Max Ernst
Katharina Ondulata1920On Display | DEAN GALLERY
Made while Ernst was the leader of the Cologne Dada group, this painting on printed paper is inspired by the Dada spirit of anarchy and confusion. It contains cosmic imagery (star constellations can be seen in the sky), and also alludes to the battle of the sexes. Both of these themes interested the Surrealists, who formed their group directly after Dada had disbanded. The full title of this piece is written along the bottom margin and refers to the 'mistress of the inn,' who would appear to be represented by the revolving sun on the left. The male is represented by a stick-like mannequin: his fuse is alight, ready to trigger his sexual desires.
Glossary [3] Show
Anarchy
A political philosophy opposed to the rule of law and the state. Some anarchists advocate their replacement by voluntary associations while others advocate violence to overthrow them. The word is used generally to describe a state of lawlessness.
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.
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.
- Accession no. GMA 3885
- Medium Gouache, pencil and ink on printed paper
- Size 31.50 x 27.50 cm
- Credit Purchased with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and The Art Fund 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] Show
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.