Max Ernst (1891-1976)
Max Ernst (1891-1976)
____________________
with signature 'max ernst' and the Yvette Cauquil-Prince monogram (in the weave, lower left); signed by the master weaver, numbered and titled 'Yvette Cauquil-Prince 0/1 Nature at Dawn' (on a label attached to the reverse)
hand-woven wool tapestry
77 1/2 x 105 3/8 in. (197 x 267.5 cm.)
Executed in 1975
马克斯·恩斯特在佩吉·古根海姆的肖像，1940年左右。
signed and dated 'max ernst 74' (lower right)
oil on panel affixed to the artist's mount
Image size: 13 1/8 x 9 5/8 in. (33.4 x 24.5 cm.)
Mount size: 16 1/8 x 13 1/8 in. (41 x 33.4 cm.)
Painted in 1974
Ernst uses the title of this painting to aid in evoking a sense of chaos and destruction. The use of the word angel confuses an observer at first due to the abstract and grotesque figure that is the painting's subject. He forces the viewers mind to think of these elements in a biblical sense. Ernst draws his audience to imagine the angel in the painting as if it were the angel of death from the seven plagues or a beast unleashed at the end of days. It appears that Ernst is even provoking his audience to question their own beliefs by calling such a figure an angel.
Ernst's Surrealist paintings are steeped in Freudian metaphor, private mythology, and childhood memories. One of his major themes centered on the image of the bird, which often incorporated human elements. Although some of these birds look benign, their mere presence appears to be ominous. Consider that the The Angel of Hearth and Home was retitled by Ernst in 1938 as The Triumph of Surrealism, "a despairing reference to the fact that the surrealists with their Communist ideas had been unable to do anything to resist fascism."
Ernst's ironic title functions according to Freud's Jokes and their Relation to the Unconscious, which reminds us that a "favorite definition of joking has long been the ability to find similarity between dissimilar things - that is, hidden similarities." - a quote by Freud from his favorite Jean Paul.
signed and dated 'max ernst 73' (lower right)
oil on canvas
7½ x 10 5/8 in. (19 x 27.1 cm.)
Painted in 1973
My Friend Pierrot , 1973
Au Moindre bruit les oiseaux se taisent
signed max ernst (lower right); dated 1972 (lower left);
signed and dated (on the reverse)
oil on panel mounted on panel
13 by 9½ in.
33 by 24 cm.
Executed in 1972.
inscribed 'Duo p. 26 Parle-moi donc soldat, qui donc es-tu? - Je suis le soldat Durand, le soldat néant, et toi qui es'tu toi que je tue? - Je suis peut-être un homme, Je suis personne!' (along the lower edge)
frottage, crayon and pencil on paper
12 5/8 x 8 1/4 in. (32 x 21 cm.)
Executed circa 1971-1972
lithograph in colours, 1971, on Japan nacre paper, signed in pencil, numbered VII/X, an artist's proof aside from the standard edition of 70, published by Galerie Lucie Weill, Paris, the full sheet with deckle edges on two sides, creasing in the upper and right margins, pale staining at the lower left sheet corner, otherwise in good condition
L. 470 x 390 mm., S. 538 x 440 mm.
Vence : Galerie Alphonse Chave, 1971
EXEMPLAIRE DE TÊTE COMPORTANT UNE LITHOGRAPHIE ORIGINALE SUR JAPON SIGNÉE PAR L’ARTISTE DANS UNE ÉLÉGANTE RELIURE D’ANTONIO
ÉDITION ORIGINALE
In-4 (258 x 192 mm)
Paris, Le Point Cardinal, [1970]
EXEMPLAIRE DE TÊTE AVEC GRAVURE SIGNÉE
In-4 (220 x 170 mm)
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite)
collage et gouache sur papier
26 x 43 cm. (10 x 17 in.)
Exécuté vers 1970
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
28 3/4 x 23 5/8 in. (73 x 60 cm.)
Painted in 1969
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
frottage and pencil on tracing paper
11¼ x 8¾ in. (28.6 x 22.3 cm.)
Executed in 1969
pastel, frottage, paper collage and pencil on card
181⁄2 x 143⁄4 in. (46.8 x 37.2 cm.)
Executed in 1969
Paris, Le Soleil Noir, 1969
EXEMPLAIRE DE TÊTE, COMPORTANT TROIS LITHOGRAPHIES DE MAX ERNST
ÉDITION ORIGINALE
In-8 (192 x 140mm)
Untitled (Soleil et la terre)
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on panel
33 by 41.2cm., 13 by 16¼in.
Framed: 47.3 by 55.7cm., 18⅝ by 21⅞ in.
Painted in 1969
Untitled (The Birth of Venus)
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on panel
32.7 by 41.4cm., 12⅞ by 16¼in.
Framed: 44.5 by 55.5cm., 17½ by 21⅞in.
Painted in 1969.
photo-lithograph in colours, 1968, on Japan fibrous paper, signed in pencil and numbered 37/70, with margins, in good condition; together with Affiche Mer et Soleil, photo-lithograph in colours, 1985, on Arches paper, signed in pencil and inscribed 'E.A.', an artist's proof aside from the edition of 120, before text, the full sheet, with time staining, generally in good condition
L. 470 x 390 mm., S. 540 x 447 mm. (2)
Enfant de choeur
Stroller in the moonlight
signed max ernst (lower right);
titled STROLLER IN THE MOONLIGHT, signed max ernst and dated 1968 (on the artist's mount)
collage, pastel and pencil on paper
image: 21 x 26,7 cm; 8¼ x 10½ in.;
artist's mount: 35,6 x 38,3 cm; 14 x 15⅛ in.
Executed in 1968.
L'astronaute millénaire
signed max ernst (lower right on the artist's cardboard mount); titled L'astronaute Millénaire, signed max Ernst and dated 1968(on the backboard)
collage on paper, laid down on the artist's cardboard
sheet: 9,5 x 14 cm; 3¾ x 5½ in.; mount: 15,5 x 20,7 cm; 6⅛ x 8⅛ in.
Executed in 1968.
signé et daté 'max ernst/ 68' (en bas à droite) et numéroté '2/3' (en bas à gauche);
sérigraphie réhaussée au pastel
112 x 159 cm (44 1/8 x 62 5/8 in.)
Exécuté en 1968
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite)
huile et crayon gras sur toile
17 x 13 cm. (6¾ x 5 1/8 in.)
Peint en 1968
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
paper collage on card
10 5/8 x 7 1/2 in. (27 x 19 cm.)
