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.
The Road Dreams of a Star Beneath Two Moons Tonight
Located in Oslo, NO
The Road Dreams of Star Beneath Two Moons Tonight A dreamy moonlit landscape inspired by poetry and quiet night atmospheres. The composition features a winding luminous path beneath...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
Hercules Subduing the Hydra, Surrealist Gouache & Pen, 1978, Signed
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Hercules Subduing the Hydra Gouache and ballpoint pen from 1978. Dimensions of sheet: 56 x 38.3 cm Dimensions in frame: 86 x 68 cm Hand signed. This ...
Gouache, Ballpoint Pen
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
$63,810
Marc Chagall. Study for “Moïse brisant les Tables de la Loi”. 1955. 23 x 15 cm
By Marc Chagall
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Marc Chagall (Liozna, Russian Empire, 1887 – Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, 1985). Study for “Moïse brisant les Tables de la Loi”. 1955. India ink, wash and gouache on paper. 23 × ...
India Ink, Gouache
Joan Miró. Untitled. 1934. Pastel and ink on paper. 63.6 x 47.1 cm.
By Joan Miró
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Joan Miró (Barcelona, 1893 – Palma, 1983) Untitled. 20/03/1934. Pastel and ink on paper. 63.6 x 47.1 cm. (134 x 110 cm). Signed on the reverse. Provenance: - Pierre Matisse...
Ink, Pastel
$345
Exotic - Original Abstract Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Art 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
$29,500
Original Drawing Salom, Herod & Head John Baptist Secret Life of Salvador Dali
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Salom, Herod, and The Head of John The Baptist Original Drawing in "The Secret Life of Salvador Dali" Book MEDIUM: Original Drawing SIGNED: Hand Signe...
Ink
Demons - Original China Ink - Mid 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Demons is an original drawing in china Ink by an anonymous artist in the mid-20th Century. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes in a well-balanced com...
Ink
$750
A 1930s Modern Surreal Abstract Drawing "Figure Abstract" by Hananiah Harari
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstract Drawing, "Figure Abstract" by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Graphite on paper, dating from 1936....
Paper, Graphite
$150,000
Untitled
By Wifredo Lam
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Wifredo Lam, Cuban (1902 - 1982) Title: Untitled - I Year: 1957 Medium: Crayon and Pastel on Paper, signed and dated l.r. Paper Size: 22 in. x 26.5 in. (55.88 cm x 67.31...
Paper, Crayon, Pastel
$5,154
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
$167Sale Price|20% Off
Madonna 1997. Paper, mixed media, 20x12 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Madonna 1997. Paper, mixed media, 20x12 cm "Madonna" is a symbolic and emotionally charged artwork, celebrating the iconic religious figure of the Virgin Mary and the spiritual sig...
Paper, Mixed Media
$52,312
Salvador Dalí. Nude study: couple, standing man and reclining woman. circa 1966.
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Salvador Dalí (Figueras, May 11, 1904 - Figueras, January 23, 1989). Nude study: couple, standing man and reclining woman. circa 1966. Graphite and airbrush colors, gold paint on ...
Graphite
Daisy Tail: Fantasy, Moon, and Secrets of Journeys
Located in Oslo, NO
The painting, measuring 29.5 by 41.5 cm and created using a mixed technique of acrylic and watercolor pencils, features a surreal creature. It combines traits of both animal and huma...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
$220
A Fabulous, Surrealist 1946 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Portrait of a Young Man
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fabulous, Surrealist 1946 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Portrait of a Young Man by Noted Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Titled "Introspective Stare", the drawing is ...
Paper, Charcoal
$6,500
Charles Bunnell 1941 “Birth of Mind” Abstract Surrealist Gouache WPA
Located in Denver, CO
A rare and museum-quality 1941 original by Charles Ragland Bunnell, 'Birth of Mind' represents one of the most intellectually and emotionally charged works from the artist’s pivotal ...
Gouache, Archival Paper
$850Sale Price|41% Off
"Dark Angel"
Located in Astoria, NY
Robert Dandarov (Macedonian/American, b. 1959), "Dark Angel", Mixed Media on Paper, 1989, depicting a parachuting creature, signed in pencil, titled, and dated lower right, white pai...
Paper, Charcoal, Ink, Watercolor, Pencil
Valentines Night - Original Romantic Playful Still Life Collage 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
$69,611
Dante and Beatrice - Original WATERCOLOR, Signed (Descharnes #d6970_1951)
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador Dali Divine Comedy : Dante and Beatrice, 1952 Original watercolor Signed in lower center Dated 1952 On vellum lined on thin board 42 x 30 cm (c. 17 x 12in) REFERENCES : Th...
Ink, Watercolor
A Colorful, 1947 Modern Surrealist Abstract Watercolor, "Wings"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Colorful 1940s Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "Wings", the artwork is watercolor, mixed medi...
