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.
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
"Conception" - Portrait of a Native American on a Vision Quest
Located in Soquel, CA
"Conception" - Portrait of a Native American on a Vision Quest Large scale and fine detailed work by the artist. Detailed and evocative depiction of a Native American elder by Frank Howell...
Laid Paper, Screen
The Awakening of Boaz - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
The awakening of Boaz is an artwork from the Series "The Bible", by Marc Chagall in 1960. Mixed colored lithograph on brown-toned paper, no signature. Edition of 6500 unsigned lit...
Lithograph
Abstract Erotism - Original Etching Handsigned and Numbered
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Paris, IDF
Hans BELLMER Abstract Erotism Original etching, 1973 Handsigned in pencil by the artist Numbered / 20 (Roman numerals) On Auvergne paper, 57 x 38 cm (22,4 x 14,9 inches) From the P...
Etching
David Saved by Michal - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1960
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph realized by Marc Chagall in 1960 to illustrate "The Bible". Edition of 6500, published by Tériade in no. 33 and 34 of the Art Magazine Verve. Printed by Mourlot a...
Lithograph
Signs of The Zodiac, Libra original lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Paonia, CO
Libra from Signs of the Zodiac by Salvador Dali is from a series of 12 limited edition lithographs. This original hand signed lithograph is Libra, the seventh astrological sign ...
Lithograph
For Alberti, For Spain! - Etching by Joan Mirò - 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
For Alberti, For Spain! is a contemporary artwork realized by Joan Mirò in 1975. Mixed colored etching. Hand signed and numbered on the lower margin. Edition of XXVIII/LX. There ...
Etching
Pegasus, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
This striking etching by Andre Masson from circa 1970 depicts the mythological Pegasus through the lens of Surrealist Figurative art and classical symbolism. Masson’s interpretation ...
Etching
Untitled - Lithograph by Dorothea Tanning - 1974
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an artwork realized by Dorothea Tanning in 1974. Colored lithograph. Good conditions. Printed by Atelier Pierre Chave in Vence, France. This lithograph was realized ...
Lithograph
Tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, Electronics - Original Handsigned Etching
Located in Paris, IDF
Salvador DALI (1904-1969) Tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, Electronics, 1975 Original etching Signed in pencil Justified trial proof (Essai) On Arches vellum 56 x 76 cm (22 x 29.9 in) ...
Etching
The Immaculate Conception, Signed Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Salvador Dalí was born in May 11, 1904 in the small agricultural town of Figueres, Spain. Figueres is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, only sixteen miles from the French bor...
Lithograph
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Sky Bird, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Sky Bird, Braniff International Airways Flying Colors Collection Year: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on vélin d’Arches paper Size: 20 x 26 inche...
Lithograph
Soles de Ninive Giclée Print, Surrealist Framed Art, 2010+
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 ...
Giclée
Cerberus Woodcut Print, Surrealist, Limited Edition 1963, Unframed
Located in Roma, IT
Cerberus - Hell plate 6 is a woodcut print realized in 1963 for a series illustrating the Medieval poem of the "Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. Good conditions. Limited editio...
Woodcut
$425
BUBBLE Signed Lithograph Surreal Landscape Vintage Drafting Tool, Blue Sky, Sand
Located in Union City, NJ
BUBBLE is a hand drawn limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniques printed on archival Arches pa...
Lithograph
$244Sale Price|50% Off
Litografia Original VI (Abstract, Modern, Surrealism, 50% OFF - MUST GO)
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: Queneau, Miro Lithographe II, 1952-1963, p.35 Publisher: Ma...
Lithograph
Memories of Surrealism Dressed in The Nude in The Surrealist Fashion
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Memories of Surrealism Dressed in The Nude in The Surrealist Fashion MEDIUM: Etching on Japon Paper SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMB...
Etching
$4,815Sale Price|40% Off
St. George Lithograph by Salvador Dali, 1972, Edition 187/250
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - St. George Lithograph from 1972. The edition of 187/250. Dimensions of work: 68 x 50 cm. On B.F.K Rives paper as stated in the Field catalogue. Refer...