Executed in 1968
signed, titled and inscribed 'Max Ernst Portrait d'un ami de Claire et César Péverelli' (lower edge)
colored wax crayon, pencil and fabric and paper collage on card
12 1/8 x 8 ½ in. (30.8 x 21.5 cm.)
Executed in 1968
Montpellier, Fata Morgana, 1967
L'EXEMPLAIRE DE L'AUTEUR, SUR JAPON NACRÉ
UNE EAU-FORTE SIGNÉE DE MAX ERNST
ÉDITION ORIGINALE
In-8 (248 x 165 mm)
Ciel enragé I
titled ciel enragé (lower left on the artist's mount) and signed max ernst (lower right on the artist's mount)
gouache and decalcomania on paper laid down on the artist's mount
sheet: 20,8 x 19,6 cm; 8¼ x 7¾ in.; mount: 33,7 x 29,6 cm; 13¼ x 11⅝ in
Executed in 1966.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil with decalcomania on paper
16 1/8 x 12 7/8 in. (41 x 32.8 cm.)
Executed in 1966
Ciel enragé II
titled ciel enragé (lower left on the artist's mount) and signed max ernst (lower right on the artist's mount)
oil, gouache, ink, collage and decalcomania on paper laid down on the artist's mount
sheet: 16,4 x 13,5 cm; 6½ x 5¼ in.; mount: 34,3 x 26,1 cm; 13½ x 10¼ in.
Executed in 1966.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
gouache and paper collage and pencil on card
11 3/8 x 21 ¼ in. (29 x 54 cm.)
Executed in 1966
Les palmiers qui dorment ou La Liberté
signed max ernst and dated 66 (lower right)
oil on panel
41 x 32 cm; 16⅛ x 12⅝ in.
Painted in 1966.
lithograph in colors, on Chiffon de Mendeur paper, 1966, signed and dated in pencil, annotated 'epreuve d'essai' (a proof aside from the edition of 51), published by Galerie Alphonse Chave, Vence, France
Image: 181⁄4 x 177⁄8 in. (463 x 450 mm.)
Papillon contribuable
signed max ernst and dated 65 (lower right); titled (lower left)
oil and collage on canvas
28¾ by 23⅝ in.
73 by 59.9 cm.
Executed in 1965.
Le Peintre
signed max ernst (lower left)
collage on panel
45½ by 39⅜ in.
116 by 100 cm.
Executed in 1965.
SHELL
Signed max ernst (lower right);
signed max ernst and dedicated al mio amigo Egidio (on the reverse)
Oil on panel
16¼ by 12¾ in. (41.3 by 32.3 cm)
Framed: 23¼ by 19¾ in. (59.1 by 50.2 cm)
Painted in 1965.
Le Peintre
signed max ernst (lower left)
collage on panel
45½ by 39⅜ in.
116 by 100 cm.
Executed in 1965.
signed and inscribed 'FÜR MERET DER TANZ IM SCHMACKENLOCH. MAX ERNST' (along the lower edge);
pastel on paper
9 5/8 x 8 1/8 in. (24.5 x 20.5 cm.)
Executed in April 1965
etching with aquatint in colours, 1965, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered essai 1/1, a proof aside from the edition of 75, with margins, framed
P. 206 x 158 mm., S. 381 x 275 mm.
etching with aquatint in colours, 1965, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered X/X HC (an hors commerce copy aside from the edition of 75), with margins, staining at the lower sheet edges, framed
P. 205 x 155 mm., S. 400 x 305 mm.
etching with aquatint in colours, 1965, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered essai 1/1, a proof aside from the edition of 75, with margins, framed
P. 210 x 158 mm., S. 376 x 275 mm.
etching with aquatint in colours, 1965, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered essai 1/1, a proof aside from the edition of 75, with margins, framed
P. 210 x 158 mm., S. 380 280 mm.
etching with aquatint in colours, 1965, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered essai 1/1, a proof aside from the edition of 75, with margins, framed
P. 206 x 158 mm., S. 381 x 275 mm.
etching with aquatint in colours, 1965, on wove paper, signed, numbered 70/100, with margins, framed
P. 200 x 136 mm., S. 503 x 314 mm.
Nuit partagée, 1965
signed 'Max Ernst' (lower right);
oil on panel
9½ x 7½ in. (24.2 x 19 cm.)
Painted in 1965
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on panel
8 5⁄8 x 10 7⁄8 in. (22 x 27.8 cm.)
Painted in 1965
Narcisse
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on panel
33 x 23,8 cm; 13 x 9⅜ in.
Painted in 1964.
oil on panel
13 7/8 x 10 5/8 in. (35.3 x 27 cm.)
Painted in 1964
oil on panel
6¼ x 8¾ in. (15.9 x 22.2 cm.)
Painted circa 1964
Tremblement de terre printanier or Trois tremblements de terre
signed max ernst and dated 64 (lower right)
oil on canvas
130 x 161,5 cm; 51⅛ x 63⅝ in.
Painted in 1964.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on panel
8¾ x 6¼ in. (22 x 16 cm.)
Painted in 1964
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on panel
16 1/8 x 12¾ in. (41 x 32.6 cm)
Painted in 1964
etching and aquatint in colours, 1964, signed in pencil, inscribed essai, a proof aside from the edition of 75, with margins, framed
P. 208 x 157 mm., S. 500 x 326 mm.
eau-forte et aquatinte, 1964, sur papier vélin, signée au crayon et annotée Essai, épreuve en dehors de l'édition à 75 exemplaires signée et numérotée, imprimée par Georges Visat, Paris et éditée par Documenta-Foundation, Kassel, cadre
feuille: 33 x 25 cm;
plaque: 20,5 x 15,8 cm.
etching with aquatint in colours, 1963, on wove paper, signed in pencil, inscribed essai, a proof aside from the edition of 51, with wide margins, taped to the mount, staining at the lower sheet edge, framed
P. 198 x 140 mm., S. 230 x 167 mm.
signed 'max ernst' (upper right), inscribed 'Ça grouille' (upper left)
crayon and frottage on paper
3 7/8 x 5 3/8 in. (9.8 x 13.7 cm.)
Executed in 1963
Paysage
signed Max Ernest (lower right)
gouache on board
9 x 12 cm (unframed); 26 x 29 cm (framed)
Executed in 1963.
La Terre est une femme
signed Max Ernst and dated 63 (lower right)
oil on canvas
25 ⅝ by 21 ⅛ in. 65.2 by 53.8 cm.
