Max Ernst is one of the most prominent figures from the Dada and Surrealist movements of the 20th Century, and known for being a master of provocation. Ernst’s body of work demonstrates his persistent engagement with culture, especially in terms of the social and political climate. His subjects range from ancient mythology to literature to theory, often imbued with undertones of the artist’s biting humor. While varied, Ernst’s work also exhibits consistency in the recurring scenes of highly incongruent and disorienting groups of figures and objects that often display striking disruptions of scale, invoking an overwhelming sense of anxiety. For Ernst, art was a device by which the nightmarish realities of the world could be reflected.

Artwork © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ ADAGP, Paris, France.