Lithograph
Brain of Hunter S. Thompson
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Ralph Steadman Title: Brain of Hunter S. Thompson Medium: One color silkscreen on White Rising Stonehenge Deckle Edge Paper Size: 11 x15 Inches Edition: of 800 Year: 2010 No...
Silk, Screen
Flora Dalinae Viola Cogitans/Self Portrait Pansy
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Flora Dalinae Viola Cogitans/Self Portrait Pansy MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: 7/200 MEASUREMENTS: 29.9" x 22.3" YEAR: 1968 ...
Etching
$7,500
Mystery of Sleep (The Hermit), Signed Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
A clock-faced figure wearing monk's robes floats in a blue void above a roiling storm cloud. This Surrealist lithograph by Salvador Dali shows the figure in movement, traveling with ...
Lithograph
La Grande Danseuse - Etching by Marc Chagall - 1967
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Etching and aquatint on Japan paper. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 23/35 prints. Excellent condition. Ref. Cramer, Marc Chagall, The Illustrated Books, no. 6
Etching
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
Untitled (Surrealist Composiition)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Surrealist Composiition) Lithograph with hand coloring, 1945 Signed and dated lower right (see photo) Numbered 10/12 lower left (see photo) fragment from 6X litho In 1945, ...
Lithograph
The Garden, Surrealist Screenprint by Antonio Peticov
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antonio Peticov, Brazilian (1946 - ) - The Garden, Year: 1983, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 250, 35 AP, Image Size: 31 x 21 inches, Size: 36 x 26...
Screen
Une de Mai Lithograph by Salvador Dali, Surrealist, 1972
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Une de Mai Lithograph from 1972. Th edition of 49/150. Dimensions of work: 120.5 x 78 cm Publisher: Edition Waintrop, Paris. Reference: Michler/Löpsi...
Lithograph
Dali's Inferno
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Dali's Inferno MEDIUM: Lithograph SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Levine & Levine for DALART EDITION NUMBER: 90/250 MEASUREMENTS: 21.5" x 30" ...
Lithograph
$4,872Sale Price|20% Off
L'Empire des Lumières Lithograph, Surrealist, Signed, Edition of 275
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Framed 25.38 x 31.38 in Color lithograph after the 1964 oil on canvas by René Magritte, plate-signed by Magritte and numbered from the edition of 275. The lithograph features the ...
Lithograph
$6,264Sale Price|20% Off
Le Séducteur (The Tempter) Surrealist Lithograph, Framed and Signed
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Framed 34.25 x 38.50 in Color lithograph after the 1951 oil on canvas by René Magritte, plate-signed by Magritte and numbered from the edition of 300.
Lithograph
Ex Aegypto Vocavi Filium Meum, Surrealist Lithograph, Signed, 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Ex Aegypto Vocavi Filium Meum is a Color lithograph on heavy rag paper realized in 1964. It is part of Biblia Sacra vulgatæ edition is published by Rizzoli-Mediolani between 1967 and...
Lithograph
Salvador Dali Color Lithograph, Signed, 1972, Twelve Apostles, Matthew
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Salvador Dali Title: Matthew (Geoffrey of Monmouth) Portfolio: 1972 The Twelve Apostles (Knights of the Round Table) Medium: Lithograph Year: 1972 Edition: 41/350 Frame Size:...
Lithograph
L'Origine des Espèces par Voie de Selection... - Lithograph by Man Ray - 1972
By Man Ray
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph on vellum. Artist proof out of an edition of 180. Hand signed in pencil. Published: XXe Siècle, Paris, Galleria Schwarz, Milan, Leon Amiel, New York. Arches map, ...
Lithograph
Le Vitrail
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Le Vitrail MEDIUM: Etching on Japon Paper SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: XLIV/C MEASUREMENTS: 15" x 11.5" YEAR: 1968 FRAMED...