Executed in 1963.
MONTAGNE SACRÉE (S. & L. 91)
Etching with aquatint printed in colours, 1963, signed in pencil, numbered 5/51, printed and published by Georges Visat, Paris, on BFK Rives wove paper, framed
plate: 149 by 133mm 5⅞ by 5¼in
signed 'Max Ernst' (lower right);
oil and paper collage on panel
13 x 9 3/8 in. (33 x 24 cm.)
Executed in 1962
signed and dated ‘max ernst 62’ (lower right);
oil on canvas
57 1/2 x 45 in. (146 x 114.5 cm.)
Painted on 4 May 1962
signed and dated 'max ernst 62' (lower right)
oil on canvas
35 x 46¾ in. (89 x 116.2 cm.)
Painted in 1962
But in Color
Soudain I
LE PETIT MONSTRE
signed max ernst (lower right);
signed Max Ernst on the reverse and dated 1962 on the stretcher
oil and Bakelite on canvas
22 by 27cm, 8⅝ by 10⅝in.
Framed: 46 by 41.5cm., 18⅛ by 16⅜in.
Executed in 1962.
signed 'max ernst' (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
18 1/8 x 15 in. (46.3 x 38 cm.)
Painted in 1962
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on panel
10¾ x 13 7/8 in. (27.1 x 35.1 cm.)
Painted circa 1962
signed 'max ernst' (lower left)
gouache on paper
3 3/8 x 5 5/8 in. (8.6 x 14.3 cm.)
Executed in 1962
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil and paper collage on canvas
6 3/8 x 4 ¾ in. (16.2 x 12.3 cm.)
Executed in 1962
signed and dedicated 'TO PEGGY AND GEORGES FROM MAX' (lower center)
oil, gouache, collage and pen and colored inks on board
10 5/8 x 5 3/8 in. (26.7 x 13.5 cm.)
Executed in 1962
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
paper collage on paper
131⁄4 x 103⁄8 in. (33.5 x 26.5 cm.)
Executed circa 1961
oil on canvas laid down on board
12 7/8 x 9 ¼ in. (32.6 x 23.7 cm.)
Painted in 1961
signed 'Max Ernst' (lower right)
oil and wallpaper collage on canvas
25½ x 21¼ (64.8 x 54 cm.)
Executed circa 1961
Huile sur panneau
22 x 15,9 cm. (8 5⁄8 x 6 1⁄4 in.)
Peint en 1961.
etching in colour, 1961/1968, on wove paper, signed in pencil, numbered 84/99, with margins, mount staining, the sheet folded by 20 mm. below, framed
P. 207 x 156 mm., S. 380 x 282 mm.
signed and numbered '44/85 Max Ernst' in pencil
etching and aquatint in colors, on wove paper
Image: 9 x 61⁄2 in. (228 x 165 mm.)
Sheet: 121⁄4 x 81⁄4 in. (311 x 209 mm.)
Executed in 1960
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas (with Spritztechnik)
73 x 60 cm. (28 3/4 x 23 5/8 in.)
Painted circa 1960
Untitled (Fleur blanche sur fond bleu)
signed max ernst (lower right) and dedicated A IOLAS TRES AMICALEMENT (lower left)
oil and gouache over lithograph on paper, laid down on canvas
17,5 x 22,7 cm; 6⅞ x 9 in.
Executed in 1960.
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite) ;
92.5 x 74 cm. (36 3/8 x 29 1/8 in.)
Peint en 1960
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
13 x 9½ in. (33.2 x 24.3 cm.)
Painted in 1960
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on paper
10½ x 8½ in. (27 x 22 cm.)
Painted in 1960
OHNE TITEL (UNTITLED)
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on canvas
24 by 19cm., 9½ by 7½in.
Framed: 40 by 35cm., 15¾ by 13¾in.
Painted in 1959.
Édition originale, illustrée de 10 eaux-fortes originales signées de Max Ernst, Roberto Matta, Wifredo Lam, Jacques Hérold et Dorotea Tanning.
In-4 (330 x 270 mm).
etching in blue, on Japon paper, 1959, initialed and annotated 'essai' in pencil
Image: 103⁄4 x 73⁄4 in. (273 x 197 mm.)
signed 'max ernst' (lower left);
oil on canvas
4 ¾ x 6 3/8 in. (12.2 x 16 cm.)
Painted circa 1959
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite)
huile sur toile
26.8 x 21.8 cm. (10 5/8 x 8 5/8 in.)
Peint en 1959
Les Flâneurs
signed and dated 'max ernst /58' (lower right)
oil on canvas
18 1/8 x 14 7/8 in.
Painted in 1958
SIGNED 'MAX ERNST' (LOWER RIGHT);
OIL ON BOARD
32¾ X 27½ IN. (83 X 69.7 CM.)
PAINTED IN 1958
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on panel
5 ½ x 3 ¾ in. (14 x 9.4 cm.)
Painted in 1958
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil and grattage on canvas
19 ½ x 15 1/8 in.
Painted in 1958
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on panel
10 5/8 x 13 7/8 in. (27 x 35.2 cm.)
Painted in 1958
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil and decalcomanie on canvas
11 1⁄8 x 14 1⁄8 in.
Executed circa 1957
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite);
huile et décalcomanie sur panneau
15.8 x 21.9 cm. (6 ¼ x 8 5/8 in.)
Peint vers 1957
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on panel
10 3/4 x 8 3/8 in.
Painted in 1957
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
10 1/8 x 12 1/8 in. (25.6 x 30.7 cm.)
Painted in 1957
signed ‘max ernst’ (lower right);
oil on canvas
7 ½ x 10 5/8 in. (19 x 27 cm.)
Painted circa 1957
Untitled
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on panel
10.5 by 14cm., 4⅛ by 5½in.
Framed: 30.5 by 33cm., 12 by 13in.
Painted in 1957.
signed and dated 'max ernst 57' (lower right);
oil on canvas
30 x 36 in. (76.2 x 92 cm.)
Painted in 1957
signed and indistinctly dated ‘max ernst 57’ (lower right);
oil on canvas
18 ¼ x 15 1/8 in. (46.2 x 38.3 cm.)
Painted in 1957
signed 'max Ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
16 x 12 1/8 in. (40.9 x 30.7 cm.)
Painted in 1957
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on panel
9 ½ x 7 3/8 in. (24.1 x 18.8 cm.)
Painted in 1957
signed 'max ernst' (lower left)
oil on paper laid down on canvas
9 5/8 x 7 1/8 in. (24.4 x 18.1 cm.)