Paper, Mixed Media, Crayon, Watercolor
Que Font Ces Gens - Ink Drawing by Salvador Dalì - 1945
Located in Roma, IT
Que font ces gens is a beautiful modern artwork realized by Salvador Dalì in 1945. China Ink Drawing on paper. Original outstanding drawing realized to illustrate the book "The Labyrinth" by Maurice Sandoz, published in 1945. Signed and dated on the lower right recto. Executed on thick cream wove paper, not laid down and taped to the mount along the upper edge. The upper, right and lower edges are slightly unevenly cut. There are two pinholes towards the upper right and upper left corners. The sheet is time stained and there is a spot of foxing beneath the lower edge of the drawing. There are some remnants from previous mounting at the upper two corners not visible when framed. There are handling marks to the perimeter of the sheet. The ink is strong and well preserved. The artwork is accompanied by authentication of Robert P. Descharnes, Paris 2003, reference archive: D-3461. Prov. Sotheby's Impressionist & Modern Art Sale...
Paper, Ink
Untitled (Surrealist rendering of Pyramids at Giza with alligator)
By Beni E. Kosh
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Surrealist rendering of Pyramids at Giza with alligator) watecolor and gouache on paper, 1960 Unsigned Beni Kosh estate stamp No. 717 verso, unsigned. (see photo) Condition: Minor condition issues minor folds Not objectionable Image/Sheet size: 18 1/4 x 24 inches Provenance: Estate of the Artist Bingham Vance, Shaker Heights...
Watercolor, Gouache
Surrealist landscape with animal and figures
By Charles Harris ( Beni Kosh )
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Surrealist landscape with doorway, animal and figures Watercolor on heavy paper, n.d. Unsigned Stamped with the artist's estate stamp (see photo) Provenance: Estate of the artist R...
Watercolor
A Colorful, 1942 Modern Surreal Abstract by Hananiah Harari "The Baroque Portal"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Colorful 1942 Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "The Baroque Portal", the artwork is mixed medi...
Paper, Gouache, Mixed Media
Leonora Carrington, The Transparent Hen
Located in Miami, FL
Leonora Carrington The Transparent Hen, 1969 Watercolor and ink on paper 11 x 4 in Provenance: Private Collection, Dr. Salomon Grimberg (Gift from the artist). Private Collection, T...
Ink, Watercolor, Laid Paper
Sailing Through The Day - Abstract Colorful Urban Collage Mixed Media Artwork
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 ...
Paper, Mixed Media
Family Tree (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Family Tree, 1968 Ink on paper. 10.5 × 8 inches; 14 × 18 inches in acid-free matting. Signed and dated. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was bor...
Paper, Ink
$345
Lost in the Greenery - Vibrant Colorful Whimsical Figurative 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
Erotic Couple - Surrealism Argentinian French Erotic Couple
By Leonor Fini
Located in London, GB
This drawing by Leonor Fini is hand signed by the artist in brown ink "Leonor Fini" in the lower right image. It was executed in 1977. This work is from a sketchbook. Condition: Ve...
Paper, Ink
Pyramid Mysteries (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Pyramid Mysteries, 1970. Ink on illustration board, 13.5 × 9.75 inches. Signed and dated. Titled on verso. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was ...
Paper, Ink
Howdy! (Roses) - Original Blue Floral Arrangement in Boot Still Life Artwork
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
Anthem (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Anthem, 1972. Ink on Paper, 4.75 × 7 inches. Signed and dated. Measuring 12 × 16 inches in acid-free matting. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers...
Paper, Ink
Aerial Circus Series (Ed Henderson), (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Aerial Circus Series (Ed Henderson), 1971. Ink on paper, 11.75 × 16.5 inches. Signed and dated. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was born on July ...
Paper, Ink
DALI...DALI...DALI...
Located in London, GB
Softcover book Containing a signed and dated drawing by Salvador Dalí First edition and in the French language 8 3/4 x 12 inches Published by Draeger Éditeur, 1974
Pen
La Dame Queteuse, Surrealist Ink Drawing, Signed, Early 20th Century
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Jean Cocteau (French, 1889-1963) La Dame Queteuse Ink on paper Signed, inscribed and dated `La Dame Queteuse Jean 1922’ (below) 10.1/4 x 7.7/8 in. (26 x 20 cm...
Paper, Ink
$104,417
Salvador Dalí. “The Wood of Arden”. Watercolor and gouache on cardboard. 1948.
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Salvador Dalí (Figueras, May 11, 1904 - Figueras, January 23, 1989) “The Wood of Arden”, a decorated sketch of Act III of “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare, directed by Luchin...
Watercolor, Gouache, Cardboard
Surrealist painting on board, bright colors and green shadows, diptych
Located in Carballo, ES
Ventura A. Pérez (1992) is one of the most seductive artists on the contemporary Spanish scene. After earning a doctorate in contemporary art from the University of Vigo, he moved to...
