Surrealist artists, ranked
The most famous Surrealist artist is Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), known for As Duas Fridas and Viva la Vida. Next come Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, René Magritte and Max Ernst. This ranking of the 86 most famous Surrealist artists runs from Pierre Roy (born 1880) to George Condo (born 1957), across 40 countries.
How this list is ranked. Artists whose works our catalogue files under Surrealist, in the order of our fame ranking of artists. Artists without a Wikidata identifier born after 1955 are left out until verified. The Wikipedia figure next to each name is the number of our 32 languages in which Wikipedia has an article on the artist.
The essentials
Ranked, with their masterpieces
1of 86
Mexicana Born in Coyoacán Surrealismo, arte popular mexicana, Realismo Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
André Breton a reconheceu dentro do movimento surrealista, descrevendo sua arte como uma fita em torno de uma bomba.
2of 86
Espanhol Born in Figueres Surrealismo Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Seu nome completo era Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech. Em 1916, ele frequentou a Escola Municipal de Desenho em Figueres. Rosto de Mae West que Pode Ser Usado como um Apartamento, circa 1935.
3of 86
Espanhola Born in Barcelona ['Surrealismo', 'Fauvismo', 'Expressionismo'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Enquanto estuda administração, matricula-se simultaneamente em aulas de arte na Escuela Superior de Artes Industriales y Bellas Artes. Por volta de 1911, Miró já começa a atrair os olhares do público, exibindo sua primeira pintura na sexta Exposición Internacional de Arte em Barcelona. Sua formação formal aprofunda-se entre 1912 e 1915, enquanto estuda sob a orientação de Francesc Galí na Escola d’Art.
4of 86
Belga Born in Lessines Surrealismo Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Nascido René François Ghislain Magritte em 21 de novembro de 1898, em Lessines, Bélgica, o artista ingressou em um mundo definido pela laboriosa tranquilidade de sua família. Seu treinamento formal começou seriamente na Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts, em Bruxelas, onde estudou de 1916 a 1918. Nos cafés e estúdios da cidade, ele encontrou uma comunidade de pensadores afins, cultivando amizades com figuras como André Breton, Paul Éluard e Salvador Dalí.
5of 86
Alemã Born in Brühl ['Dadaísmo', 'Surrealismo'] Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
O estopim da Grande Guerra fraturou fundamentalmente a trajetória da vida de Max Ernst.
6of 86
Italiano Born in Vólos Arte metafísica Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
Nascido em 10 de julho de 1888 em Volos, na Grécia, Giuseppe Maria Alberto Giorgio de Chirico entrou em um mundo moldado pelo movimento e por raízes diversas. Nascido em Volos, na Grécia, em 1888, Giorgio De Chirico cresceu em uma família moldada pelo movimento e por raízes diversas. Por volta de 1900 ou 1903, ele começou a estudar desenho e pintura no Politécnico de Atenas.
7of 86
Born in Coira Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
Giger (1940-2014) permanece como uma das figuras mais distintas e inquietantes da arte do século XX. Nascido em Chur, Suíça, a jornada artística de Giger começou não com pincéis e telas, mas com uma fascinação pela arquitetura e design industrial, disciplinas que estudou antes de se dedicar integralmente ao seu estilo singular, intensamente pessoal.
8of 86
Polonês Born in Sanok Surrealismo Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
Adentrar a tela de Zdzisław Beksiński é vagar por uma paisagem onde as fronteiras entre sonhos e pesadelos se dissolvem em uma realidade única e assombrosa. Não havia uma narrativa explícita nessas obras; em vez disso, Beksiński confiava na atmosfera pura, utilizando detalhes intrincados para evocar um senso de histórias antigas e esquecidas e de uma solidão cósmica.
9of 86
Americano Born in Philadelphia Dada, Surrealismo
Simultaneously, he found himself drawn to the gritty realism of the Ashcan School, a movement that documented the lives of ordinary people in urban America with unflinching honesty.
10of 86
Suíço Born in Borgonovo Surrealismo, Existencialismo
No entanto, apesar desse sucesso, ele permaneceu implacavelmente autocrítico, constantemente retrabalhando e, por vezes, até destruindo esculturas que não atingiam seus padrões exigentes.
11of 86
Espanhola-Mexicana Born in Anglès Para-Surrealismo Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
Nos cantos silenciosos de seu estúdio, Remedios Varo trabalhava com uma meticulosidade que espelhava os desenhos técnicos de seu pai, um engenheiro hidráulico. Sua criação em Anglès, na Espanha, proporcionou uma base de dualidade. Ela percorreu o mundo com um olhar curioso, absorvendo as paisagens de suas frequentes mudanças e a formação formal que recebeu na Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, em Madri.
12of 86
Britânica-Mexicana Born in Clayton-le-Woods Surrealismo Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
Nascida Mary Leonora Carrington em 1917, em meio às paisagens verdejantes de Clayton Woods, Lancashire, Inglaterra, a artista que viria a se tornar uma figura fundamental no Surrealismo era, desde os seus primeiros anos, uma individualidade singular. A formação artística formal de Leonora Carrington continuou em Londres, na Chelsea School of Art (1935), seguida por estudos na Ozenfant Academy, onde ela aperfeiçoou suas habilidades técnicas.