Painted circa 1957
signed 'max ernst' (lower left)
oil on card laid down on canvas
9½ x 7¼ in. (24.2 x 18.4 cm.)
Painted in 1957
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil and grattage on canvas
14 1⁄8 x 11 1⁄8 in.
Executed in 1957
Les princes dorment mal
signed ‘max ernst’ (lower right)
oil on paper laid down on board
6 ¾ x 14 ¼ in. (17.2 x 36.3 cm.)
Painted circa 1957
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil and grattage on masonite
20 ½ x 70 1/8 in.
Painted in 1956-57
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
24 x 18¼ in. (61 x 46.1 cm.)
Painted in November 1956
huile et frottage sur carton d'artiste
26.8 x 34.7 cm. (10½ x 13 5/8 in.)
Peint vers 1956
offset lithograph in colors, 1956, on Arches paper, signed in pencil, numbered 58/200 (partially erased, written again in another hand), published by Fernand Mourlot, Paris, pale light-staining, otherwise generally in good condition, framed
Image: 21 5/8 x 17 5/8 in. (550 x 448 mm.)
signed ‘max ernst’ (lower right) ;
gouache on paper laid down on canvas
31 7/8 x 25 5/8 in.
Executed in 1956
signed twice 'max ernst' (lower center and lower right)
oil on board
3 ¾ x 13 ½ in. (9.4 x 34.3 cm.)
Painted circa 1956
Sans titre (soleil orange)
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on canvasboard
24 by 32.8cm., 9½ by 12⅞in.
Framed: 41 by 50.7cm., 16⅛ by 20in.
Painted circa 1956.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on panel
9½ x 13 1/8 in. (24.2 x 33.2 cm.)
Painted in 1956
signed and dated 'max ernst 56' (lower right);
oil on canvas
36¼ x 30 in. (92 x 76 cm.)
Painted in 1956
Ohne Titel (Untitled)
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on canvas
30.8 by 23.2cm., 15 by 9⅛in.
Framed: 34.5 by 27cm., 13⅝ by 10⅝in.
Painted circa 1956.
Terre de Feu
Nymphéas
signed max ernst and dated 56 (lower right)
oil on panel
55,3 x 45,7 cm; 21¾ x 18 in
Executed in 1956.
signed and dated 'max ernst 55' (lower right);
oil on canvas
21 3/4 x 18 1/4 in. (57.7 x 46.4 cm.)
Painted in 1955
Le Cri
signed Max Ernst and dated 55 (lower right)
oil on panel
16⅛ by 12⅞ in.
41 by 32.6 cm.
Executed in 1955.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on panel
9 3/8 x 13 in. (23.8 x 33 cm.)
Painted circa 1955
signed and dated 'max ernst 55' (lower right)
oil on board
13 ½ x 9 7/8 in. (34.2 x 25.2 cm.)
Painted in 1955
lithograph in colors, on Marais paper, 1955, Spies & Leppien's state D (of F), signed in pencil, numbered 60/220, published by Guilde de la Gravure, Geneva and Paris, with margins (presumably the full sheet), in generally good condition, framed
Image: 19 ¼ x 14 1/8 in. (489 x 359 mm.)
signed and dated 'max ernst 55' (lower right)
oil on masonite
23 3/4 x 14 1/8 in. (60.3 x 35.8 cm.)
Painted in 1955
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil and decalcomania on panel
5 5/8 x 3 3/8 in.
Painted in 1955
signé 'max ernst' (en bas au centre)
huile sur panneau
14 x 9.5 cm. (5 ½ x 3 ¾ in.)
Peint en décembre 1955
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite); signé, dédicacé et inscrit 'Merry Xmas and a happy New Year from Dorothea and Max Ernst Monsieur Maurice Lefebvre Foinet 19, rue Vavin PARIS (VIe)' (au revers)
huile sur panneau
14.4 x 9 cm. (5 5/8 x 3½ in.)
Peint vers 1955
Sans titre (Une femme lâchant un oiseau)
signed max ernst and dated 55 (lower right)
oil on canvas
55 by 46cm., 21⅝ by 18⅛in.
Framed: 63 by 54cm., 24¾ by 21¼in.
Painted in 1955
signed, dated and inscribed 'max ernst 54 le bijoutier du ciel' (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
31 7⁄8 x 25 1⁄2 in. (81 x 64.7 cm.)
Painted in 1954
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil with grattage and sgraffito on panel
12 7/8 x 16 1/4 in. (32.8 x 41.2 cm.)
Painted in 1954
signed ‘max ernst’ (lower right);
oil on canvas
31 7/8 x 23 5/8 in. (81 x 60 cm.)
Painted in 1954
PAYSAGE DE CHOIX
Signed max ernst and titled (on the artist's mount)
Gouache on paper mounted on card
3⅛ by 4 in. (8 by 10 cm)
Framed: 14⅛ by 16¾ in. (35.9 by 42.6 cm)
Executed circa 1953.
Têtes solaires
signed Max Ernst (lower center);
signed again, titled, and dated PARIS 1953 (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
39 ¼ by 26 ¾ in. 99.7 by 67.9 cm.
Executed in Paris in 1953.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on paper laid down on board
11½ x 15¾ in. (29.3 x 39.8 cm.)
Painted circa 1953
signed and dated 'max ernst 53' (lower right);
oil on canvas
35 x 45 5/8 in.
Painted in 1953
signé 'Max Ernst' deux fois (en bas à droite);
huile sur panneau
18.1 x 13.8 cm. (7 1/8 x 5½ in.)
Peint en 1953
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on masonite
13 1⁄8 x 10 1⁄8 in.
Executed circa 1953
Constellation
signed and dated 'max ernst 51' (lower right)
oil on canvas
30 x 18 1/8 in. (76.2 x 46 cm.)
Painted in 1951
signed and dated 'max ernst 51' (lower right)
pastel on blue paper
12 ¾ x 19 ½ in. (32.4 x 49.6 cm.)
Drawn in 1951
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on board
18 x 24 in. (45.8 x 61.1 cm.)
Painted circa 1951
Tête
signed and dated 'max ernst 51' (lower right)
pastel on blue-grey paper
25½ x 19¾ in. (64.9 x 50.2 cm.)
Executed in 1951
signed and dated 'max ernst 51' (lower right);
oil on board laid down on cradled panel
22 x 15 3/8 in. (56 x 39.3 cm.)
