Max Ernst Wall Decorations

American, German, French, 1891-1976

Born in Germany in 1891, later naturalized as an American, then a French citizen, Max Ernst was a pioneer in the Dada and Surrealist movements, the boundaries of which he pushed with his unconventional methods of printmaking, drawing and collage.

Ernst had no formal art training — and that may have been his greatest asset. He produced his first work following four years serving in World War I. At the time, he was in Cologne, Germany, working closely with fellow Dada pioneers Jean Arp and Johannes Baargeld. His output during this period consisted largely of collages, which allowed him to represent the shards, rubble and explosions from his traumatic wartime experience.

In 1922, Ernst moved to France, where he soon became affiliated with Surrealism, the avant-garde art movement taking shape in Paris. Alongside Man Ray, Joan Miró and a couple of others, Ernst was among the first visual artists to experiment with imagery and techniques associated with Surrealism.

Ernst’s greatest contribution to the Surrealist movement was his invention of frottage (French for “rubbing”), wherein an artist rubs a pencil or crayon over a paper atop a textured surface, and later grattage (French for “scraping”), where a similar technique is applied with paint. Both methods showcase Ernst’s fascination with the unconscious and serendipitous elements of artistic creation, a theme that connected the Dadaists and the Surrealists. Ernst had deep knowledge of psychoanalysis and Sigmund Freud’s dream theories, which were big influences on Surrealists. He was among the first Surrealists to use Freud’s work to examine his own creative impulses. He also published a series of books of his collages, all of which were deeply symbolic and often philosophical.

When Germany occupied France during World War II, Ernst escaped to America with the help of patron and collector Peggy Guggenheim, whom he married in 1941. While living in New York, Ernst’s work and techniques proved instrumental in inspiring the early development of Abstract Expressionism — influencing Robert Motherwell and Jackson Pollock in particular. He later moved to Sedona, Arizona, where he lived with his fourth wife, Dorothea Tanning, a fellow Surrealist and prolific visual artist and poet.

While Ernst and Tanning are largely responsible for Sedona’s reputation as an artist colony, they relocated to France in the 1950s and remained until Ernst’s death in Paris in 1976.

Find original Max Ernst art on 1stDibs.

Creator: Max Ernst

1971 Max Ernst "Orangerie Des Tuileries" Exposition Lithograph

$279Sale Price|20% Off

1971 Max Ernst "Orangerie Des Tuileries" Exposition Lithograph

By Max Ernst

Located in San Carlos, CA

Gorgeous color lithograph after Max Ernst. Printed in 1971 to announce a Max Ernst exhibition at L'orangerie des Tuilieres in Paris, France. This Max Ernst Lithograph...

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1970s French Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Other

Max Ernst “Déchets d’Atelier” vintage signed poster

$3,409

Max Ernst “Déchets d’Atelier” vintage signed poster

By Max Ernst

Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire

Signed Max Ernst original lithographic poster from the “Déchets d’Atelier” exhibition held at Galerie Alphonse Chave in Vence 1968 hand signed in pe...

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1960s French Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Abstract Modern Lithographs Joan Miro Max Ernst Sonia Delaunay $650 each

$650 / item

Abstract Modern Lithographs Joan Miro Max Ernst Sonia Delaunay $650 each

By (after) Joan Miró, (after) Sonia Delaunay, Max Ernst

Located in Atlanta, GA

Mid century modern lithographs after Sonia Delaunay, Max Ernst, and Joan Miro, circa 1950s. They are priced at $650 each. They have been recently professionally framed under UV resis...

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1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Max Ernst Christmas Card 1938 Signed Modern Mixed Media Collage and Drawing

$25,000

Max Ernst Christmas Card 1938 Signed Modern Mixed Media Collage and Drawing

By Max Ernst

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A Modern Dadaist mixed media collage on paper titled “Christmas Card, 1938.” Signed in pencil “Max Ernst” on the bottom right. The artwork is composed of an addressed stamped envelop...

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19th Century Unknown Antique Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Art Exhibition Poster MAX ERNST, 1970 Galerie Alphonse Chave

$520Sale Price|20% Off

Original Vintage Art Exhibition Poster MAX ERNST, 1970 Galerie Alphonse Chave

By Max Ernst

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

Original vintage Art Exhibition Poster MAX ERNST, 1970 Galerie Alphonse Chave "A key member of first Dada and then Surrealism in Europe in the 1910s and 1920s, Max Ernst used a va...

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1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media Collage

$6,650

H 54 in W 40 in

Mixed Media Collage

Located in Queens, NY

Copy of an unglazed mixed media abstract painting of stenciled letters in oil and collage on paper. Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use

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Late 20th Century American Modern Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

Original Italian Art Exhibition Poster - Ferruccio Garopesani

$440Sale Price|20% Off

H 22.25 in W 16.63 in D 0.07 in

Original Italian Art Exhibition Poster - Ferruccio Garopesani

Located in Miami, FL

Original Italian art exhibition poster by painter and designer Ferruccio Garopesani. Presented in 1975 at the Galleria International d'Arte - Diorena - Ascona, Italy. A native of ...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Karl Lagerfeld Satin Finish Umber Photo-Lithograph of Max Delorme, Nude, 1997

$730

H 13.25 in W 10.75 in D 1 in

Karl Lagerfeld Satin Finish Umber Photo-Lithograph of Max Delorme, Nude, 1997

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Gorgeous photo print by the iconic photographer and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld of Max Delorme. Image captured and satin finish umber photo-lithograph printed in 1997. Measures: ...