Oil, Wood Panel
$245
A False Narrative - Figurative Black, White & Red Mixed Media Surrealist Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Robert Lebsack creates artworks using mixed media with ink, acrylic, and charcoal on archival copies of newspapers, textbooks, and sheet music. As a visionary artist, Lebsack weaves ...
Paper, Charcoal, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$245
Last Faint Ember - Abstract Figurative Black & White Mixed Media Romantic Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Robert Lebsack creates artworks using mixed media with ink, acrylic, and charcoal on archival copies of newspapers, textbooks, and sheet music. As a visionary artist, Lebsack weaves ...
Paper, Charcoal, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Aery Kingdom (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Aery Kingdom, WIngs of Cloud, 1971 Ink on illustration board, panel measuring 19.5 × 25.5 inches. Artist label on verso. Signed and dated. Artist and a...
Paper, Ink
$800Sale Price|20% Off
"Picador" 1966 Experimental Surrealist Composition
Located in Soquel, CA
"Picador" 1966 Experimental Surrealist Composition Intriguing mixed-media piece by prominent California artist Morris Broderson (b. 1928 d. 2011.) A picador sits upon his horse, hol...
Paper, Watercolor, Graphite, Pinhole, Color Pencil
A Colorful 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Hananiah Harari "The Military"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Colorful, 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstraction by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "The Military", the artwork is ink and colored pencil ...
Paper, Ink, Color Pencil
Two Creatures , One Letter: The Shape of S on Paper
Located in Oslo, NO
This monochrome composition evolves from the curved form of the letter S into two intertwined creatures. Executed on textured paper using the artist's mixed-media technique, it combi...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
Lying Down Watching The Sun Go Down - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Art 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
Hompage Magritte, Called Woman Seen From Behind, Original Gouache
Located in Stockholm, SE
This gouache painting by Ulf Linde, a multifaceted Swedish figure, presents a unique portrayal of a woman seen from behind, set against a blue and white...
Gouache, Board
Chance Meeting, Surrealist Pencil Drawing by Dimitri Petrov
Located in Long Island City, NY
Dimitri Petrov, American (1919 - 1986) - Chance Meeting, Year: 1977, Medium: Pencil on Paper, signed and dated, Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm)
Pencil
Etudes de Sphinx (Sphinx and Cat)
By Leonor Fini
Located in Columbia, MO
Leonor Fini (Argentine-French, 1907 - 1996) was an independent and visionary artist whose work defied categorization within Surrealism, despite her association with its key figures i...
Ink
Small surreal house, green and yellow, oil on board
Located in Carballo, ES
Ventura A. Pérez (1992) is one of the most seductive artists on the contemporary Spanish scene. After earning a doctorate in contemporary art from the University of Vigo, he moved to...
Oil, Wood Panel
Seaside - Abstract Cool Tone Landscape 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
Untitled (Surrealist composition)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Surrealist composition) Wax resist monotype with scraffito, 1947 Signed in scraffito in the image lower right (see photo) Unique image, part a of series of similar works i...
Monotype
Spring (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Spring, 1972. Ink on paper, 9.75 × 13.5 inches. Signed and dated. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was born on July 2, 1932, the only child of Ali...
Paper, Ink
Our Home (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Our Home, 1971. Ink on paper. 4.5 × 6 7/8 inches. Signed and dated. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was born on July 2, 1932, the only child of ...
Paper, Ink
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Study for Ladders" Juanita Guccione, Abstract Surrealism, Female Artist
Located in New York, NY
Juanita Guccione (1904 - 1999) Study for Ladders, 1948 Gouache on paper 17 x 13 inches Signed lower left, dated, and inscribed “Study for Oil Painting...
Paper, Gouache
$750
A 1940s Modern Surreal Abstract Drawing "Counterweights" by Hananiah Harari
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, 1940s Modern Surrealist Abstract Drawing, "Counterweights" by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Graphite on paper, dating from 1948. ...
Paper, Graphite
Pleasure Function (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Pleasure Function, 1972. Ink on paper, 7 × 7 inches (image). Sheet measures an irregular 10 × 10 inches. Signed and dated. Acid-free matting measuring ...
Paper, Ink
Homecoming (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Homecoming, 1971. Ink on paper, 4 1/8 × 6 7/8 inches. Signed and dated. Small toning stain left margin. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was ...
Paper, Ink
Ancestor Worship (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Ancestor Worship, 1971. Pen and ink drawing. 4 w. x 6 h. inches, Signed and dated lower right. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was born on Jul...
Paper, Ink
Landscape
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Landscape, 1968. Ink on illustration board, 19 × 23 inches. Signed and dated Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was born on July 2, 1932, the only ...
Paper, Ink
Sunrise - Original Cool Tone Abstract Urban Still Life Collage 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
Readiness (Black Surrealist Philadelphia artist)
By Roland Ayers
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Roland Ayers (1932-2014). Readiness, 1971. Pen and ink drawing. 4 w. x 6 h. inches, Signed and dated lower right. Artist and art educator, Roland Ayers was born on July 2, 19...
Paper, Ink