13of 86
Born in 8.º arrondissement de Paris Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
Um momento crucial ocorreu em 1923, quando, enquanto viajava de ônibus por Paris, vislumbrou pinturas de Giorgio de Chirico. A vida de Tanguy tomou outro rumo significativo em 1939, quando fugiu da Europa com sua primeira esposa, Jeannette Ducrocq, escapando da sombra iminente da Segunda Guerra Mundial. Ele se tornou cidadão naturalizado dos EUA em 1948, estabelecendo finalmente sua casa em Woodbury, Connecticut.
14of 86
Born in Galesburg Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
Dorothea Margaret Tanning, nascida em 25 de agosto de 1910, em Galesburg, Illinois, emergiu de uma linhagem de imigrantes suecos, herdando uma força silenciosa que sustentaria sutilmente sua arte audaciosamente imaginativa. Uma breve passagem pelo Knox College, entre 1928 e 1930, deu lugar ao fascínio de Chicago e, posteriormente, em 1935, à energia vibrante da cidade de Nova York.
15of 86
Argentina-Italiana Born in Buenos Aires Surrealismo Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
In 1949, she conceptualized and designed Le rêve de Leonor (“Leonor’s Dream”), a ballet choreographed by Frederick Ashton with music by Benjamin Britten—a testament to her ability to translate her artistic vision into another medium. She outlived many of her contemporaries, maintaining an active career well into her later years, culminating in a retrospective exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris (1986) that drew massive crowds.
16of 86
Francês Born in Balagny-sur-Thérain ['Surrealismo', 'Cubismo'] Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
André Aimé René Masson, nascido em Balagny-sur-Thérain, no norte da França, em 4 de janeiro de 1896, e falecido em Paris em 28 de outubro de 1987, foi um artista multifacetado cuja trajetória artística se entrelaça com os movimentos vanguardistas do século XX.
17of 86
Suíço-alemã Born in Berlim Surrealismo Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
Nascida em Berlim, Alemanha, em 1913, a trajetória de Meret Oppenheim foi moldada por deslocamentos e descobertas profundas. Devido ao serviço militar de seu pai durante a Primeira Guerra Mundial, sua família mudou-se para Delémont, na Suíça, um movimento que a colocou em contato direto com o mundo das artes ainda em sua infância.
18of 86
Cubano Born in Sagua la Grande Surrealismo, Cubismo Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
Lam’s formative years in Spain were marked by immersion in the artistic heritage of the Prado Museum, where he encountered the fantastical worlds of Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Picasso introduced Lam to fellow artists—Joan Miró, André Breton, Óscar Domínguez—and writers—Benjamin Péret—creating a vibrant intellectual circle that fostered collaboration and artistic dialogue. Simultaneously, Ana Serafina Castilla’s ancestry encompassed both Spanish conquistadors and enslaved Africans, exposing Lam to the legacy of colonialism and shaping his understanding of Cuban history.
19of 86
Romeno-Francês Born in Piatra Neamț Surrealismo Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
Victor Brauner, nascido em Piatra Neamt, na Romênia, em 1903, embarcou em uma jornada artística profundamente entrelaçada com correntes espirituais e uma exploração inquieta da forma. Obras como Cristo no Cabaré, um comentário mordaz sobre as estruturas sociais influenciado por George Grosz, e A Garota na Fábrica, ecoando a solenidade de Ferdinand Hodler, demonstraram seu engajamento crítico precoce com o mundo ao seu redor.
20of 86
Chileno Born in Santiago ['Surrealismo', 'Expressionismo Abstrato'] Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
Nascimento: 11 de novembro de 1911, Santiago, Chile Falecimento: 23 de março de 2002, Civitavecchia, Itália Roberto Sebastián Antonio Matta Echaurren, mundialmente conhecido como Roberto Matta, foi um pintor e arquiteto chileno cuja obra exerceu um impacto profundo tanto no expressionismo abstrato quanto na arte surrealista.
21of 86
Jüdisch-Deutsch Born in Osnabrück Surrealismo, Nova Objetividade Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
He wasn't simply a victim of history; he was an artist who meticulously documented its impact on his soul, creating a body of work that stands as both a personal lament and a universal warning. Nussbaum’s artistic journey began with formal studies in Hamburg and Berlin in 1920, continuing for as long as circumstances allowed.
22of 86
Americano Born in Nyack Assemblagem, Surrealismo Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
Joseph Cornell, nascido em 24 de dezembro de 1903 em Nyack, Nova York, permanece uma das figuras mais singulares e profundamente tocantes da arte americana. Embora em grande parte autodidata, sua exposição ao crescente movimento Surrealista em Nova York nas décadas de 1930 provou ser crucial.
23of 86
Austríaco Born in Viena Escola Vienesa do Realismo Fantástico Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
Ernst Fuchs (1930–2015) foi muito mais do que um simples pintor; ele foi um visionário multidisciplinar que entrelaçou os fios da escultura, arquitetura, música e poesia para criar um universo singular e alucinatório. O coração do legado de Fuchs reside no seu papel como pilar fundador da Escola Vienesa de Realismo Fantástico.
24of 86
Belga Born in Huy Surrealismo Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
Paul Delvaux chegou ao mundo a 23 de setembro de 1897, em Antheit, uma localidade na província belga de Liège que, desde então, passou a integrar Wanze. Ele buscou a orientação de figuras estabelecidas, estudando sob a tutela de Constant Montald, Alfred Bastien e Jean Delville.
