Ernst Max

Max Ernst (April 2, 1891 – April 1, 1976) was a German artist renowned for his innovative contributions to the Dada and Surrealist movements. Born in Brühl, near Cologne, Ernst was the third of nine children in a strict Catholic family. His father, Philipp, an amateur painter and teacher, inadvertently sparked Ernst’s rebellious spirit and passion for art.

Ernst’s formal education began at the University of Bonn, where he studied philosophy, art history, literature, psychology, and psychiatry. Fascinated by the art of mentally ill patients, Ernst started painting during this period, creating sketches and portraits that laid the foundation for his future work.

In 1911, Ernst joined Die Rheinischen Expressionisten, a group led by August Macke. Influenced by the works of Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin, Ernst exhibited his own art at Galerie Feldman in Cologne in 1912. The outbreak of World War I interrupted his budding career, and his experiences on the front lines profoundly impacted his worldview and art.

After the war, Ernst returned to Cologne, married Luise Straus, and fathered a son, Ulrich ‘Jimmy’ Ernst. He co-founded the Cologne Dada group in 1919, collaborating with Johannes Theodor Baargeld and others to publish avant-garde magazines and organize exhibitions. Ernst’s first collages, inspired by Giorgio de Chirico, marked a significant shift in his artistic approach.

The early 1920s saw Ernst relocate to Paris, where he became entwined with the Surrealist movement alongside Paul Éluard and André Breton. His innovative techniques, such as frottage and grattage, redefined artistic expression. Despite personal challenges, including a complicated menage-a-trois with Éluard and Gala, Ernst’s creativity flourished.

Throughout the 1930s, Ernst’s work drew inspiration from various sources, including birds—a motif that became central to his art. His alter ego, Loplop, appeared in numerous works, reflecting Ernst’s complex relationship with avian imagery.

World War II brought renewed turmoil. Ernst was interned by the French government but later escaped to the United States with the help of Peggy Guggenheim and Varian Fry. Settling in New York, Ernst influenced the burgeoning Abstract Expressionist movement, inspiring artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.

Post-war, Ernst married Dorothea Tanning and achieved financial success. The couple moved to France, where Ernst continued to produce art, including a notable glass chess set. He remained active in the art world until his death in 1976, leaving a legacy that spanned continents and artistic disciplines.

Max Ernst’s pioneering spirit and rejection of traditional painting methods have left an indelible mark on modern art, securing his place as a pivotal figure in the history of 20th-century art.