post-apocalyptic scene depicts the next wave or era of life. Bats, with their advanced senses, have risen t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Rapunzel
By Christopher Klein
Located in Chicago, IL
Christopher A. Klein Statement After 26 years at the National Geographic Magazine, I am back to my surrealistic roots. However, I will maintain parallel tracks: 1) surreal fine art...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Christopher Klein Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Christopher Klein art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Christopher Klein art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Christopher Klein in oil paint, paint, fabric and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the Surrealist style. Not every interior allows for large Christopher Klein art, so small editions measuring 12 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Mary Carroll, Peter Helck, and Sarah Olson. Christopher Klein art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,500 and tops out at $12,000, while the average work can sell for $8,800.

Artists Similar to Christopher Klein

Recently Viewed

View All