25of 86
French Born in 6th arrondissement of Paris Surrealist Photography Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
She began her artistic journey formally at the École de Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian in Paris, honing her skills in painting before gravitating towards photography. Collaboration with Kéfer and Cartier-Bresson: A pivotal moment arrived in 1930 when she joined forces with Pierre Kéfer, establishing a shared studio that became a hub for artistic experimentation. Political Activism: Her participation in demonstrations, convocations, and the signing of manifestos like ‘When Surrealists Were Right’ demonstrated her unwavering commitment to anti-fascist causes.
26of 86
Italiana Born in Roma Surrealismo
Elsa Luisa Maria Schiaparelli, um nome sinônimo de estilo ousado e inovação surrealista, alterou para sempre a paisagem da moda do século XX. Sua parceria com Salvador Dalí se mostrou particularmente frutífera, resultando em criações icônicas como o Vestido Lagosta (1937), apresentando uma imagem de lagosta estampada sobre seda, e o Chapéu Sapato (1938), um adorno para a cabeça em forma de sapato.
27of 86
Born in Kensington
Sua educação formal na Parsons School of Art e na Slade School of Fine Art revelou um talento notável para a pintura paisagística, embora enfrentasse dificuldades no desenho figurativo, o que o impulsionou a buscar formas mais abstratas e expressivas.
28of 86
Espanhol Born in Olalla Ilustração fantasia
Simultaneously, he immersed himself in the vibrant world of Spanish comics, absorbing the techniques and storytelling approaches of established artists. The bold experimentation of Enki Bilal and Moebius, particularly their use of surreal imagery and unconventional narratives, profoundly impacted Royo’s own artistic vision.
29of 86
Americano Born in Nova York Surrealismo, Vanguarda
página do artista julien levy. frida kahlo (tira de duas cópias de contato). wikipedia: julien levy.
30of 86
Americano Born in Long Beach Fantasia surrealista
Colaborações e Parcerias: Sua carreira ganhou um impulso considerável através de colaborações com o celebrado artista marinho Wyland e o ilustrador Michael Godard, resultando em murais deslumbrantes e capas de livros cativantes que exploram temas de mitologia, natureza e emoção humana.
31of 86
Born in Sikeston
Nascido em 1944, em Sikeston, Missouri, Michael Parkes emergiu como uma voz singular e visionária na arte contemporânea – um mestre que combina com maestria fantasia, espiritualidade e brilhantismo técnico. Desde os primeiros anos, Parkes demonstrou uma aptidão excepcional para a expressão artística, destacando-se em desenho, pintura e escultura; uma base construída sobre treinamento formal na Universidade de Kansas e posteriormente refinada na Universidade da Califórnia, Berkeley.
32of 86
French Born in Lyon Surrealism
Initially destined for a musical career – his mother an amateur musician – Tabard’s early creative inclinations found expression in the intricate patterns of silk design at his father's factory. A pivotal moment arrived in 1914 when his father’s business necessitated a relocation to New York City, an event that irrevocably altered Tabard’s artistic trajectory. In 1951 Francis Quirk curated an exhibit of his work at Lehigh University along with photographs by Ansel Adams, demonstrating a recognition of Tabard's place within a broader artistic context.
33of 86
British Surrealism
His work established him as one of Scotland’s foremost landscape painters, blending the tangible reality of the natural world with the intangible whispers of the subconscious. The genesis of Jardine’s unique aesthetic was shaped by a diverse array of artistic impulses, ranging from the delicate precision of Indian miniature painting to the pioneering, fragmented approach of Max Ernst. The historical significance of George Wallace Jardine lies in his ability to bridge the gap between traditional landscape painting and the avant-garde surrealist movement.
34of 86
Britânica Born in Streatham Surrealismo Wikipedia in 13/32 languages
Graham Vivian Sutherland, um titã do Modernismo britânico, possuía a rara habilidade de transformar os contornos familiares do mundo natural em algo profundamente inquietante e espiritual. Embora seus primeiros anos tenham sido moldados por uma educação clássica no Epsom College, sua verdadeira vocação surgiu longe dos círculos jurídicos de sua família.
35of 86
French Born in Nantes Surrealism
Cahun’s photographic work stands apart from its contemporaries. As Cahun herself stated, “The abstraction, the dream, are as limited for me as the concrete and the real.” This approach mirrored the broader surrealist preoccupation with accessing subconscious realms and challenging rational thought. She created clandestine photographs documenting the plight of refugees and prisoners of war—images imbued with compassion and defiance.
36of 86
Ukrainian Born in Lviv Soviet art, Printmaking
Nascido em Lviv, Ucrânia, em 1949, Oleksandr Aksinin emergiu como uma figura significativa no cenário artístico soviético. O estilo de Aksinin é caracterizado por um nível excepcional de precisão e detalhe. “O Fim do Inverno” destaca-se como uma de suas obras-primas mais celebradas, exibindo sua capacidade de capturar a essência do inverno ucraniano com um detalhamento de tirar o fôlego.
37of 86
Born in Celaya Wikipedia in 9/32 languages
Octavio Ocampo, nascido em 1943 na vibrante cidade de Celaya, Guanajuato, México, é um nome sinônimo de surrealismo metamórfico – um estilo que ele não apenas adotou, mas incorporou.
