Jimmy Ernst Abstract 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 ...

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1940s Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Abstract 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...

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1960s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract 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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Metal

YiJian WangYiJian Wang Surrealist Original Oil Painting "Caprice 3", 2015

$1,100

H 12 in W 15 in

YiJian Wang Surrealist Original Oil Painting "Caprice 3"

By YiJian Wang

Located in New York, NY

Title: Caprice 3 Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 12 x 15 inches Frame: Framing options available! Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition. Note: This painting is unstretched Year: 2015 Artist: YiJian Wang...

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21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Natalya MougenotContemporary impressionist expressive floral oil canvas "Vase with Pink Roses", 2024

$642

H 27.56 in W 19.69 in D 1.46 in

Contemporary impressionist expressive floral oil canvas "Vase with Pink Roses"

By Natalya Mougenot

Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR

This contemporary vibrant, expressive abstract floral painting, "Vase with Pink Roses", is a striking work by French artist Natalya Mougenot, ren...

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2010s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, 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...

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Mid-20th Century Abstract Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Valton TylerBa Ba Ba Ma Tri dom, 1976

$7,500

H 40 in W 48 in

Ba Ba Ba Ma Tri dom

By Valton Tyler

Located in Dallas, TX

In The New York Times Arts in America column, Edward M. Gomez writes of Valton Tyler, "visionary seems the right word for describing his vivid, unusual and technically refined painti...

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1970s Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mougenot NatalyaAbstract Impressionist expressive floral oil painting "Roses and two apples", 2025

$338

H 11.82 in W 9.45 in D 0.12 in

Abstract Impressionist expressive floral oil painting "Roses and two apples"

By Mougenot Natalya

Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR

This contemporary expressive impressionist abstract floral painting, Roses and Two Apples, is a radiant work by French artist Natalya Mougenot, known for her emotionally intuitive an...

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2010s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Natalya MougenotContemporary abstract expressionist floral painting canvas "Floral Expression", 2024

$1,285

H 28.75 in W 19.69 in D 0.79 in

Contemporary abstract expressionist floral painting canvas "Floral Expression"

By Natalya Mougenot

Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR

This contemporary abstract expressionist floral painting "Floral Expression" was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and is part of her ongoing floral series. In this vibrant ...

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2010s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Oil Crayon, Acrylic

Ahmed Dafrawy"The Nile" Abstract Oil Painting 24" x 18" inch by Ahmed Dafrawy, 2025

$2,550

H 24 in W 18 in D 1 in

"The Nile" Abstract Oil Painting 24" x 18" inch by Ahmed Dafrawy

By Ahmed Dafrawy

Located in Culver City, CA

"The Nile" Abstract Oil Painting 24" x 18" inch by Ahmed Dafrawy Dafrawy’s fine arts academic background started in 2014 when he received the certificate of drawing course completi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Darius Yektai"Odilon's Flowers" oil painting, expressionist still life, thick paint, unframed, 2018

$3,600

H 14 in W 11 in D 2 in

"Odilon's Flowers" oil painting, expressionist still life, thick paint, unframed

By Darius Yektai

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

An oil painting by American Expressionist painter Darius Yektai. In his signature thick application of paint, Yektai molds a vase of flowers atop a simple footstool in primary colors...

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21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Robert PetrickDeep Night, 1988

$2,500

H 24 in W 30 in

Deep Night

By Robert Petrick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Deep Night 1988/89 24 inches x 30 inches oil on canvas Artist Statement: This is an early work I produced in my studio at 11th street and Ave 'B" NYC...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Eduardo Arranz-BravoTilo I, Large Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas by Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, ca 2012

$26,000

H 30 in W 96 in

Tilo I, Large Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas by Eduardo Arranz-Bravo

By Eduardo Arranz-Bravo

Located in Long Island City, NY

Catalonian painter Eduardo Arranz-Bravo is an artist sparking revolutionary abstraction in the contemporary art scene. Drawing influence from the Surrealist workings of late greats l...

Category

2010s Surrealist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Leonardo NiermanSystema Solar, Large Abstract Painting by Leonardo Nierman, 1960

$9,500

H 34 in W 52 in

Systema Solar, Large Abstract Painting by Leonardo Nierman

By Leonardo Nierman

Located in Long Island City, NY

Large early oil painting by noted Mexican abstract artist Leonardo Nierman (1932 - ), signed lower right. Systema Solar Leonardo Nierman, Me...

Category

1980s Abstract Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

John GoodmanLabyrinth no. 3, 2001

$8,000

H 36 in W 48 in D 3 in

Labyrinth no. 3

By John Goodman

Located in Burlingame, CA

'Labyrinth No. 3, 2001' by John Goodman. The artwork is 36 x 48 inches and it is framed in solid wood. Signed and dated by artist. Excellent condition. From Andra Norris Gallery in C...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Jimmy Ernst Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

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

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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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

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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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

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

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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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Jimmy Ernst"Anti - Personal", 1958

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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 Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jimmy Ernst abstract paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jimmy Ernst abstract 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 abstract 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, Agnes Hart, and Marisa Busanel. Jimmy Ernst abstract 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.