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

Aleksandra Povòrina (1885 - 1963)
Aleksandra Povòrina
1885 - 1963
Heinrich Franz Gaudenz von Rustige (1810 - 1900)
Heinrich Franz Gaudenz von Rustige
1810 - 1900
Hans Purrman (1880 - 1966)
Hans Purrman
1880 - 1966
Margarete Zahn (1954)
Margarete Zahn
1954
Aldona Maria Gustas (1932 - 2022)
Aldona Maria Gustas
1932 - 2022
Friedrich Wilhelm Maul (1780 - 1852)
Friedrich Wilhelm Maul
1780 - 1852
Walter Marcuse (1896 - 1976)
Walter Marcuse
1896 - 1976
Wolff Buchholz (1935 - 2010)
Wolff Buchholz
1935 - 2010
Stephan Huber (1952)
Stephan Huber
1952
Otto Georgi (1819 - 1874)
Otto Georgi
1819 - 1874
Israhel van Meckenem (1445 - 1503)
Israhel van Meckenem
1445 - 1503
Reinhold Braun (1821 - 1884)
Reinhold Braun
1821 - 1884
Ludwig Vollmar (1842 - 1884)
Ludwig Vollmar
1842 - 1884
Rudolf Friedrich Henneberg (1826 - 1876)
Rudolf Friedrich Henneberg
1826 - 1876
Eduard Thöny (1866 - 1950)
Eduard Thöny
1866 - 1950
Josef Hartwig (1880 - 1956)
Josef Hartwig
1880 - 1956

Creators Cubism

Ernest Engel-Pak (1885 - 1965)
Ernest Engel-Pak
1885 - 1965
Petrus Wandrey (1939 - 2012)
Petrus Wandrey
1939 - 2012
Henri Victor Le Fauconnier (1881 - 1946)
Henri Victor Le Fauconnier
1881 - 1946
Gabriele Stock-Schmilinsky (1903 - 1984)
Gabriele Stock-Schmilinsky
1903 - 1984
Kurt Schwippert (1903 - 1983)
Kurt Schwippert
1903 - 1983
Elsie Henderson (1880 - 1967)
Elsie Henderson
1880 - 1967
Georges Marie Valentin Bareau (1866 - 1931)
Georges Marie Valentin Bareau
1866 - 1931
Josef Scharl (1896 - 1954)
Josef Scharl
1896 - 1954
Hans Peter Feddersen II (1848 - 1941)
Hans Peter Feddersen II
1848 - 1941
David Wretling (1901 - 1986)
David Wretling
1901 - 1986
Johannes Itten (1888 - 1967)
Johannes Itten
1888 - 1967
Renato Guttuso (1911 - 1987)
Renato Guttuso
1911 - 1987
Lascăr Vorel (1879 - 1918)
Lascăr Vorel
1879 - 1918
Arnold Blanch (1896 - 1968)
Arnold Blanch
1896 - 1968
Nell Blaine (1922 - 1996)
Nell Blaine
1922 - 1996
Ingeborg Plockross Irminger (1872 - 1962)
Ingeborg Plockross Irminger
1872 - 1962