38of 86
American Photography, Surrealism
Frederick Sommer (1905 – 1999) stands as a singular figure in American photography and visual art, recognized for his hauntingly beautiful desert landscapes and his pioneering exploration of photographic techniques.
39of 86
Romanian-American Born in Râmnicu Sărat Modernist Cartooning Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
To encounter the work of Saul Steinberg is to step into a realm where the boundaries between thought and line, between reality and metaphor, begin to dissolve. He was a fixture in the prestigious galleries of New York, exhibiting alongside giants like Arshile Gorky and Robert Motherwell, yet he remained a beloved figure in the pages of mass-circulation periodicals.
40of 86
Born in Roma
Luigi Serafini, nascido em Roma em 1949, ocupa um espaço singular no imaginário contemporâneo, atuando tanto como um arquiteto de estruturas físicas quanto como um cartógrafo de mundos impossíveis.
41of 86
Espanhol Born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna Surrealismo Wikipedia in 10/32 languages
Domínguez, pintor surrealista espanhol, nasceu em 3 de janeiro de 1906, em San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Ilhas Canárias, Espanha. Este período foi crucial para seu desenvolvimento artístico, pois ele frequentou escolas de arte, visitou galerias e museus, e buscou inspiração em pintores de vanguarda como Yves Tanguy e Pablo Picasso. Em 1933, Domínguez conheceu André Breton, o principal teórico do Surrealismo, e o poeta Paul Éluard.
42of 86
German Born in Katowice Surrealism, Photography Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
While primarily known for his dolls, Bellmer’s photographic work is equally significant. His photographs are characterized by a stark, almost clinical aesthetic, often employing unusual lighting and unsettling compositions. These images, published in his privately printed book Die Puppe (The Doll), were initially met with obscurity within Germany due to the artist’s deliberate isolation and the political climate.
43of 86
Born in Munique
Michael Sowa (nascido em 1945) é um artista alemão cuja distinta estética – caracterizada por pinturas surrealistas e caprichosas com animais antropomórficos – conquistou aclamação internacional. Nascido em Munique, Alemanha, a jornada artística de Sowa começou com uma fascinação precoce pelo desenho e escultura, nutrida durante seus anos formativos na Escola Estadual de Belas Artes de Berlim.
44of 86
Polonês Born in Toruń Surrealismo
Nascido em 1952 na cidade histórica de Toruń, na Polônia, Jacek Yerka emergiu de uma família profundamente enraizada no mundo da arte. Cita Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel, Cagliostro, Jan van Eyck e Hugo van der Goes como influências-chave.
45of 86
Born in Monmouth, New Jersey
McBean’s initial artistic pursuits lay in the realm of theatrical design. He began his career crafting masks and scenery, developing a keen eye for visual storytelling and dramatic presentation. McBean transitioned into full-time theatre photography, quickly establishing himself as a skilled chronicler of the British stage.
46of 86
Austrian-Mexican Born in Vienna Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 9/32 languages
His father, Gustav Robert Paalen, was a successful inventor – the mind behind innovations like the vacuum cleaner and Thermos bottle – whose own background blended Polish-Ashkenazi and Spanish-Sephardic heritage. Initial guidance came from German painter Leo von König, nurturing Paalen’s nascent talent and setting him on a path toward artistic expression. Wolfgang Paalen died in Taxco, Mexico, in 1959, leaving behind a body of work that continues to challenge and inspire.
47of 86
American Surrealist photography
His work also benefited from the influence of Edward Steichen, whose time at Vogue magazine provided Laughlin with valuable exposure and experience.
48of 86
Dinamarquês Born in Copenhague Arte abstrata, surrealismo realista Wikipedia in 12/32 languages
Nascido Christian Frederik Wilhelm Carlsen em 7 de fevereiro de 1909, em Copenhague, Dinamarca, Wilhelm Freddie viveu uma vida definida pela busca incessante de novas linguagens visuais. Entre 1929 e 1930, ele atuou como aprendiz de escultor na Escola Técnica, um período que consolidou sua compreensão sobre a forma e a presença física.
49of 86
Mexican Surrealist photography; Mexican muralism
Bravo’s artistic breakthrough arrived during the turbulent years following the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920). While he took art classes at the Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes, much of his photography was self-taught, driven by an internal compulsion to document the shifting Mexican identity. Throughout his career, which spanned from the late 1920s to the 1990s, he achieved numerous accolades, particularly after 1970, and his contributions were recognized by the inclusion of his work on UNESCO's Memory of the World International Register in 2017.
50of 86
Armenian, Ukrainian Born in Tbilisi Surrealism, Folklore
Sergei Parajanov, born Sarkis Hovsepi Parajaniants in Tbilisi, Georgia on January 9th, 1924, was more than just a filmmaker; he was a cultural architect, a visual poet, and a fiercely independent artist who profoundly shaped the landscape of world cinema. He is considered one of the 20 greatest film directors of all time, an honor bestowed upon him by the Rotterdam International Film Festival.
51of 86
Argentine-British Born in Buenos Aires Surrealism Wikipedia in 9/32 languages
Eileen Forrester Agar, born in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires in 1899 to a Scottish father and American mother, was an artist whose life and work embodied a fascinating interplay of cultures and artistic movements. In 1988, she published her autobiography, A Look at My Life, offering invaluable insights into her creative process and the vibrant artistic milieu she inhabited.
