Max Ernst

La Femme au parapluie [Woman with Umbrella]

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About this artwork

This small painting is closely related to collages in which Ernst combined elements from advertisements and patterns for women's clothing and accessories. Details have been incised into the paint with a pointed instrument. Ernst's emphasis on the rolled umbrella, high-heeled boots and tailored gloves is almost fetishistic. It also shows the influence of the German Symbolist artist Max Klinger, whose work Ernst admired. The painting has an aura of illicit sexual tension. Uncomfortably crammed into a small space, attention is focused on the girl's legs and skirt and the open door suggests a stolen view.

Updated before 2020

see media
  • artist:
  • title:
    La Femme au parapluie [Woman with Umbrella]
  • date created:
    About 1921
  • materials:
    Gouache, crayon and pencil on printed paper, laid on card
  • measurements:
    16.50 x 10.50 cm; Framed: 31.10 x 24.00 x 2.70 cm; Shadow Box: 53.20 x 45.50 x 12.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequeathed by Gabrielle Keiller 1995
  • accession number:
    GMA 3970
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Max Ernst

Max Ernst