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Late 20th Century French Modern Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Vallauris 1951 Exposition, 1951

$2,744Sale Price|20% Off

H 25.6 in W 19.69 in D 0.04 in

Vallauris 1951 Exposition, 1951

By Pablo Picasso

Located in Holmfirth, GB

Artist: Pablo Picasso Title: Vallauris 1951 Exposition, 1951 Date: 1951 Medium: Linocut Printer: Hidalgo Arnera Size: 65 x 50 cm Signed: In plate.

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Mid-20th Century French Modern Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Joan Miro Lithograph Titled "Miro Sculptor Japan, " Signed and Numbered

$3,500

H 13.75 in W 21.75 in D 1 in

Joan Miro Lithograph Titled "Miro Sculptor Japan, " Signed and Numbered

By Joan Miró

Located in New York, NY

This is a Joan Miro lithograph. Titled: Miro Sculptor Japan. It was a print exclusively for Collector's Guild members. Signed in the stone. Numbered 2/1000 in pencil. Framed measures...

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1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Art Exhibition Advertising Poster M-Maybe Roy Lichtenstein

$1,029

H 31.11 in W 23.23 in D 0.04 in

Original Vintage Art Exhibition Advertising Poster M-Maybe Roy Lichtenstein

By Roy Lichtenstein

Located in London, GB

Original vintage exhibition advertising poster featuring the romance comics 1965 Pop Art painting M-Maybe designed in 1965 by the notable pop artist Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997), dep...

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Early 2000s German Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

After Joan Miro Mid Century Modern Abstract Handwoven Textile Art Tapestry

$1,200

H 54 in W 33 in D 0.019 in

After Joan Miro Mid Century Modern Abstract Handwoven Textile Art Tapestry

By (after) Joan Miró

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Wonderful handwoven abstract textile art after Joan Miro. This colorful and whimsical tapestry is composed of wool in red, blue and black, with an ivory colored background.

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool

Peter Max "Joy" Serigraph 1971 Limited Edition 63/100

$1,500

H 22.75 in W 30.75 in D 1 in

Peter Max "Joy" Serigraph 1971 Limited Edition 63/100

By Peter Max

Located in Toledo, OH

"Joy" by Peter Max, 1971 Limited Edition. Signed lower right and numbered lower left 63/100 in pencil. Printed on Arches Paper, France. This colorful serigraph depicts the sun rising...

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Mid-20th Century Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Richard Avedon Hand-Signed Vintage Poster Nastassja Kinski and the Serpent, 1981

$1,595

H 24.5 in W 36 in D 0.1 in

Richard Avedon Hand-Signed Vintage Poster Nastassja Kinski and the Serpent, 1981

By Richard Avedon

Located in Studio City, CA

This famous image/poster by renowned photographer Richard Avedon features an image of one of the most recognizable, iconic and celebrated images of the 20th century of a young, beaut...

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1980s American Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Heart Poster Signed by Peter Max & Andre Agassi

$680Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 36 in W 24 in D 0.1 in

Heart Poster Signed by Peter Max & Andre Agassi

By Peter Max

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage “Grand Slam for Children A Concert for Tomorrow” / Heart lithograph poster signed by Peter Max and tennis great, Andre Agassi, circa 1995. The concert was held at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, NV on September 30, 1995 and featured Elton John, Robin Williams, Kenny G, Michael Bolton...

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Late 20th Century American Expressionist Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Joan Miró – Galerie Maeght Original Color Lithograph, Paris, c. 1960s

$2,000

H 26.25 in W 18.5 in D 1 in

Joan Miró – Galerie Maeght Original Color Lithograph, Paris, c. 1960s

By Joan Miró

Located in San Diego, CA

Original color lithograph by Joan Miró, published by the renowned Galerie Maeght in Paris. This striking composition exemplifies Miró’s mature visual language—expressive biomorphic forms, bold calligraphic lines, and a lively interplay of color and negative space that define his postwar work. #5174 Printed by Maeght Éditeur Imprimeur, as noted in the lower margin, this lithograph was produced using traditional stone lithography under the artist’s supervision. Miró’s Galerie Maeght...

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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Selection of Modern Engravings, circa 1938

$550 / item

H 15.5 in W 12.5 in D 1 in

Selection of Modern Engravings, circa 1938

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Modern Engravings, from a limited edition published in the December 1938 issue of the ground breaking modern art magazine XXe. They are framed in clean lined black lacquered wood gallery frames. They are priced at $550 each. From left to right, top to bottom, they are: 1) Henri Matisse 2) Henri Laurens 3) Juan Miro...

