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Artists are organised by their most commonly-used names. This is usually but not always their surname e.g. Leonardo da Vinci is under L, Van Gogh is under V and Raphael is under R.
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![Poème Objet [Poem-Object]](http://www.nationalgalleries.org/media_collection/4/GMA 3737.jpg)
- André Breton
- Poème Objet [Poem-Object]
- 1935
- GMA 3737
- On Display
- More
- André Breton
- Le Déclin de la société bourgeoisie
- about 1935 - 1940
- GMA 3945
- More
![Cadavre exquis [Exquisite Corpse]](http://www.nationalgalleries.org/media_collection/4/GMA 3946.jpg)
- André Breton
- Cadavre exquis [Exquisite Corpse]
- 9 February 1938
- GMA 3946
- More
André Breton (French, 1896 - 1966)
André Breton was the founder and chief theorist of the surrealist movement. Through his study of medicine and work with the insane, he became interested in irrational imagery. After serving as a medical auxiliary during the First World War, he discovered the work of Sigmund Freud. The subjects of psychiatry, the illogical and the unconscious mind appealed greatly to the Surrealists. By 1924 Breton had become a prominent figure in the Parisian avant garde and had gathered around him a group of poets and artists interested in exploring the subconscious. The surrealist movement was launched that year with Breton's 'Manifesto of Surrealism'.
Glossary Open
Avant garde
Cultural practices that challenge tradition through experimentation and innovation. Originally a military term, in art it is particularly associated with the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Surrealism
A literary and artistic movement founded by the poet André Breton in 1924. Many of the associated artists, such as Max Ernst and Jean Arp, had previously been involved with Dadaism. The movement sought to challenge conventions through the exploration of the subconscious mind, invoking the power of dreams and elements of chance. Cultural hierarchies were challenged by the combination of diverse elements in collages and sculptural assemblages. The movement is also notable for the collaborations between artists and writers evident in the Surrealists' many publications.