Max Ernst (1891 - 1976) - photo 1

Max Ernst

Max Ernst was a pivotal figure in the 20th-century art world, whose work transcended the boundaries of nationality and genre to leave an indelible mark on culture, art, sculpture, and painting. Born in Germany on April 2, 1891, and later becoming a naturalized American and French citizen, Ernst's career was a testament to his relentless innovation and creativity. Known primarily as an artist and painter, Ernst was a founding member of the Dada movement in Cologne before becoming a major proponent of Surrealism in Paris. His early encounters with the works of Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin at the Sonderbund exhibition in 1912 deeply influenced his artistic direction, infusing it with elements of Cubism and Expressionism. Despite his lack of formal artistic training, Ernst's experimentation with techniques such as collage and frottage showcased his unique ability to blend the absurd with the sublime, making him a central figure in the artistic avant-garde of his time​​​​.

Ernst's work is notable for its exploration of the unconscious, using dreamlike imagery and symbolic figures to critique societal norms and delve into the chaos of the human psyche. His experiences in World War I profoundly impacted his worldview, leading to a deep skepticism of Western culture and an enduring search for meaning through art. This is evident in works such as "Europe After the Rain II," which reflects the devastation of war and "The Fireside Angel," inspired by the political turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, showcasing his ability to address contemporary issues through a surreal lens​​.

Ernst's contributions to art are preserved in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Tate in the United Kingdom and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His sculptures, paintings, and collages continue to be celebrated for their innovative techniques and imaginative scope, marking him as a revolutionary figure in modern art. Among his most significant works are "Ubu Imperator," "The Elephant Celebes," and "The Virgin Spanking the Christ Child before Three Witnesses," each reflecting his mastery over a diversity of mediums and themes.​​​​

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Max Ernst remains a symbol of artistic freedom and exploration. His ability to navigate through various artistic movements while maintaining a distinct, innovative voice is a testament to his enduring legacy in the art world. To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Max Ernst, signing up for updates is a valuable opportunity for those deeply invested in the nuances of modern and surreal art.

Date and place of birt:2 april 1891, Brühl, Germany
Date and place of death:1 april 1976, Paris, France
Nationality:Germany, France, USA
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Graphic artist, Painter, Poet, Sculptor
Art school / group:Rhenish Secession, Young Rhineland
Genre:Allegory, Animalistic, Landscape painting, Portrait
Art style:Cubism, Degenerate art, Expressionism, Modern art, Surrealism, Dadaism

Creators Germany

Jörg Döring (1965)
Jörg Döring
1965
Nick Mauss (1980)
Nick Mauss
1980
Wolfgang Laib (1950)
Wolfgang Laib
1950
Richard Kaiser (1868 - 1941)
Richard Kaiser
1868 - 1941
Lascăr Vorel (1879 - 1918)
Lascăr Vorel
1879 - 1918
Paul Moye (1877 - 1926)
Paul Moye
1877 - 1926
Oskar Mulley (1891 - 1949)
Oskar Mulley
1891 - 1949
Paul Wilhelm Dahms (1913 - 1988)
Paul Wilhelm Dahms
1913 - 1988
Yitzhak Danziger (1916 - 1977)
Yitzhak Danziger
1916 - 1977
Michael Kunze (1961)
Michael Kunze
1961
Karl Bolz (1877 - 1954)
Karl Bolz
1877 - 1954
Richard Vogl (1952)
Richard Vogl
1952
Carl Röchling (1855 - 1920)
Carl Röchling
1855 - 1920
Gustav Jacob Canton (1813 - 1885)
Gustav Jacob Canton
1813 - 1885
Ludwig Gebhardt (1830 - 1908)
Ludwig Gebhardt
1830 - 1908
Willy Stöwer (1864 - 1931)
Willy Stöwer
1864 - 1931

Creators Cubism

Dorothea Tanning (1910 - 2012)
Dorothea Tanning
1910 - 2012
Benito Quinquela Martín (1890 - 1977)
Benito Quinquela Martín
1890 - 1977
Christian Peschke (1946 - 2017)
Christian Peschke
1946 - 2017
Herbert Schneider (1924 - 1983)
Herbert Schneider
1924 - 1983
Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876 - 1907)
Paula Modersohn-Becker
1876 - 1907
Richard Gerstl (1883 - 1908)
Richard Gerstl
1883 - 1908
Heinrich Hoffritz (1930)
Heinrich Hoffritz
1930
Thomas G. Chambers (1808 - 1869)
Thomas G. Chambers
1808 - 1869
Alexander Gerbig (1878 - 1948)
Alexander Gerbig
1878 - 1948
Leo Berger (1885 - 1983)
Leo Berger
1885 - 1983
Dia Al-Azzawi (1939)
Dia Al-Azzawi
1939
Solomon Rossin (1937)
Solomon Rossin
1937
Harold Ancart (1980)
Harold Ancart
1980
Max Klinger (1857 - 1920)
Max Klinger
1857 - 1920
John Nieto (1936 - 2018)
John Nieto
1936 - 2018
Portia Zvavahera (1985)
Portia Zvavahera
1985
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