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

Walter Helbig (1878 - 1968)
Walter Helbig
1878 - 1968
Norbert Hochsider (1879 - 1958)
Norbert Hochsider
1879 - 1958
Hans Holtorf (1899 - 1984)
Hans Holtorf
1899 - 1984
Jan Koblasa (1932 - 2017)
Jan Koblasa
1932 - 2017
Thomas Müller (1959)
Thomas Müller
1959
Siegward Sprotte (1913 - 2004)
Siegward Sprotte
1913 - 2004
Herbert Böttger (1898 - 1954)
Herbert Böttger
1898 - 1954
Claudius Schraudolf the Younger (1843 - 1902)
Claudius Schraudolf the Younger
1843 - 1902
Karl Alexander Brendel (1877 - 1945)
Karl Alexander Brendel
1877 - 1945
Moriz Melzer (1877 - 1966)
Moriz Melzer
1877 - 1966
Judith Samen (1970)
Judith Samen
1970
Mario Botta (1943)
Mario Botta
1943
Axel Heil (1965)
Axel Heil
1965
Günter Ullmann (1946 - 2009)
Günter Ullmann
1946 - 2009
Conrad Freyberg (1842 - 1915)
Conrad Freyberg
1842 - 1915
Sigrid Nienstedt (1962)
Sigrid Nienstedt
1962

Creators Cubism

Jean Baptiste Eugène Henry Vever (1854 - 1942)
Jean Baptiste Eugène Henry Vever
1854 - 1942
Allan D'Arcangelo (1930 - 1998)
Allan D'Arcangelo
1930 - 1998
Paul Herbert Beck (1920 - 2010)
Paul Herbert Beck
1920 - 2010
Jean Lambert-Rucki (1888 - 1967)
Jean Lambert-Rucki
1888 - 1967
Michel Dousse (1929 - 2015)
Michel Dousse
1929 - 2015
Wilhelm Kotarbiński (1848 - 1921)
Wilhelm Kotarbiński
1848 - 1921
Heinrich Danioth (1896 - 1953)
Heinrich Danioth
1896 - 1953
Hendra Gunawan (1918 - 1983)
Hendra Gunawan
1918 - 1983
Leopold Rabus (1977)
Leopold Rabus
1977
Mary Fedden (1915 - 2012)
Mary Fedden
1915 - 2012
Elmer Nelson Bischoff (1916 - 1991)
Elmer Nelson Bischoff
1916 - 1991
Lucien Adrion (1889 - 1953)
Lucien Adrion
1889 - 1953
Rudolf Zender (1901 - 1988)
Rudolf Zender
1901 - 1988
Boris Mendelevich Rapoport (1939 - 2004)
Boris Mendelevich Rapoport
1939 - 2004
Renèe Sintenis (1888 - 1965)
Renèe Sintenis
1888 - 1965
Franz Radziwill (1895 - 1983)
Franz Radziwill
1895 - 1983
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