52of 86
Born in Concord Wikipedia in 7/32 languages
Nascido em Concord, New Hampshire, em 1957, George Condo emergiu como uma figura central na arte contemporânea ao forjar uma linguagem visual totalmente única – uma que ele mesmo denominou “Artificialismo”. A chegada de Condo em Nova York coincidiu com a energia explosiva da cena artística da East Village no início dos anos 1980.
53of 86
Born in Lisboa
Nascido em Lisboa, Portugal, a 9 de agosto de 1923, numa família marcada tanto pelo privilégio como por uma quietude turbulenta, Mário Cesariny de Vasconcelos emergiu como uma das vozes mais distintas do surrealismo português. O seu pai, Viriato de Vasconcelos, um habilidoso ourives, e a sua mãe, María de las Mercedes Cesariny, uma mulher espanhola de ascendência francesa, enfrentaram dificuldades matrimoniais que lançaram uma sombra sobre o lar familiar.
54of 86
Hungarian Born in Kiskunfélegyháza Surrealism
Joining the Socialist Group of Artists in 1934 signaled her early engagement with politically charged themes, but it was her move to Szentendre in 1937 that proved pivotal.
55of 86
Born in Amadora 1920s Art Deco
His collaboration with Natália Correia on the renowned “Anthology of Erotic and Satirical Portuguese Poetry” in 1966 showcased his ability to seamlessly blend visual art with literary themes. The late 1960s brought further recognition, including a scholarship from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which allowed him to dedicate himself fully to his artistic pursuits. Seixas’s artistic journey began in the fertile intellectual environment of António Arroio School, where he forged lasting friendships with key figures who would shape Portugal's cultural landscape: Mário Cesariny, Marcelino Vespeira, Júlio Pomar, and Fernando Azevedo.
56of 86
Nascido na Rússia Born in Dubrovka Surrealismo, Neorromantismo Wikipedia in 7/32 languages
Pavel Tchelitchew (1898-1957) foi um pintor surrealista, cenógrafo e figurinista de origem russa, cuja obra cativou pelo seu equilíbrio entre o realismo fantástico, a abstração geométrica e um simbolismo profundamente pessoal. Com o desenlace da Revolução Russa, a família de Tchelitchew fugiu para Kiev, onde ele iniciou a sua formação formal sob a tutela de Aleksandra Ekster, uma figura influente no movimento de vanguarda.
57of 86
Brazilian Born in Sao Joao do Rio Preto Engraving and draughtsmanship
Influenced by Austrian artist Alfred Kubin and prominent Brazilian engravers Oswaldo Goeldi and Livio Abramo. These influences shaped his early style and thematic concerns. Unique Contribution to Brazilian Art: Grassmann made a significant contribution to Brazilian art through his innovative approach to engraving and draughtsmanship.
58of 86
Mexicana Born in San Juan de los Lagos Surrealismo, Arte Popular Wikipedia in 11/32 languages
María Izquierdo Rodríguez, uma pintora mexicana pioneira, nasceu em 30 de outubro de 1902, em San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, México. Esta visionária dedicou sua vida e carreira à pintura de uma arte que exibia com orgulho suas raízes mexicanas, mantendo seu próprio espaço entre famosos artistas homens do México, como Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco e David Alfaro Siqueiros.
59of 86
American Born in Watervliet Surrealism Wikipedia in 11/32 languages
For a decade following her marriage to Italian Prince Ranieri di San Faustino in 1925, Sage largely abandoned painting, embracing the social obligations inherent in aristocratic life. The turning point arrived with her divorce in 1935 and subsequent move to Paris in 1937. A joint exhibition with Tanguy at the Wadsworth Atheneum in 1954 further solidified her reputation within artistic circles.
60of 86
Argentino Born in San Fernando Vanguarda, Surrealismo Wikipedia in 9/32 languages
Naná Watzin, Líder das Serpentes e Quatro Mulheres Indígenas são apenas alguns exemplos de suas obras-primas que exibem sua visão artística única.
61of 86
German Born in Magdeburg Surrealism Wikipedia in 7/32 languages
As a painter, draftsperson, and graphic artist, Oelze was regarded as a significant figure in surrealism. One of his most important works is Die Erwartung (The Expectation, 1935/1936), which depicts a group of people with their backs to the observer, staring into an empty landscape.
62of 86
Romanian-American Born in Bucareste Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
Her journey from the vibrant avant-garde scene of pre-war Europe to the heart of the New York School is a testament to her resilience, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering dedication to artistic exploration.
63of 86
French Born in Nantes Surrealist Wikipedia in 7/32 languages
In 1905, he committed himself to painting, beginning his exhibition history in 1906 at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SNBA). A significant moment in his career occurred in 1925 when he participated in the first exhibition of surrealist painters alongside figures such as Giorgio de Chirico, Max Ernst, and Pablo Picasso.
64of 86
British Born in Shillong Surrealism, Occult art Wikipedia in 6/32 languages
In 1946, Colquhoun established a studio near Penzance, Cornwall, while maintaining a residence in London.
65of 86
Mexicano Born in Cidade do México Surrealismo, Arte Popular Wikipedia in 10/32 languages
Francisco Benjamín López Toledo, nacido en Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, en 1940, no fue simplemente un artista; fue un arquitecto cultural, un defensor apasionado de su tierra natal y uno de los artistas contemporáneos más influyentes de México.