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1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Previously Available Items

'Zodiaque' edition 95/100 print by Max Ernst, signed

Sold

H 24.61 in W 19.69 in D 0.87 in

'Zodiaque' edition 95/100 print by Max Ernst, signed

By Max Ernst

Located in London, GB

Framed 'Zodique' colour etching on Lana laid paper by Max Ernst. Signed in pencil lower right 'Max Ernst' and numbered '95/100' lower left. 2964 Provenance from the collection for '...

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1970s European Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Max Ernst "Veilleuse Au Seuil De Nos Terrassements", 1968

Sold

H 26 in W 23 in D 1 in

Max Ernst "Veilleuse Au Seuil De Nos Terrassements", 1968

By Max Ernst

Located in Dallas, TX

Max Ernst Lithograph titled "Veilleuse au Seuil de Nos Terrassements" 1968, 18/70.

Category

1960s Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

"Entre Chiens et Loups" Etching by Max Ernst

Sold

H 28.75 in W 24.25 in D 1 in

"Entre Chiens et Loups" Etching by Max Ernst

By Max Ernst

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A charming etching and aquatint by Max Ernst entitled "Entre Chiens et Loups" pencil signed and numbered 57/100. Published by Editions Georges Visat, Paris. Dimensions given below ar...

Category

1970s French Vintage Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Max Ernst wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.

Max Ernst wall decorations are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Max Ernst wall decorations, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wall decorations by Max Ernst were created in the modern style in france during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wall decorations by André Lanskoy, Roman Cieslewicz, and Antoni Clavé. Prices for Max Ernst wall decorations can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $349 and can go as high as $3,223, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $650.

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Questions About Max Ernst Wall Decorations

Where did Max Ernst live?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
Max Ernst lived in several places during his life. He was born in Brühl, Germany, in 1881 and later moved to Bonn to attend the university located there. Then he settled in Cologne, not far from his birthplace. In 1922, Ernst moved to France, where he soon became affiliated with Surrealism, the avant-garde art movement taking shape in Paris. Alongside Man Ray, Joan Miró and others, Ernst was among the first visual artists to experiment with imagery and techniques associated with Surrealism. When Germany occupied France during World War II, Ernst escaped to America with the help of patron and collector Peggy Guggenheim, whom he married in 1941. While living in New York, Ernst's work and techniques proved instrumental in inspiring the early development of Abstract Expressionism. He later moved to Sedona, Arizona, where he lived with his fourth wife, Dorothea Tanning, a fellow Surrealist and prolific visual artist and poet. While Ernst and Tanning are largely responsible for Sedona's reputation as an artist colony, they relocated to France in the 1950s and remained there until Ernst's death in Paris in 1976. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Max Ernst art.
Where can I see Max Ernst paintings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
You can see Max Ernst paintings in many places around the world. The Max Ernst Museum Brühl des LVR in Brühl, Germany, is home to one of the largest exhibitions of his work. Other museums that have Max Ernst paintings in their permanent collections include the Museum of Modern Art in New York, New York; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, California; the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois and the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan. Explore a range of Max Ernst art on 1stDibs.
How did Max Ernst use Surrealism?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
Max Ernst used Surrealism to process the traumas he experienced during World War I. His early works consisted largely of collages, which allowed him to represent the shards, rubble and explosions from his wartime experience. In 1922, Ernst moved to France, where he soon became affiliated with Surrealism, the avant-garde art movement taking shape in Paris. Alongside Man Ray, Joan Miró and others, Ernst was among the first visual artists to experiment with the imagery and techniques that became associated with Surrealist art. Ernst’s greatest contribution to the Surrealist movement is often considered his invention of frottage, wherein an artist rubs a pencil or crayon over a paper atop a textured surface, and later grattage, where a similar technique is applied with paint. Both methods showcase Ernst’s fascination with the unconscious and serendipitous elements of artistic creation, a theme that connected the Dadaists and the Surrealists. Explore a range of Max Ernst art on 1stDibs.
How did Max Ernst contribute to Surrealism?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
Max Ernst contributed to Surrealism by pushing the boundaries of the movement with his unconventional methods of printmaking, drawing and collage. He invented frottage (French for “rubbing”), wherein an artist rubs a pencil or crayon over a paper atop a textured surface, and later grattage (French for “scraping”), where a similar technique is applied with paint. Both methods showcase Ernst’s fascination with the unconscious and serendipitous elements of artistic creation, a theme that resonated with the Dadaists and the Surrealists. Ernst had deep knowledge of psychoanalysis and Sigmund Freud’s dream theories, which were big influences on Surrealists. He was among the first Surrealists to use Freud’s work to examine his own creative impulses. He also published a series of books of his collages, all of which were deeply symbolic and often philosophical. Explore a selection of Max Ernst art on 1stDibs.
How much are Max Ernst paintings worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
How much Max Ernst paintings are worth depends on their size, history, condition and other factors. In 2023, his oil-on-panel piece Taya's Sun sold for more than $304,000 at auction. Ernst was a pioneer in the Dada and Surrealist movements, pushing their boundaries with his unconventional methods of printmaking, drawing and collage. If you own an Ernst, consider having a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer evaluate it. Explore a selection of Max Ernst art on 1stDibs.