Max Ernst (1891-1976) – MalovMetaArt Online Digital Museum

Artist Max Ernst – Visit the Metaverse of World Art MalovMetaArt!
Max Ernst
/1891-1976/

Max Ernst, a distinguished representative of German art, sculpture, and illustration, was born on April 2, 1891, in the town of Brühl. Raised by a father who taught at a specialized school for the deaf and mute, Ernst was instilled with a passion for painting fr om an early age. Ernst's early years were marked by a rejection of traditional norms and a self-guided exploration of art.

In 1909, Ernst opted for the University of Bonn to study philosophy and psychology, but was more fascinated by visits to psychiatric clinics and the creative expressions of their patients. Ernst continued to engage in painting and writing, exploring the works of Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Munch, and Freud. His friendship with August Macke, an outstanding expressionist, played a decisive role in his decision to pursue a career as an artist.

Despite the First World War, Ernst did not abandon his creative pursuits. While fighting at the front, he found time for art and organized an exhibition in Berlin in 1916. In 1918, Ernst married Luise Straus, but their marriage ended following the birth of their son.

His interactions with the Dadaists, experiments with collage and painting techniques, and a personal exhibition in Paris in 1921 brought Ernst fame. The year 1925 was a significant milestone: his participation in the first surrealist exhibition and the invention of the frottage technique. During this period, he wrote "Une Semaine de Bonté" ("A Week of Kindness"), "The Woman Without a Head," and other works.

The rise of fascism posed severe challenges for many German artists, and Ernst's works were displayed at the notorious "Degenerate Art" exhibition in Munich. In 1941, he moved to the USA, wh ere he reunited with his son and found happiness in marriage with Dorothea Tanning.

After some time, the couple moved to the south of France, where Ernst reached the zenith of his fame. He passed away on April 1, 1976, leaving behind a significant legacy. His ashes are interred at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

With his unique style filled with depth, irony, and innovation, Max Ernst earned recognition as one of the pioneers of surrealism. His mastery in collage and frottage has left an indelible mark on the history of art.

The artist's portrait was reconstructed using Artificial Intelligence (AI).