Max Ernst Decorative Art

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

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...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Max Ernst Decorative Art

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...

Category

1930s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media Ceramic Wall Art

$350

H 20 in W 7 in D 1 in

Mixed Media Ceramic Wall Art

By Asmaa Aman-Tran

Located in Attleboro, MA

A unique combination of materials adorning a hand painted linen canvas would make a great addition to a wall gallery or hung by itself in small wall...

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Metallic Thread

Pedro Friedeberg Mixed-Media

$28,000

H 19.5 in W 19 in D 0.75 in

Pedro Friedeberg Mixed-Media

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An early example titled Satans Sweatshirt, 1969. This example was loaned by a prominent early collector to the seminal Bryon Gallery Single artist show 1969, NYC. Hand drawn images...

Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Large Contemporary Japanese Style Mixed Media Collage Wall Art

$1,500Sale Price|48% Off

H 32.75 in W 74.13 in D 4.75 in

Large Contemporary Japanese Style Mixed Media Collage Wall Art

Located in Miami, FL

These stylish decorative Japanese style wall art collages have been mounted in black lacquered wood and lucite frames. Each panel is ready to hang. These unique works of art are visibly inspired by both 19th century Chinese carved gold gilt and painted wood wall panel or plaques with scholar and warrior figures. As well as, Japanese Shunga. Shunga is a style that was painted by some of the best ukiyo-e artists of the day. This work features figurative art, daggers, gilding, textiles, natural bamboo and a musical harp...

Category

20th Century American Japonisme Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Blue & Brass Mixed Media Painting, Signed Lou Tiew, 1979 Netherlands

$3,750

H 49.5 in W 62 in D 1.25 in

Mid-Century Blue & Brass Mixed Media Painting, Signed Lou Tiew, 1979 Netherlands

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Signed and dated 1979, this large mixed media work by Dutch artist Lou Tiew combines oil paint, fiberglass, and natural brass elements on board. The composition centers on a monument...

Category

1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Abstract Mixed Media Composition

$646

H 29.14 in W 22.84 in D 0.79 in

Vintage Abstract Mixed Media Composition

Located in Surbiton, GB

A mid 20th Century mixed media work made from layered textile, pigment and acrylic on board, the composition of which is typical of post-war European abstraction. Dimensions (cm, a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Textile, Acrylic

Mid Century Mixed Media Wall Art

$1,295

H 18 in W 60 in D 1.75 in

Mid Century Mixed Media Wall Art

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid century mixed media wall art This piece measures: 60 wide x 1.75 deep x 18 inches high Great Vintage Condition All pieces of furni...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Paper

Vintage 1980s Memphis Style 3D Mixed Media Painting, Signed, 36x44"

$1,195

H 44 in W 36 in D 1.5 in

Vintage 1980s Memphis Style 3D Mixed Media Painting, Signed, 36x44"

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Chattanooga, TN

A dynamic 1980s Memphis-style mixed-media combine by Johnston, this sculptural wall work bursts with color, geometry, and dimensional energy. Layered plywood panels in vivid pink a...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Mixed-Media Collage on Old Ironing Board Triptych

$2,800Sale Price|20% Off

H 43 in W 55 in D 1.5 in

Mixed-Media Collage on Old Ironing Board Triptych

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Three vintage wooden ironing boards are linked together with beautiful old hinges to create a church-like triptych; then intricately collaged and painted in a phantasmagoria of patte...

Category

Late 20th Century American Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Acrylic, Fabric, Paper

Guido Coletti: Mixed Media Collage (70s/80s) - Italian, Plexi

$2,317

H 32.68 in W 24.81 in D 3.35 in

Guido Coletti: Mixed Media Collage (70s/80s) - Italian, Plexi

Located in Manzano, IT

Guido Coletti: Mixed Media Collage (70s/80s) - Italian, Plexi Step back in time and experience the dynamic energy of the late 20th century with this exceptional mixed media artwork ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint, Paper

Mixed Media Collage by Chet Lamore, circa 1978

$3,080

H 11.5 in W 7.5 in D 0.75 in

Mixed Media Collage by Chet Lamore, circa 1978

Located in Long Island City, NY

Untitled mixed media collage by Chet Lamore, circa 1978. Signed Lamore on the lower center.

Category

20th Century American Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Marble, Metal

Vintage Signed Framed Mixed Media Art

$264Sale Price|20% Off

H 28 in W 36 in D 2 in

Vintage Signed Framed Mixed Media Art

Located in Seattle, WA

Vintage Signed framed Mixed Media Art Dimensions. 36 1/4 W ; 28 1/2 H ; 1 1/2 D.

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Max Ernst Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items

"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 Decorative Art

Max Ernst decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Max Ernst decorative art are available for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Max Ernst Decorative Art

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.
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.
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 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.