Painted in 1951
ZU: KURT SCHWITTERS, LA LOTERIE DU JARDIN ZOOLOGIQUE (SPIES & LEPPIEN 53)
Etching with hand-colouring, 1951, signed in pencil, numbered 8/12, printed by Georges Visat, published by Librairie Les Pas Perdus, Paris, on wove paper, framed
plate: 120 by 90mm 4¾ by 3½in
etching, on Marais paper, 1950, signed in pencil, annotated 'H.C.' (an hors-commerceimpression, the edition was 50), published by Librairie Les Pas Perdus, Paris, with wide margins, with central vertical fold (as issued), adhesive remains in places in the margins (with associated skinning), otherwise in generally good condition, framed
Image: 4 5/8 x 3 3/8 in. (118 x 86 mm.)
Paris, Librairie Les Pas perdus, 1951
EXEMPLAIRE HORS COMMERCE AVEC L’EAU-FORTE DE MAX ERNST SIGNÉE
RELIURE DOUBLÉE DE GEORGES LEROUX
ÉDITION ORIGINALE
In-12 (162 x 122 mm)
lithograph, on Arches paper, 1950, signed in pencil, numbered 198/200, published by Guilde de la Gravure, Geneva and Paris, with their blindstamp, the full sheet, in generally good condition
Sheet: 22 1/8 x 15 ¼ in. (562 x 387 mm.)
lithograph in colors, on Chine paper, 1950, signed in pencil, annotated 'epreuve d'artiste sur Chine', a proof aside from the edition of 200, published by Guilde de la Gravure, Geneva and Paris, with full margins, a 3/4-in. skillfully repaired tear at the right sheet edge, otherwise in good condition, framed.
Image: 13 x 19 5/8 in. (328 x 497 mm.)
Paris, Éditions Premières, 1950
EXEMPLAIRE DE TÊTE AVEC DEUX GRAVURES ORIGINALES DE MAX ERNST
RELIURE DE GEORGES LEROUX
In-12 (160 x 124 mm)
Including: Ohne Titel, etching and aquatint with hand-coloring, on Arches paper, 1950, signed in pencil, numbered 84/100 (there were also five artist's proofs in Roman numerals), published by Georges Visat, Paris; Pluie, from Paroles Peintes, etching in colors, on Japon paper, 1959, signed in pencil, numbered 'E.A. VI/VII' (an artist's proof, the edition was 56), published by Editions Galerie Diderot, Paris
Paris, René Drouin, 1950
ÉLÉGANTE RELIURE SEMI-SOUPLE D’ANTONIO
ÉDITION ORIGINALE
In-4 (280 x 190 mm)
lithograph in colors, 1950, signed in pencil, numbered 12/200, published by Guilde de la Gravure, Geneva and Paris, with wide margins, pale light- and mat staining
Image: 16 ¾ x 10 5/8 in. (426 x 270 mm.)
ZU: BENJAMIN PÉRET, MORT AUX VACHES ET AU CHAMP D'HONNEUR (S. & L. 34)
Etching with aquatint printed in black and reddish brown, 1950, signed in pencil, numbered 1/10, printed by Georges Visat, published by Marcel Zerbib, Paris, on Arches wove paper, framed
plate: 180 by 130mm 7⅛ by 5⅛in
OHNE TITEL (S. & L. 42)
Etching and aquatint with hand-colouring in gouache and a poem inscribed in ink, 1950, signed in pencil, incribed 'essai (für Das Schnabelpaar nicht veröffentlicht)', a proof impression aside from the edition of 30, printed by Georges Visat, published by Marcel Zerbib, Paris, on wove paper, framed
plate: 237 by 180mm 9⅜ by 7⅛in
FIGURE (S. & L. 37)
Etching with aquatint, 1950, signed in pencil, numbered 18/30, printed by Georges Visat, published by Marcel Zerbib, Paris, on wove paper, framed
plate: 237 by 177mm 9⅜ by 7in
Retour de flamme
signed Max Ernst and dated 50 (lower right);
signed Max Ernst, dated 50 and titled (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
45¾ by 35¼ in.
116 by 89.5 cm.
Executed in 1950.
Arizona
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil, gouache, watercolour and decalcomania technique on paper
2 7/8 x 6 1/8 in. (7.4 x 15.5 cm.)
Executed circa 1950
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
6 7/8 x 10 in. (17.5 x 25.4 cm.)
Painted in 1948
indistinctly signed 'Max Ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 28.2 cm.)
Painted in 1948
drypoint, on wove paper, 1947, signed in pencil, annotated 'épreuve d'artiste 14/15' (the edition was 70), printed by S.W. Hayter, published by Brunidor Editions, New York, with full margins, in generally good condition, framed
Image: 11 ¾ x 8 7/8 in. (299 x 225 mm.)
signed and dated 'max ernst 47' (lower right);
oil on canvas ，24 1⁄8 x 11 7⁄8 in.
Painted in 1947
signed, dated and titled 'Max Ernst 46 the phases of the night' (lower right)
oil on canvas
35 7/8 x 63 7/8 in. (91.3 x 162.4 cm.)
Painted in Sedona, 1946
signed 'max ernst' (on the artist's mount)
encaustic, grattage and wash on paper laid down on the artist's mount
Image: 6 7/8 x 9 ¼ in. (17.5 x 23.5 cm.)
Artist's Mount: 7 1/8 x 9 ¼ in. (18 x 23.6 cm.)
Executed in 1945
signed, dated and titled 'max ernst 1945 Temptation of St.
oil on canvas
10 1/8 x 6 in. (25.8 x 15.3 cm.)
Painted in 1945
signed, titled and dated 'Orobas Max Ernst NYC 1942' (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
10¼ x 14 1/8 in. (26 x 36 cm.)
Painted in 1942
Ohne Titel (Untitled)
signed max ernst. (lower right)
oil on paper mounted on canvas
64.5 by 49cm., 25⅜ by 19¼in.
Framed: 84.5 by 68.5cm., 33¼ by 27in.
Painted in 1942.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
25 5/8 x 31 7/8 in. (65 x 81 cm.)
Painted in 1941
LA COMÉDIE DE LA SOIF
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil and gouache on paper laid down on the artist's painted board
Image: 5 1/2 x 7 3/8 in (14.1 x 18.9 cm.)
Board: 6 1/4 x 8 1/8 in. (16 x 20.6 cm.)
Painted in 1941
Europe after the Rain, II makes extensive use of the techniques Ernst invented, portraying a ravaged landscape reminiscent of both twisted wreckage and rotting organic proliferation. Are we witnesses to an apocalypse, or uncontrolled, cancerous growth?