Etching
Three Children, Surrealist Lithograph by Jean Jansem
By Jean Jansem
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jean Jansem, French (1920 - 2013) - Three Children, Year: circa 1960, Medium: Lithograph, signed in the plate lower right, Image Size: 12.5 x 9.5 inches, Frame Size: 20.25 x 17.2...
Lithograph
Passiflora Laurigera, Signed Surrealist Photolithograph by Salvador Dali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Salvador Dalí was born in May 11, 1904 in the small agricultural town of Figueres, Spain. Figueres is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, only sixteen miles from the French bor...
Paper, Photo-lithograph
Homecoming (The Green Horse) - Lithograph by Marc Chagall - 1973
By Marc Chagall
Located in Roma, IT
Color lithograph realized by Chagall for the Art Review "XXème Siècle" in 1973. Edition of 10.000, unnumbered and unsigned. Excellent condition, with a center folder. Printed by M...
Lithograph
Imaginations & Objects of The Future Liquid Tornado Bath Tub
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Imaginations & Objects of The Future Liquid Tornado Bath Tub MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali PUBLISHER: Merril Chase, Chicago/Al...
Etching
Incomparable Chant D'été De L'azur, Surrealist Etching with Aquatint by Jean Sol
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jean Solombre, French (1948 - ) - Incomparable Chant D'été De L'azur, Year: 1981, Medium: Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed, titled, numbered and dated in pencil, Edition: 1...
Etching, Aquatint
Gnomes et Gnose
Located in OPOLE, PL
Pierre Alechinsky (1927) - Gnomes et Gnose Lithograph from 1974. The edition of XVI/XXV. Dimensions of work: 75.5 x 54.5 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Atelier Clot, Paris. Publis...
Lithograph
$1,080Sale Price|40% Off
Mathias en Cuernavaca Digital giclee art, Surrealist, Framed
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
-Pedro Friedeberg signed print featuring a fantastical surrealistic scene. Includes whimsical figures, optical art elements, and surreal details. framed in a hand-painted black and g...
Paper, Screen
Flora Dalinae Lilium Musicum
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Flora Dalinae Lilium Musicum MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed EDITION NUMBER: 26/200 MEASUREMENTS: 30.25" x 22" YEAR: 1968 FRAMED: No CONDITI...
Etching
(after) Marino Marini - "Cavalier et cheval, bordure orange" pochoir
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: pochoir (after the lithograph). Printed by the atelier of Daniel Jacomet, and published in Paris in 1955 by Heinz Berggruen. The image measures 5 x 3 3/4 inches (130 x 97 mm)...
Lithograph, Stencil
"Bird Form" from the suite "Bestiary and some Correspondences"
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Bird Form" from the suite "Bestiary and some Correspondences" 1968 is an original color lithograph on Arches paper by renown British artist Graham Vivian Sutherl...
Lithograph
Art Deco Embossed Serigraph Print by Erte, 1991, Boudoir
By Erté
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Erté Title: Boudoir Medium: Embossed serigraph Year: 1991 Edition: 290/300 Sheet Size: 41 3/4" x 29 1/4" Image Size: 35 1/4" x 23 1/4" Signature: Stamped signature
Screen
$986
Schéhérazade - 20th Century, Surrealist, Lithograph, Figurative Print
Located in Sint-Truiden, BE
Color lithograph after the 1950 oil on canvas by René Magritte, printed signature of Magritte and numbered from the edition of 275. The lithograph features the dry stamps of the Mag...
Lithograph
$318Sale Price|20% Off
CHATEAU Signed Mini Lithograph, French Countryside, Open Book, Surreal Landscape
Located in Union City, NJ
CHATEAU is a hand drawn limited edition lithograph by the American surrealist artist Fanny Brennan, created using traditional hand lithography techniques printed on archival Arches p...
Lithograph
$11,631
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 83/200 in lower left corner. Hand-signed in pencil by artist in lower right corner. Pap...
