Jimmy Ernst Paintings

American, German, 1920-1984

An important and influential artist and educator, Jimmy Ernst was associated with two of the twentieth century's major art movements—Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. The son of the Surrealist painter Max Ernst and the art historian Louise Straus, he was born Hans Ulrich Ernst in Cologne, Germany, on June 24, 1920. His parents divorced two years later, and his father moved to Paris, while Ernst stayed in Cologne with his mother. In 1930, Ernst traveled to Paris to visit his father, where he met many of the Surrealists including Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dalí, Andre Masson, Jean Miró, and Man Ray. After Hitler's rise to power in 1933, the Ernst apartment in Cologne was searched, and his mother began to fear for their safety. He was sent to live with his maternal grandfather, while his mother moved to Paris. Five years later, in 1938, Ernst immigrated to the United States. After settling in New York, he met other European exiles and members of the avant-garde. Ernst petitioned the Emergency Rescue Committee in 1941 to help his parents escape France. His father successfully fled Europe in 1941, arriving in America with Peggy Guggenheim. However, his attempt to rescue his mother was unsuccessful. In 1944 she was sent to Auschwitz, where she died. Ernst had his first solo exhibition at Norlyst Gallery in New York in 1941. On October 20, 1942, Guggenheim's legendary Art of this Century Gallery opened with Ernst as Director, a role that further associated him with the New York avant-garde. In 1950, he joined such eminent artists as Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko in the famous "Irascible Eighteen." The largely Abstract Expressionist group protested the perceived anti-abstractionist bias of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and drew much attention to the New York School. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s Ernst exhibited in the Grace Borgenicht Gallery, Inc., New York, and in various other galleries across in the United States and abroad. Ernst married Edith Dallas Bauman in 1947. They had two children, Amy Louise (1953) and Eric Max (1956). In 1969 Ernst moved to East Hampton, New York where he lived off and on for the rest of his life. In 1982 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate by Southampton College of Long Island University. Shortly before his death, in 1983, Ernst was elected to the American Academy and the Institute of Arts and Letters, both in New York. Ernst died suddenly of a stroke on February 6, 1984, in New York. His works are owned by numerous world-class public collections, including the Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York; the Art Institute of Chicago; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York.

Artist: Jimmy Ernst

Jimmy Ernst"Personal Equation" Jimmy Ernst, Abstract Surrealism, Black, Red, Blue, White, 1950

$28,000Sale Price|20% Off

"Personal Equation" Jimmy Ernst, Abstract Surrealism, Black, Red, Blue, White

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in New York, NY

Jimmy Ernst Personal Equation, 1950 Signed and dated lower right Oil on canvas 41 x 39 1/2 inches Provenance: Laurel Gallery, New York Grace Borgenicht Gallery, New York Collection ...

Category

1940s Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jimmy ErnstBlack on Black #4, 1962

$24,000

Black on Black #4

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in Miami, FL

The artist has painted the work in matte black and gloss black. It a sense this is also an optical art “Op Art” in that it changes as the light changes. Jimmy Ernst was a major figure of the New York School of abstract painting and part of The Irascibles, and son of Max Ernst: Provenance: Grace Borgenicht Gallery, New York, New York; Joseph H. Hirshhorn, New York and Washington, D.C. (acquired from the above in 1966); Joseph H. Hirshhorn bequest, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, D.C., 1981; Sotheby's Arcade, New York, New York, February 24, 1995, lot 331; The Jeanne and Carroll Berry...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Enamel

Jimmy ErnstModern art painted disc by Jimmy Ernst, 1968

$5,500

Modern art painted disc by Jimmy Ernst

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in Colfax, CA

Painted mixed media by Jimmy Ernst. Jimmy Ernst, (1920-1984), was born in Cologne, Germany, the son of famous German Surrealist Max Ernst, and Luise Straus-Ernst, a well-known art hi...

Category

1960s Abstract Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Metal

Leslie Luverne AndersonMid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting-- "An Oblation to Shells", 1968

$2,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 32 in W 48 in D 1 in

Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting-- "An Oblation to Shells"

By Leslie Luverne Anderson

Located in Soquel, CA

A dymanic mid century abstract expressionist painiting with geometric shapes in cool tones and two figures by Leslie Luverne Anderson (American, 1928-2009). Oil on masonite. Titled "...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Andre GuillouFrench Expressionist Abstract 20th Century Oil Painting Blaze of Colors

$1,147

H 25.5 in W 19.75 in

French Expressionist Abstract 20th Century Oil Painting Blaze of Colors

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Expressionist composition by Andre Guillou (French 1925-2017) signed oil on board stuck on board, mounted mount: 25.5 x 19.75 inches board: 19 x 13 inches provenance: the a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Oil

Katherine Westphal'Abstract Landscape', by Katherine Westphal, Oil on Board, Circa 1950

$1,840Sale Price|20% Off

H 24.25 in W 30.25 in D 0.875 in

'Abstract Landscape', by Katherine Westphal, Oil on Board

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Katherine Westphal's oil on board painting titled 'Abstract Landscape' embodies the stylistic qualities of abstract painting. Using a diverse color palette of orange, red, yellow, bl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Darius YektaiBlack Table Red Legs, 2022

$8,250

H 28 in W 22 in D 2 in

Black Table Red Legs

By Darius Yektai

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

A painting from the popular "black table" series by Darius Yektai.

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Epoxy Resin, Oil, Canvas

Antique American Abstract Expressionist Framed Original Oil Painting, 1950

$875

H 24 in W 20 in D 2 in

Antique American Abstract Expressionist Framed Original Oil Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Antique American abstract oil painting. Oil on board. Framed. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a giltwood molding. Excellent condition, ready to hang and en...

Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

T. Fabris1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Abstract Cubist Shapes Patterns, 1979

$2,700

H 32 in W 25.5 in

1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Abstract Cubist Shapes Patterns

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Tristan Fabris 1970's, French Surrealist artist Abstract Surrealist Figurative study signed & dated oil on canvas, unframed inscribed verso canvas: 32 x 25.5 inches private collectio...

Category

Late 20th Century Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Warren A. WolfAn Abstract Geometric "Men of Matthew", 1959

$750

H 26.75 in W 33.75 in D 1.25 in

An Abstract Geometric "Men of Matthew"

Located in San Francisco, CA

It’s time to bury the so-last-century idea that folks are either "right-brained,” i.e., naturally creative, or (boringly) "left-brained," always operating logically. And here’s just ...

Category

1950s Abstract Geometric Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

"Stairway to Nirvana", 20th Century

$1,450

H 24 in W 48 in D 1 in

"Stairway to Nirvana"

Located in Astoria, NY

20th Century School, "Stairway to Nirvana", Oil on Masonite, unsigned, titled verso, unframed. 24" H x 48" W x 1" D. Provenance: From the Collection of Laura and Lewis Kruger.

Category

20th Century Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Daniel David FuentesAbstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting -- Male Figurative, 2000

$1,575

H 40 in W 30 in D 1 in

Abstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting -- Male Figurative

By Daniel David Fuentes

Located in Soquel, CA

Double sided figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 20c-2017). San Francisco bay area abstract expressionist and landscape artist dur...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Earl HillGas Station Attendant (African American artist), 1966

$3,000

H 18 in W 15 in

Gas Station Attendant (African American artist)

By Earl Hill

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Earl Hill (1927-1985). Gas Station Attendant, 1966. Oil on masonite panel, 10.5 x 13.5 inches, 15 x 18 inches framed. Signed and dated lower right. Inscribed...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Shizico YiOriginal-Magic Bell in the Night-UK Awarded Artist-Botanical Abstract Expression, 2024

$661

H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 0.12 in

Original-Magic Bell in the Night-UK Awarded Artist-Botanical Abstract Expression

Located in London, GB

In her latest series, "The Weaver," Shizico explores forms, layers, and time onto canvases. Applying the format of diptychs and triptychs, she creates lyrical narratives, capturing t...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Vasil PapkovCyan & Orange Seascape at Sunset by Victor Papkov, c. 1987

$1,500

H 14.25 in W 18.25 in D 1 in

Cyan & Orange Seascape at Sunset by Victor Papkov

Located in Soquel, CA

Expressive and colorful seascape by Vasil (Victor) Papkov (20th Century). The vivid cyan blue churning waves mirror the sky above, with a glowing orange sunset splitting the canvas o...

Category

1980s Abstract Impressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Previously Available Items

Jimmy ErnstUntitled 1963 Abstract Oil Painting by Jimmy Ernst, 1963

Sold

H 8.5 in W 8.25 in

Untitled 1963 Abstract Oil Painting by Jimmy Ernst

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in Hudson, NY

This abstract is signed and dated "Jimmy Ernst 63" on the lower right. Measurement of artwork is 8 ½" x 8 ¼" and framed measures 15 ½" x 15" x 1 ¼" in a painted frame. Provenance: Gift from the artist to his personal friend architect John Johansen...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Jimmy Ernst"2:19 Blues" Jimmy Ernst, Louis Armstrong Jazz, Abstract Surrealism, 1947

Sold

H 25 in W 24 in

"2:19 Blues" Jimmy Ernst, Louis Armstrong Jazz, Abstract Surrealism

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in New York, NY

Jimmy Ernst 2:19 Blues, 1947 Signed and dated lower right; signed, titled, and dated on the reverse Oil on canvas 23 x 22 inches Provenance: Private Collection, New Jersey An impor...

Category

1940s Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jimmy Ernst"Untitled, " Jimmy Ernst, Abstract Expressionism, Black Red Midcentury Surrealism, 1950

Sold

H 18 in W 13.5 in

"Untitled, " Jimmy Ernst, Abstract Expressionism, Black Red Midcentury Surrealism

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in New York, NY

Jimmy Ernst Untitled, 1950 Watercolor on paper 18 x 13 1/2 inches Signed and dated lower right Provenance: Gift of the artist, Long Island, NY, circa 1960 Estate of the above, 2020...

Category

1950s Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Jimmy Ernst"Untitled, " Jimmy Ernst, Abstract Expressionism, Black Red Midcentury Surrealism, 1950

Sold

H 18 in W 13.5 in

"Untitled, " Jimmy Ernst, Abstract Expressionism, Black Red Midcentury Surrealism

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in New York, NY

Jimmy Ernst Untitled, 1950 Watercolor on paper 18 x 13 1/2 inches Signed and dated lower right Provenance: Gift of the artist, Long Island, NY, circa 1960 Estate of the above, 2020...

Category

1950s Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Jimmy Ernst"Anti - Personal", 1958

Sold

H 47 in W 49 in

"Anti - Personal"

By Jimmy Ernst

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Signed and Dated Lower Right Jimmy Ernst (1920 - 1984) The son of Dada Surrealist artist Max Ernst and art historian Louise Straus-Ernst, Jimmy Ernst was influenced by the sty...

Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jimmy Ernst paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jimmy Ernst paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Jimmy Ernst in oil paint, paint, canvas and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Jimmy Ernst paintings, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of William Gear, Joseph Glasco, and Agnes Hart. Jimmy Ernst paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $8,000 and tops out at $35,000, while the average work can sell for $24,000.