66of 86
Húngara Born in Borota Expressionismo, Surrealismo Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
67of 86
French Born in Saint-Mandé Surrealism Wikipedia in 6/32 languages
Their connection was nothing short of cinematic—a romance ignited by the sight of Lamba performing as a nude underwater dancer at the Coliseum, an image that would forever haunt Breton’s memory. While historical narratives often relegated her to the role of the muse or the devoted spouse, Lamba was far more than a silent inspiration.
68of 86
Modern Art
Vlady’s artistic development has been marked by a consistent dedication to traditional oil painting techniques. This painstaking approach requires immense patience and skill, resulting in paintings that possess a tactile quality and an almost photographic realism. The influence of classical masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer is palpable – particularly in Vlady's masterful use of light and shadow to create dramatic effect and evoke a sense of intimacy.
69of 86
Australian
He works primarily through stippling, a method where images are rendered exclusively in pen and ink through the application of countless small dots. The concentration required to place each point allows for a quiet stillness, turning a repetitive motion into a means of managing internal noise.
70of 86
Argentine Born in Buenos Aires Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 5/32 languages
Raquel Forner (1902–1988) stands as a monumental figure in the landscape of Latin American modernism, an artist whose brushstrokes did not merely capture light, but rather channeled the profound tremors of a century defined by upheaval. Her legacy is characterized by several key artistic pillars: Technical Mastery: The use of heavy impasto and rich, emotive color palettes that give her subjects a sculptural, palpable presence.
71of 86
Born in Brno Wikipedia in 6/32 languages
Nascido em Brno, República Tcheca, em 1943, Lubo Kristek emergiu como uma voz singular na cena artística europeia do pós-guerra, desafiando categorizações simplistas. Um momento crucial no desenvolvimento artístico de Kristek ocorreu com sua mudança para a Alemanha Ocidental em 1968, após a Primavera de Praga.
72of 86
Born in Austrália Wikipedia in 4/32 languages
James Timothy Gleeson (1915-2008) não era meramente um artista; ele era um conjurador de paisagens, um tecelão de pesadelos e sonhos, e indiscutivelmente o primeiro verdadeiro surrealista da Austrália. Nascido em Hornsby, Nova Gales do Sul, a vida precoce de Gleeson foi marcada por um profundo senso de deslocamento.
73of 86
Britânico Born in Dorking Surrealismo, Gravura Wikipedia in 3/32 languages
This literary background served as a crucial springboard for Trevelyan’s artistic endeavors, informing his approach to composition, symbolism, and storytelling—elements that would become hallmarks of his distinctive style. The influence of writers like Tolkien and Yeats is palpable in his oeuvre, demonstrating his commitment to exploring themes of myth, folklore, and the power of imagination. Here, Trevelyan engaged in stimulating dialogues with luminaries such as Max Ernst, Oskar Kokoschka, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso—figures whose work profoundly impacted his artistic vision.
74of 86
Australian Born in Adelaide Precisionism Wikipedia in 5/32 languages
Frank Jeffrey Edson Smart, known universally as Jeffrey Smart, emerged onto the Australian art scene from a childhood steeped in both encouragement and constraint. Though initially drawn to the precision of architecture, financial realities steered him toward teacher training, a path that nonetheless allowed him to continue developing his artistic skills at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts. A subsequent period on the island of Ischia in 1950, shared with fellow Australian painters Donald Friend, Michael Shannon, and Jacqueline Hick, further solidified his artistic direction.
75of 86
English Born in Ledbury Surrealism Wikipedia in 4/32 languages
He rejected traditional painting methods, embracing collage, frottage, and decalcomania—techniques that allowed for chance encounters and the emergence of unexpected forms. The influence of psychoanalysis, particularly the theories of Sigmund Freud, is evident in his exploration of hidden desires and repressed emotions. Conroy Maddox died in London in 2005 at the age of 92, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to captivate and inspire.
76of 86
English Born in Pequim Surrealist Wikipedia in 2/32 languages
Throughout his career, Hillier remained a steadfast practitioner of surrealism, even as his travels took him across France and Spain before he eventually settled in Somerset, England.
77of 86
Born in Moscovo Wikipedia in 4/32 languages
Nascido em Roma, na Itália, embora suas raízes estivessem firmemente plantadas em Budapeste, os anos formativos de Roman foram imersos nas correntes intelectuais europeias – Nietzsche, Kafka, Freud – que moldaram profundamente sua sensibilidade artística e alimentaram sua exploração de paisagens psicológicas em suas pinturas.
78of 86
Spanish Born in Pontevedra Abstract Expressionist Wikipedia in 5/32 languages
Castillo's artistic trajectory began with a formal education in drawing at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a crucial period that exposed him to the revolutionary currents of Surrealism. Returning to Spain in 1955, he settled in Barcelona, a city that would become inextricably linked to his artistic identity.
79of 86
Canadian Born in Saskatchewan Abstract Figurative, Prairie Landscape Wikipedia in 3/32 languages
His early life, marked by moves across the prairies—from Red Deer, Alberta, to Saskatoon—instilled in him an intimate understanding of the land’s character: its solitude, its ever-changing light, and its capacity for both beauty and starkness. This formative connection would become the bedrock of his artistic expression. Notably, nine of his sculptures are prominently displayed in the McMichael Sculpture Garden in Kleinburg, Ontario, and others grace Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, enriching public spaces with his distinctive aesthetic.