True to Ernst's methods, there is no definitive interpretation, but given his personal history, his flight from the Gestapo into self-imposed exile, and his disgust at the effects of war, it's not hard to see a restrained melancholy on display.
In a landscape reminiscent of classical paintings of ruins, the figures could be overgrown statuary, or semi-mythical survivors of a forgotten war. A helmeted, bird-headed soldier threatens a female figure with a spear - or perhaps a ruined battle standard. Perhaps it is an allegory for the destruction of European civilization. Perhaps it is a denouncement, showing that once the dignified veneer of civilization is stripped away, only chaotic masses of half-formed nightmares remain. However you take it, Europe After the Rain II is a powerful image that provokes more questions than it answers, and a true masterpiece of Ernst's ouevre.
signed ‘Max Ernst’ (lower right)
oil on canvas
20 x 26 in. (50.8 x 66 cm.)
Painted circa 1940
The Endless Night
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil with decalcomania on paper laid down on panel
15 ¼ x 11 in. (38.8 x 28 cm.)
Executed in 1939
paper collage and pencil on paper
5 5/8 x 4 ½ in. (13.1 x 11.6)
Executed in 1939
Paris, GLM, 1939
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
collage on paper
9 1/8 x 7 3/8 in. (23 x 18.8 cm.)
Executed in 1936
signed 'MAX ERNST' (lower right)
oil on canvas
15 x 21½ in. (38.1 x 54.6 cm.)
Painted in 1936
signed ‘max ernst’ (lower right);
oil and grattage on canvas
9 1/2 x 13 in. (24.2 x 33 cm.)
Painted in 1936
The Entire City, 1935 - 1936Oil on canvas
Barbares
signed
oil on paper laid on canvas
Executed in 1935
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on paper
9 1/8 x 12 1/8 in. (23.2 x 30.8 cm.)
Painted in 1935
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
gouache on paper
10 7/8 x 19 7/8 in. (27.6 x 50.6 cm.)
Executed in 1935
signed 'max ernst' (lower right); signed, dated and
oil on canvas
39 3/8 x 31 7/8 in. (100 x 81 cm.)
Painted in 1934-1935
FORÊT
Signed max ernst (lower right)
Oil on paper
9⅛ by 12⅜ in. (23.2 by 31 cm)
Framed: 22 by 25¼ in. (55.9 by 64.1 cm)
Painted circa 1934-35.
oil, frottage and grattage on paper laid down on the artist's painted mount laid down on stretched canvas
9 3/8 x 12 7/8 in. (23.8 x 32.8 cm.)
Painted circa 1934-1935
signed 'Max Ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
25 5/8 x 21¼ in. (65.3 x 54.2 cm.)
Painted in 1934-1935
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
28¾ x 23 5/8 in. (73 x 60 cm.)
Painted in 1934
the complete book of 182 reproductions of collages by Max Ernst, on Navarre paper, title pages, text in French and justifications, copy 355 of 816, in five volumes, with original colored wrappers and original slipcase. 10 7/8 x 8 in. (275 x 205 mm.)
inscribed 'Chirico 1913' (lower right)
charcoal on paper
18 7/8 x 12 1/4 in. (48 x 31.3 cm.)
Executed in 1934
Le Chant de la grenouille
signed max ernst (lower right);
signed max ernst and dated 1934 (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
7½ by 9½ in.
19 by 24 cm.
Executed in 1934.
Méduse circonflexe
signed and dated 'max ernst 33' (lower right)
oil and paper collage with brush and pen and black ink on canvas
32 x 39 in. (81.4 x 99 cm.)
Executed in 1933
signed and dated 'max ernst 33' (lower right)
oil on canvas
39 x 31 5/8 in. (99 x 80.2 cm.)
Painted in 1933 (first state); second state circa 1950
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite) et dédicacé 'à ma ravissante amie Pollein, pour ses 15 ans, ces quelques fleurs' (en bas à gauche)
gouache sur papier marouflé sur panneau
24.5 x 36 cm. (9¾ x 14 1/8 in.)
Exécuté en 1933
Fleurs-coquillagessigned; signed and dated 32 on the reverse
oil on canvas
Édition originale, avec 11 eaux-fortes originales de Max Ernst, dans une délicate reliure « à l’archipel » de Monique Mathieu.
In-8 (220 x 160 mm). Édition originale d’un texte daté de 1932
signé, daté et dédicacé 'A mon ami Denis Honegger Max Ernst 1931' (en bas à droite)
collage, gouache et graphite sur papier fort
48 x 64.5 cm. (18¾ x 25½ in.)
Exécuté en 1931
Mur devant soleil
signed max ernst (lower right); titled mur et soleil (on the reverse)
collage and oil on canvas
73 x 53,8 cm; 28¾ x 21⅛ in.
Executed circa 1931
signed and dated 'max ernst 1930' (lower right)
oil on canvas
32 x 23¾ in. (81.3 x 60.3 cm.)
Painted in 1930
signed and dated 'max ernst 1930' (lower right)
oil, grattage and pencil on paper laid down on canvas
8 3⁄4 x 12 1⁄4 in.
Executed in 1930
signed ‘max ernst’ (lower right)
oil on board
10 1/2 x 8 5/8 in. (26.7 x 21.8 cm.)
Painted circa 1929-1930
"... et tout est inhumain", 1929-1930
signed 'max ernst' (extreme lower right)
printed paper collage laid down on card
5 ¾ x 6 ¾ in. (14.6 x 17.1 cm.)
Executed in 1929-1930
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
paper collage on printed paper laid down on the artist's mount
sheet: 6 x 4 3/4 in. (15.2 x 12 cm.)
mount: 6 3/4 x 5 3/8 in. (17 x 13.7 cm.)
Executed in 1929-1930
Marceline-Marie: 'Sous mon blanc vêtement venez avec moi, pies et harpies.
signed 'Max Ernst' (lower right)
collage on paper
6 5/8 x 5 in. (16.2 x 12.6 cm.)
Executed in 1929-1930
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
10¾ x 8 7/8 in. (27.2 x 22.4 cm.)
Painted in 1929
Le Fantôme de la repopulation
L'esprit de Locarno
titled L'esprit de Locarno (lower left on the artist's mount)
collage on paper
collage: 24 x 18,8 cm; 9½ x 7⅜ in.;
mount: 32,5 x 24,9 cm; 12¾ x 9¾ in.
