Max Ernst is a German painter, sculptor, graphic artist, and poet who was a pioneering figure in the Dada and Surrealist movements of the early 20th century. Born on April 2, 1891, in Brühl, Germany, Ernst developed an early interest in art, influenced by his father, an amateur painter. He studied philosophy and psychology at the University of Bonn but was largely self-taught as an artist. Ernst's early works were influenced by Expressionism and Cubism, but he soon became a key figure in the Dada movement, known for its rejection of traditional art forms and embrace of irrationality and absurdity. In the 1920s, Ernst became a leading figure in the Surrealist movement, exploring the unconscious mind through techniques such as frottage (rubbing) and grattage (scraping). His paintings often featured dreamlike, fantastical imagery, combining elements of reality with the irrational and the absurd. Ernst's most famous works include The Elephant Celebes (1921), The Robing of the Bride (1940), and Europe After the Rain II (1940-1942). Throughout his career, Ernst experimented with various media, including painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking. He also collaborated with other artists and writers, including his wife, the Surrealist painter Dorothea Tanning. Ernst's work had a significant impact on the development of modern art, influencing generations of artists and helping to shape the course of 20th-century art. He died on April 1, 1976, in Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential artists of his time
Max Ernst, Dada, Surrealism, frottage, grattage, modern art
Max Ernst was a German-French artist who was a pioneer in the fields of Surrealism and Dadaism. He was born in 1891 in Germany and began his artistic career as a painter, but soon expanded his repertoire to include sculpture, collage, and other mixed media. Ernst's work is characterized by its dreamlike quality, often featuring bizarre and fantastical images that challenge the viewer's perception of reality. He was particularly interested in exploring the subconscious mind, and his work often reflects this fascination. Ernst was a key figure in the Surrealist movement, which emerged in the 1920s as a response to the trauma of World War I. Surrealism sought to explore the subconscious mind and the irrational, and Ernst's work was a perfect fit for this movement. He was particularly interested in the technique of frottage, which involves rubbing a pencil or other tool over a textured surface to create a pattern. This technique allowed Ernst to create images that were both abstract and representational, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Throughout his career, Ernst continued to experiment with new techniques and media, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in art. He was a prolific artist, producing hundreds of works over the course of his lifetime. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists today.
Max Ernst, Surrealism, Dadaism, subconscious mind, frottage
Max Ernst was a French artist renowned in the world of abstract art. Born in 1891, Max Ernst was a painter, sculptor, and poet considered to be one of the founding members of the Dada movement. He was also a leader in the development of surrealism, which he combined with his own unique style. Ernst produced many notable works such as The Elephant Celebes (1921) and The Robing of the Bride (1940). He had his first solo exhibition at The Galerie Au Sans Pareil in Paris in 1921, and was subsequently featured in more than 50 solo exhibitions throughout his career. His work went on to influence many other famous abstract artists such as Jackson Pollock. Ernst died in 1976 in Paris.
Max Ernst, abstract art, Dada, surrealism, Jackson Pollock.
— Mei Wang
Max Ernst was a pioneering artist who revolutionized modern art and creativity. His use of collage, frottage and mixed media was ahead of its time and has had a lasting impact on the art world. His works often explore the subconscious mind, the chaos of daily life, and the issues of modern society. By combining elements of fantasy and everyday reality, Ernst was able to create powerful and captivating works that have been admired by viewers for generations. Ernst was also one of the co-founders of the Dada movement in the 1920s, and is considered a key figure in the history of surrealist painting and sculpture. His works are praised for their visual complexity and for the way they combine abstract expressionism with everyday life.
Surrealism, Dadaism, Collage, Frottage.
Max Ernst was a revolutionary artist who pushed the boundaries of modern art and creativity. He was a co-founder of the Dada movement in the 1920s and is considered a key figure in the history of surrealist painting and sculpture. Ernst was a master of his craft, renowned for his innovative techniques such as frottage and collage. His works often explore themes of the subconscious, the chaos of daily life, and the issues of modern society. He was praised for his ability to combine elements of fantasy and everyday reality, creating works of great depth and insight. Ernst's works are not only celebrated for their visual complexity, but also for their ability to challenge viewers to think beyond the surface and explore deeper meanings. His works are captivating, inspiring designers and artists to explore the potential of their craft and to create works that stir emotion and thought.
Max Ernst, Surrealism, Dada, Collage, Frottage, Painting, Sculpture, Abstract, Expressionism, Creativity, Art, Design.
CITATION : "Federica Costa. 'Max Ernst.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=86457 (Accessed on July 19, 2025)"
Max Ernst was an influential and groundbreaking artist who is widely recognized for his innovative and surrealist works. His use of collage, frottage and mixed media was revolutionary in its time, and has had a lasting effect on the art world. By combining elements of fantasy and everyday reality, Max Ernst was able to create powerful and captivating works that have caught the attention of viewers for generations. His works are often praised for their visual complexity and for the way they combine abstract expressionism with everyday life. His pieces often explore themes of the subconscious mind, the chaos of daily life, and the issues of modern society. Ernst was also one of the founders of the Dada movement in the 1920s, and is considered a key figure in the history of surrealist painting and sculpture.
Max Ernst, artist, surrealism, Dada, painting, sculpture, collage, frottage, abstract, expressionism, mixed media.
Max Ernst was an influential and important 20th century French artist who was known for his Surrealist works, which often used dream-like and witty imagery to present unique topics and themes. Many of his works featured his innovative techniques, such as his utilization of frottage and collage. Ernst was a co-founder of the Dada movement in the 1920s and is considered a key figure in the history of Surrealist painting and sculpture. His works often praised for their visual complexity and for the way he combined abstract art with everyday reality, producing works of great depth and insight. His most famous works include The Elephant Celebes, Europe After the Rain, and The Fool and the Priest.
Abstract, surrealism, painting, sculpture, Frottage, collage.
Max Ernst is widely regarded as an influential figure within the world of modern art. His groundbreaking use of collage and surrealism pushed the boundaries of the creative arts and inspired a generation of contemporary artists. Among his most celebrated works are The Elephant Celebes, Europe After the Rain, The Antipope and A Week of Kindness. His works are widely respected for their unique combination of mediums and their exploration of the subconscious mind.
Max Ernst, Collage Art, Surrealism, Modern Art, Avant Garde
Max Ernst (German Fine Artist) is renowned for their extraordinary painting and sculpture technique. Viewers are mesmerized by Ernst's surrealist style. Their most famous works include The Forest (1921), The Temptation of St. Anthony (1945-46), Europe After the Rain (1940–1942), The Elephant Celebes (1921), The Antipope (1941), Une Semaine de Bonte (1934), Seductive Game (1927), Oedipus Rex (1922), Two Children are Threatened by a Nightingale (1924) and The Garden of Europe (1927). Each of these works draw attention to the issue of modern society and the chaos of the physical and psychological aspects of daily life. Ernst's works combine fantasy and everyday reality, creating a powerful, dreamlike atmosphere.
Max Ernst (German Fine Artist): German Fine Artist, Fine Art, Surrealism, Painting, Sculpture, Modern Art.
We have 216.552 Topics and 472.818 Entries and Max Ernst has 9 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Max Ernst today.