80of 86
Galês Born in Dunvant Surrealismo, Expressionismo Wikipedia in 2/32 languages
Nascido na pequena aldeia de Dunvant, perto de Swansea, em 1903, Ceri Giraldus Richards emergiu de um ambiente singularmente acolhedor que moldaria profundamente sua visão artística. Essa dedicação culminou em uma bolsa de estudos crucial para o Royal College of Art, em Londres, em 1924 — um momento decisivo que o impulsionou para o coração do movimento modernista.
81of 86
American Born in Richmond Surrealism, Realism Wikipedia in 3/32 languages
Simultaneously, Cortor’s dedication to positive portrayals of African Americans was nurtured by his avid readership of The Chicago Defender, a newspaper dedicated to celebrating Black achievements.
82of 86
British Wikipedia in 4/32 languages
Her work has been featured in group exhibitions at the Tate Modern, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. In 2017, she was honored with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award. Her performance art has included works such as The Ultimate Form, a collaboration with choreographer Kenneth Tindall, and Children of the Stain.
83of 86
Spanish Born in Torre de Miguel Sesmero New Figuration Wikipedia in 3/32 languages
His early paintings often featured fragmented figures and dreamlike landscapes, hinting at a subconscious world grappling with themes of isolation, memory, and the anxieties of war. He began to move away from purely representational forms, embracing abstraction as a means of conveying more complex emotional states. The shadow of Pablo Picasso loomed large over Spanish art during Barjola’s formative years, but rather than imitation, Picasso's example spurred him toward originality.
84of 86
Spanish Born in Milan Catalan Modernisme Wikipedia in 1/32 languages
Emilio Tadini was far more than a painter; he was a profound architect of meaning within the Italian cultural landscape. Born in Milan in 1927, his journey began not with a brush, but with the written word. A poet, novelist, and essayist, Tadini first emerged onto the prestigious literary stage in 1947 through Elio Vittorini's magazine, Politecnico.
85of 86
Catalan Born in Os de Balaguer Surrealism, Non-figurative Wikipedia in 1/32 languages
leandre cristòfol i peralba, escultor catalão, é considerado um dos pioneiros da escultura surrealista na Catalunha. Nascido em Olesa de Balaguer, Espanha, em 1908, e falecido em Lleida, Espanha, em 1998, Cristòfol formou-se como autodidata, criando obras não figurativas, retratos e peças com temáticas religiosas. Cristòfol rejeitou a escultura tradicional, tentando construir o seu próprio universo através da sua arte.
86of 86
Born in Chicago World Goes Pop Wikipedia in 1/32 languages
Lanyon’s early work focused on intimate portraits of relatives and the spaces they inhabited – quiet studies imbued with a sense of psychological depth. However, this focus gradually shifted towards more fantastical compositions, populated by animal, vegetal, and floral motifs arranged in dreamlike scenarios. In the 1970s, Lanyon’s move to New York brought her into contact with the feminist art collective Heresies, further broadening her intellectual and artistic horizons.
The paintings behind the names
Through time
In figures
| Espanha | 6 |
|---|---|
| Reino Unido | 5 |
| Estados Unidos | 5 |
| France | 5 |
| México | 4 |
| Alemanha | 4 |
| Argentina | 4 |
| Polónia | 3 |
| 1880s | 4 |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 29 |
| 1910s | 14 |
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 3 |
| 1940s | 9 |
| 1950s | 4 |
All of them, in order
Frida KahloMexicana · 1907–1954Salvador DalíEspanhol · 1904–1989Joan MiróEspanhola · 1893–1983René MagritteBelga · 1898–1967Max ErnstAlemã · 1891–1976Giorgio De ChiricoItaliano · 1888–1978H.R. Giger1940–2014Zdzisław BeksińskiPolonês · 1929–2005Man RayAmericano · 1890–1976Alberto GiacomettiSuíço · 1901–1966Remedios VaroEspanhola-Mexicana · 1908–1963Leonora CarringtonBritânica-Mexicana · 1917–2011Yves Tanguy1900–1955Dorothea Tanning1910–2012Leonor FiniArgentina-Italiana · 1907–1996André MassonFrancês · 1896–1987Meret OppenheimSuíço-alemã · 1913–1985Wilfredo LamCubano · 1902–1982Victor BraunerRomeno-Francês · 1903–1966Roberto MattaChileno · 1911–2002Felix NussbaumJüdisch-Deutsch · 1904–1944Joseph CornellAmericano · 1903–1972Ernst FuchsAustríaco · 1930–2015Paul DelvauxBelga · 1897–1994Dora MaarFrench · 1907–1997Elsa SchiaparelliItaliana · 1890–1973Paul Nash1889–1946Luis RoyoEspanhol · born 1954Julien LevyAmericano · 1906–1981Jim WarrenAmericano · born 1949Michael Parkesborn 1944Maurice TabardFrench · 1897–1984George Wallace JardineBritish · 1920–2002Graham SutherlandBritânica · 1903–1980Claude CahunFrench · 1894–1954Oleksandr AksininUkrainian · 1949–1985Octávio Ocampoborn 1943Frederick SommerAmerican · 1905–1999Saul SteinbergRomanian-American · 1914–1999Luigi Serafiniborn 1949Óscar DomínguezEspanhol · 1906–1957Hans BellmerGerman · 1902–1975Michael Sowaborn 1945Jacek YerkaPolonês · born 1952Angus Rowland Mcbean1904–1990Wolfgang PaalenAustrian-Mexican · 1905–1959Clarence John LaughlinAmerican · 1905–1985Wilhelm FreddieDinamarquês · 1909–1995Manuel Álvarez BravoMexican · 1902–2002Sergei ParajanovArmenian, Ukrainian · 1924–1990Eileen AgarArgentine-British · 1899–1991George Condoborn 1957Mário Cesariny1923–2006Piroska SzantoHungarian · 1913–1998Artur Cruzeiro Seixas1920–2020Pavel TchelitchewNascido na Rússia · 1898–1957Marcelo GrassmannBrazilian · 1925–2013María IzquierdoMexicana · 1902–1955Kay SageAmerican · 1898–1963Xul SolarArgentino · 1887–1963Richard OelzeGerman · 1900–1980Hedda SterneRomanian-American · 1910–2011Pierre RoyFrench · 1880–1950Ithell ColquhounBritish · 1906–1988Francisco ToledoMexicano · 1940–2019Margit AnnaHúngara · 1913–1991Jacqueline LambaFrench · 1910–1993Vlady1920–2005Caleb LewisAustralian · Raquel FornerArgentine · 1902–1988Lubo Kristekborn 1943James Gleeson1915–2008Julian TrevelyanBritânico · 1910–1988Jeffrey SmartAustralian · 1921–2013Conroy MaddoxEnglish · 1912–2005Tristram Paul HillierEnglish · 1905–1983Yury. Pimenov1903–1977Jorge CastilloSpanish · born 1933Ivan EyreCanadian · 1935–2022Ceri RichardsGalês · 1903–1971Eldzier CortorAmerican · 1916–2015Linder SterlingBritish · born 1954Juan BarjolaSpanish · 1919–2004Emilio TadiniSpanish · 1927–2002Leandre CristòfolCatalan · 1908–1998Ellen Lanyon1926–2013Your questions, answered
First place goes to Frida Kahlo (#1); Salvador Dalí (#2) and Joan Miró (#3) complete the podium.
Frida Kahlo (#1), Salvador Dalí (#2), Joan Miró (#3), René Magritte (#4) and Max Ernst (#5).
Buenos Aires: 3 of the artists in this list were born there.
Most artists in this list were born in the 1900s (29 of 86), between 1880 and 1957 overall.
The highest-ranked artists born in Reino Unido are Leonora Carrington (#12), Paul Nash (#27), Graham Sutherland (#34), Julian Trevelyan (#73) and Ceri Richards (#80).
The highest-ranked artists born in Espanha are Salvador Dalí (#2), Joan Miró (#3), Remedios Varo (#11), Luis Royo (#28) and Óscar Domínguez (#41).
The women of this list (20): Frida Kahlo (#1), Remedios Varo (#11), Leonora Carrington (#12), Dorothea Tanning (#14), Leonor Fini (#15), Meret Oppenheim (#17), Dora Maar (#25) and Elsa Schiaparelli (#26).
The highest-ranked living artists in this list are Luis Royo (#28), Jim Warren (#30), Michael Parkes (#31), Octávio Ocampo (#37), Luigi Serafini (#40) and Michael Sowa (#43).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Museu de Israel (6), MoMA - Museu de Arte Moderna (5) and Metropolitan Museum of Art (4).
The earliest-born artist in this list is Pierre Roy (#63), born in 1880.
Espanha: 6 of the 86 artists in this list were born there, then Reino Unido (5) and Estados Unidos (5).
Our catalogue holds 8,974 works by these artists.
Keep reading
Other movements
Famous Baroque artistsA Ronda Noturna · Rembrandt
Famous Contemporary Realist artistsAs Catadoras · Jean-François Millet
Famous Impressionist artistsNoite Estrelada (Nova York, MoMA) · Vincent Van Gogh
Famous Romanticist artistsSaturno Devorando Seu Filho · Francisco De Goya
Famous Neoclassicist artistsA Morte de Marat · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Realist artistsA Origem do Mundo · Gustave Courbet
Famous Renaissance artistsMona Lisa (La Gioconda) · Leonardo Da Vinci
Famous Dutch Golden Age artistsJohannes Vermeer · Johannes Vermeer
Famous Expressionist artistsComposição VII · Wassily Kandinsky
Famous Rococo artistsA Embarcação para Citerê · Antoine WatteauOther periods
Famous Early Medieval artistsSnowy River · Wang Wei
Famous High Medieval artistsMadonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) · Giotto Di Bondone
Famous Late Medieval artistsA Anunciação e Dois Santos · Simone Martini
Famous Renaissance artistsA Criação de Adão · Michelangelo
Famous Early Modern artistsA Vocação de São Mateus · Caravaggio
Famous 19th Century artistsLírios d'Água (ou Ninféias) · Claude Monet
Famous Modern artistsGuernica · Pablo Picasso
Famous Contemporary artistsWind Sculpture III (one in a series of nine) · Yinka ShonibareMore rankings