Executed in 1929.
the complete book of 147 reproductions of collages by the artist, on laid Hollande paper, text in French, copy of 63 of 88 on this paper (the total edition was 1003), with original blue printed wrappers. 9 7/8 x 7 5/8 in. (250 x 195 mm.).
Fleur-coquillage
signed, dated and titled 'Forêt et soleil 1928 max ernst' (on the reverse)
oil on corrugated cardboard laid down on board
10 x 8 in. (25.4 x 20.3 cm.)
Painted in 1928
Sun over the sea
signed max ernst (lower right)
gouache and pencil on paper
24,5 x 36 cm; 9⅝ x 14⅛ in.
Executed in 1928.
Ohne Titel (Untitled)
Tremblement de terre
indistinctly signed ‘max ernst’ (lower right)
oil and grattage on canvas
21 3/8 x 25 5/8 in. (54.5 x 65 cm.)
Painted in 1928
signed twice 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
25 5/8 x 31 7/8 in. (65.1 x 81 cm.)
Painted in 1928
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite)
huile sur toile
27 x 22 cm. (10 5/8 x 8 5/8 in.)
Peint vers 1928.
Signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite)
Huile sur toile / Oil on canvas
18,8 x 24 cm / 7 ½ x 9 ½ in
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil, gouache, and frottage on paper
8 ½ x 12 1/8 in.
Executed in 1928
signed 'max ernst' (centre right)
oil on paper laid down on canvas
9 5/8 x 13 3/4 in. (24.8 x 34.9 cm.)
Painted in 1928
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
39 3/8 x 31 7/8 in. (100 x 81 cm.)
Painted in 1928
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
15 x 18 in. (38.1 x 45.8 cm.)
Painted in 1928
signed 'max ernst' (lower left)
oil on canvas laid on board
9 1/2 x 12 3/4 in. (24 x 32.4 cm.)
Painted in 1927
signé et daté 'max ernst 27' (en bas à gauche), signé à nouveau 'max ernst' (en bas au centre)
huile sur toile
46 x 38.1 cm. (18 1/8 x 15 in.)
Peint en 1927
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
16 1/8 x 13 in. (41 x 33 cm.)
Painted in 1927
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
18 7/8 x 15 1/8 in. (47.8 x 38.3 cm.)
Painted in 1927
signed 'max ernst' (lower right); signed, titled and dated 'max ernst cage, forêt et soleil noir 1927' (on the reverse)
oil with grattage on canvas
45 x 57 ½ in. (114.4 x 146.3 cm.)
Painted in 1927
Forêt
signed max ernst (lower right)
gouache on paper
50,1 x 64,5 cm; 19¾ x 25⅜ in.
Executed in 1927.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil and grattage on paper laid down on canvas
14 ¼ x 9 ¾ in.
Painted in 1927
signed 'max ernst' (lower left)
oil on board
8 ½ x 11 ¼ in. (21.1 x 28.6 cm.)
Painted in 1926
signed 'max ernst' (lower right) and titled 'la mer' (lower left)
oil on board
19 x 15 ¾ in. (48 x 39.9 cm.)
Painted in 1926
Gulfstream
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on canvas
61,2 x 50 cm; 24⅛ x 19¾ in.
Painted in 1926
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
32 1/8 x 25 5/8 in. (81.5 x 65 cm.)
Painted in 1926
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
21 3/4 x 18 1/8 in. (55.2 x 46 cm.)
Painted in 1926
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite)
huile sur carton
31 x 22.8 cm. (12 1/8 x 9 in.)
Peint en 1925-26.
Remous
101.5 x 142 cm ， oil on canvas
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil and grattage on board
10 ¾ x 8 ¾ in.
Painted in 1925
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil and grattage on card laid down on canvas
17 7/8 x 23 1/2 in. (45.5 x 59.5 cm.)
Painted in 1925
signed and inscribed 'à Boris Koklino très amicalement Max Ernst' (lower left)
gouache and frottage on paper
9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in. (25 x 20 cm.)
Executed in 1925
Les oiseaux
signed max ernst (on the reverse)
oil on sandpaper laid down on cardboard
15 x 21,5 cm; 5⅞ x 8½ in
Painted in 1925.
Oiseau en cage
signed max ernst (lower right)
oil on sandpaper laid down on board in the artist's original cork frame
21.9 by 18.6cm., 8 5/8 by 7 1/4 in.
Framed: 33 by 29.6cm., 13 by 11 5/8 in.
Executed circa 1925.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil and gesso on sandpaper laid down on panel in the artist’s original cork frame
Panel: 10 1/8 x 8 in. (25.7 x 20.3 cm.)
Artist’s frame: 14 x 11 5/8 in. (35.5 x 29.5 cm.)
Executed circa 1925
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
21¾ x 18 1/8 in. (55.3 x 46.1 cm.)
Painted in 1925
Les hauts plateaux endormis
signed max ernst (lower right on the artist's mount), titled les hauts plateaux endormis and dated 1925 (lower left on the artist's mount)
pencil and frottage on paper laid down on the artist's mount
sheet: 20,9 x 16,3 cm; 8¼ x 6⅜ in.; artist's mount: 32,5 x 25 cm; 12⅞ x 9⅞ in.
Executed in 1925.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
pencil and frottage on paper
25 5/8 x 19 5/8 in. (65 x 50 cm.)
executed in 1925
signé 'max ernst' (en bas à droite)
graphite et frottage sur papier
43.1 x 26.1 cm. (17 x 10 3/8 in.)
Exécuté en 1925
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
frottage, gouache and pencil on paper
10 ¼ x 17 in. (26.3 x 43.4 cm.)
Executed in 1925
signed 'max ernst' (lower right, on the artist's mount) and dated
pencil and frottage on paper
sheet: 10 ¾ x 8 3/8 in.
artist's mount: 12 7/8 x 10 in.
Executed in 1925
signed 'max ernst' (lower right) and titled 'la mer' (lower left);
oil on canvas
18 1/8 x 15 in. (46 x 38 cm.)
painted in 1925
signed 'max Ernst' (lower right);
oil and collage on card
4 5/8 x 6 in. (11.7 x 15.2 cm.)
Painted in 1924
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
28 ¾ x 21 3/8 in. (73 x 54.4 cm.)
Painted in 1924.
drypoint, 1923, on simili-Japan paper, a very good impression of this rare print, signed in pencil, numbered 'no. 6', from the edition of approximately ten impressions
Plate 170 x 127 mm.
etching, 1923, on simili-Japan paper, a fine impression of this rare print, signed, annotated and numbered 'no. 4 landschaft' in pencil, from the edition of approximately seven impressions
Plate 175 x 123 mm., Sheet 320 x 248 mm.