Lithograph
Les Songes Drôlatiques de Pantagruel, Planche XVI
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Les Songes Drôlatiques de Pantagruel, Planche XVI Lithograph from 1973. Edition 10/250 on Japon paper. Dimensions of work: 76 x 56 cm Publisher: Carpe...
Lithograph
$7,500
The Coronation of Gala (The Empress), Surrealist Lithograph by Salvador Dalí
Located in Long Island City, NY
The Coronation of Gala (The Empress) from Visions Surrealiste Salvador Dali, Spanish (1904–1989) Portfolio: Visions Surrealiste Date: 1976 Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil E...
Lithograph
Memories of Surrealism Surrealist King
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Memories of Surrealism Surrealist King MEDIUM: Etching on Japon Paper SIGNED: Hand Signed by Salvador Dali EDITION NUMBER: A XXX/XL MEASUREMENTS: 29...
Etching
Alice in Wonderland
Located in Hollywood, FL
ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Alice in Wonderland MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Transworld Art EDITION NUMBER: A IX/XL PAPER: Japon Paper MEASUREMENTS: 29.75"...
Etching
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Centre Noeuds (Sabatier 393), Roberto Matta
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Roberto Matta (1912-2002) Title: Centre Noeuds (Sabatier 393) Year: 1974 Edition: 38/125, plus proofs Medium: Etching on Arches paper Size: 23.875 x 17.5 inches Inscription: ...
Etching
Femme Bleue
Located in OPOLE, PL
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) - Femme Bleue Lithograph from 1958. Dimensions of work: 35.5 x 26.4 cm Publisher: Tériade, Paris. First, original edition. The work is in Excellent con...
Lithograph
Consulat à vie - Etching by Jean-Baptiste Réville - Early 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Consulat à vieis an original artwork realized by Jean Baptiste Réville in early 19th. Century . Etching on paper. Titled and signed on plate on the right corner. Good conditions. ...
Etching
$15,000
Drue
Located in Columbia, MO
Leonora Carrington (British-Mexican 1917 - 2011) was a painter, writer, and key figure in Surrealism whose work explored the sacred, the mystical, and the magical in everyday life. B...
Lithograph
Hebru Brantley Gaia (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Hebru Brantley GAIA (Hebru Brantley Lil Mama as Gaia): Hebru Brantley’s ethereal art toy features his much iconic, Lil Mama character as Gaia, the fabled personification of Mother E...
Vinyl
$3,070Sale Price|20% Off
Les Songes Drôlatiques de Pantagruel, Planche II
Located in OPOLE, PL
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Les Songes Drôlatiques de Pantagruel, Planche II Lithograph from 1973. Edition 10/250 on Japon paper. Dimensions of work: 76 x 56 cm Publisher: Carpen...
Lithograph
La Fille de Minos Woodcut Print, Surrealist, Signed, 1978 Edition
Located in Roma, IT
La Fille de Minos (The Daughter of Minos) is a woodcut print on Arches Paper realized in 1978 to illustrated "L'Art d'Aimer" (The Art of Love) by Ovid. Hand signed and numbered in ...
Woodcut
Sun Figures, Surrealist Offset Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Derain
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Sun Figures from the Omaggio a Michelangelo Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Offset Lithograph, signature in the printing, Image Size: 13 x 9 in...
Lithograph, Offset
$464
Jean COCTEAU and Raymond MORETTI : The kiss- Original Hansigned Lithograph, 1973
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Jean Cocteau and Raymond Moretti The Kiss Original lithograph Printed signature in the plate, handsigned by Raymond Moretti Numbered 1/79 - Very look for artist proof bearing n°1 On...
Lithograph
$72Sale Price|20% Off
Golconde Offset Print, Surrealist Style, Unframed, 27.5x39.5
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Golconde" is a thought-provoking work that embodies Magritte's signature style of surrealism and his exploration of the subconscious and the irrational. It continues to captivate vi...
Offset