Max Ernst

Max Ernst (1891-1976) was a German painter, sculptor, graphic artist and poet, known as one of the primary pioneers of the Dada and Surrealist movements. Born on April 2, 1891, in Brühl, Germany, Ernst began his artistic career studying philosophy but soon shifted his focus to painting. His early work was influenced by his interest in psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind, leading to his involvement in the Dada movement in Cologne after World War I. Ernst moved to Paris in 1922, where he became a central figure in the Surrealist movement. His innovative techniques, such as frottage (rubbing) and grattage (scraping), allowed him to create rich, textured works that explored dream-like, fantastical themes. Notable works from this period include "The Elephant Celebes" (1921) and "Europe After the Rain" (1940-42). During World War II, Ernst was interned in French camps but managed to escape and eventually emigrated to the United States with the help of Peggy Guggenheim, whom he later married. In America, he continued to create influential works and experimented with new styles and techniques. After the war, Ernst returned to Europe and settled in France. Ernst received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Grand Prize for Painting at the Venice Biennale in 1954. His work is held in major museums worldwide, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. Max Ernst passed away on April 1, 1976, in Paris, leaving a profound impact on the world of modern art with his imaginative and boundary-pushing contributions.