Fin des circonstances
signed Max Ernst (lower right)
oil on plaster laid down on canvas
17 by 24 in.
43.2 by 60.1 cm.
Executed in 1923.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
12¾ x 18¼ in. (32.4 x 46.4 cm.)
Painted circa 1923
Dada had, necessarily, a brief life. It was vivid but ephemeral; a rebellious upsurge of vital energy and rage.It resulted from the absurdity, the whole enormous "schweinerei" of WWI. The young came back from that war in a state of stupefaction, and this rage had to find an outlet. Some of the most flamboyant members of the international Dada movement were never to be heard of again as consequential artists. They had their moment of significant exasperation, and nothing came along to replace it. But not Ernst.
From the moment he left school, he had begun assembling the materials for a long lifetime in art. More precisely he had looked into the history of his own first years with the lucidity that came from a precocious familiarity with psychoanalysis. And although he detested the Prussians' military ambitions and resented their authority over the Rhineland, he did acquire, however unconsciously or unwillingly, a Prussian determination to stick to what he wanted to do and never leave off until it was finished.
vague or ambiguous ， 1923
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on canvas
51¼ x 51 1/8 in. (130.2 x 129.8 cm.)
Painted circa 1923
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on plaster mounted on canvas
16 7/8 x 46 1/2 in. (43 x 118 cm.)
Painted in 1923
Oedipus Rex is innately Freudian just in name, let alone in content. The Oedipus complex is one of the most well recognized components of Freud's theoriesand it is seen in this work names after it in many ways. The first is through the process of condensation. This can be seen as the bird headed man, which shows up in many of Ernst's images: the association in this image between the man and the bird is the desire of man to be free from the inhibitions imposed upon him by society, and despite the fact that these two still retain their separate identities, they are consistent with Freud's ideas. In the case of this work, the head is removed from the body, showing a detachment from true feeling and true understanding of life. Another Freudian idea is the use of the joke, which is seen in the treatment of several of the objects in this work. Such as the contrast and juxtaposition of the wall, the over-sized fingers, upside down eyes on the birds, and the balloon in the aft of the painted collage. Several other associations relating this work to Freud can be drawn as well.
This work has intense sexual undercurrents. The nut represents the female and the crack in the nut is a symbol for the vulva. The cracking of the nut by the hands of a male is a metaphor for sexual intercourse and also gender roles in traditional patriarchal cultures. The idea of the treatment of woman and of her place within society is also visible in another piece by Ernst, The Tottering Woman. In this piece, he addresses the constraints in which woman are held in the world and the patriarchy that she must deal with on a daily basis. It also touches upon the objectification of woman as well. Hoffman also theorizes that the squeezing of the nut has implications of sadomasochistic roles as the nut is being dominated and crushed, the spike is punishing the hand equally and finally, once forced open, the "nut" could always snap back shut, injuring the index finger and thereby is a signifier of neurotic sexual attachment. The bird head in towards the back of the picture plane is tethered by some sort of rope, which could be seen as societal restrictions on deviant sexuality and possibly is a reaction to the taboo associated with incest. Additionally, the arrow as it pierces the shell of the nut could be seen as a phallic signifier or also as a representation for the idea of love and then a refutation of the existence of love within the constraints of sexual desire and sexuality. The imagery in this piece by Ernst is intensely psychosexual in nature and content and can be seen mostly in those terms.
In defense of picking Oedipus Rex to write about in the context of collage, it is true that it is an oil painting, but its imagery was taken from print sources and then was transposed into the work by the act of painting them. The nut squeezing image was taken from an article entitled "Experience sur l'elasticite, faite avec une noix," from the popular 19th century French Magazine La Nature.
the complete book of ten reproductions of collages by the artist, with title page, table of contents and text in French, copy 297 of 350, bound (as issued), with original red printed wrapper with collage reproduction pasted on the front cover. 8 5/8 x 5 ½ in. (218 x 140 mm.)
signé et daté 'max ernst 11921 [sic]' (en bas à gauche)
gouache, fusain, mine de plomb, plume et encre sur papier
18.4 x 36.7 cm. (7¼ x 14½ in.)
Exécuté en 1921
Collage à la rose
Signed max ernst (lower right)
Collage, watercolor, and pencil on paper mounted on card
Image: 3 ½ by 9 in. (8.9 by 22.9 cm)
Sheet: 5 ¼ by 10 ½ in. (13.3 by 26.7 cm)
Framed: 10 ¾ by 16 in. (27.3 by 40.6 cm)
Executed circa 1920-21.
signed 'max ernst' (lower right) and titled (on the artist's mount)
gouache, India ink, pencil and paper collage on paper laid down on the artist's mount
Image: 4 3/8 x 6½ in. (11 x 16.6 cm.);
Artist's mount: 5 5/8 x 8 3/8 in. (14.3 x 21.4 cm.)
Executed in 1920
signed 'Max Ernst' (upper right)
oil on canvas
21 7/8 x 16 3/4 in. (55.7 x 42.6 cm.)
Painted in 1919
OHNE TITEL (UNTITLED)
signed Max Ernst (lower right)
oil on cardboard
35,8 x 28,5 cm; 14 x 11¼ in.
Painted circa 1919.
oil on board
14 3/8 x 17¾ in. (36.5 x 45 cm.)
Painted circa 1912
signed, dated and inscribed 'Première Promenade en 1912 - Man Ray 1958' (lower centre)
oil on canvas
79 7/8 x 124 ¼ in. (203 x 315.5 cm.)
Painted in 1958
Bildnis von Hedwig Hackenberg
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas
15 x 18 1/8 in. (38.1 x 46 cm.)
signed 'max ernst' (lower right);
oil on canvas laid down on board
4½ x 15¼ in. (11.5 x 38.7 cm.)
signed 'max ernst' (lower right)
oil on board
6 x 8 5/8 in. (15.5 x 21.8 cm.)
wool tapestry in colours, with embroided signature verso, from the unrecorded edition, published by Edition Cuttoli, Paris
textile
1550 x 2050 mm. (overall)
LA CARMAGNOLE
La Conversion du feu 
Convolvulus! Convolvulus!
Entre deux eaux II
Blue Mountain and Yellow Sky (Arizona Landscape)
Trois cyprès faciles
Ohne Titel (Microbe-Décalcomanie)
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