Who was Max Ernst?
Max Ernst was a German artist mostly known for pioneering the movements of Dada and Surrealism. He was a painter, sculptor, graphic artist and poet, and influenced the art scenes in Germany, France and the United States throughout his life.
He began his career as a painter in 1911, which was soon put on hold when Ernst was drafted into the German army to fight in World War One. The war deeply devastated Ernst, but upon his return to Cologne in 1918 he continued his painting career.
He composed some of his most famous works in the 1920s, including Ubu Imperator (1923) and Forest and Dove (1927) whilst living in France. He also introduced the techniques of Frottage and Grattage, and began using his characteristic motifs of birds and other animal features. Ernst's artistic signature became defined by a complex combination of themes and influences, among them Freudian psychology, classical mythology, grotesque figures and an overall sense of mystery.
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