Max Ernst
Türme [Towers]1916On Display | DEAN GALLERY
This is an early and transitional painting by Ernst. It reflects his interest in Cubism and also anticipates the works he made whilst part of the Cologne Dada group in 1919-20. The painting may represent an abstracted view seen by Ernst when he was stationed in Laon and Soissons in France during the First World War, in 1915-16. In the background of the painting a tall building with a steeple, possibly a church, can be seen. Shapes in the central construction suggest chimneys, windows and bricks. Critics have commented on the similarity of this work to paintings of towers by Robert Delaunay, whose work Ernst would have known.
Glossary [2] Open
Cubism
A style of painting originated by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso in the first two decades of the 20th century. Instead of painting a figure or object from a fixed position they represented it from multiple viewpoints.
Dada
A radical artistic and literary movement that was a reaction against the cultural climate that supported the First World War. The Dadaists took an anti-establishment attitude, questioning art's status and favouring performance and collage over traditional art techniques. Many Dadaists went on to become involved with Surrealism.
- Accession no. GMA 3969
- Medium Oil on canvas
- Size 60.00 x 43.00 cm
- Credit Bequeathed by Gabrielle Keiller 1995
Max Ernst (German / American / French, 1891 - 1976)
German-French painter Ernst was born near Cologne in Germany. After studying philosophy at university he turned his attention to art, and became the leader of the Cologne Dada group in 1919. He moved to Paris in 1922 to work with the Surrealists, adapting the techniques of collage and photomontage for use by the group. He worked in a range of media throughout his artistic career, producing work that was irregular, experimental and highly imaginative. The Gallery has an excellent collection of his work, including eleven paintings and collages as well as drawings, prints and illustrated books.
Glossary [5] Open
Collage
An image constructed from found materials, such as photographs, paper or fabric, glued to a surface, sometimes with additional painted or drawn elements. It is an art form particularly associated with Dada and Surrealism.
Dada
A radical artistic and literary movement that was a reaction against the cultural climate that supported the First World War. The Dadaists took an anti-establishment attitude, questioning art's status and favouring performance and collage over traditional art techniques. Many Dadaists went on to become involved with Surrealism.
Photomontage
The combination of two or more photographs (or pieces of them) to form a single image.
An image pressed or stamped onto paper or fabric. This encompasses a wide variety of techniques, usually produced in multiples, although one-off prints, known as monoprints, are also included. The term is also applied to photographic images.
Surrealism
A literary and artistic movement founded by the poet André Breton in 1924. Many of the associated artists, such as Max Ernst and Jean Arp, had previously been involved with Dadaism. The movement sought to challenge conventions through the exploration of the subconscious mind, invoking the power of dreams and elements of chance. Cultural hierarchies were challenged by the combination of diverse elements in collages and sculptural assemblages. The movement is also notable for the collaborations between artists and writers evident in the Surrealists' many publications.