Oil frottage and decalcomania on laid paper diptych mounted on two sheets of joined paper, 1961. 580x887 mm; 22 7/8x35 inches, overall. Each panel incised with the artist's signature within the image, and signed and dated twice on the paper mount, recto.
Provenance: Gift from the artist to Emilio Tadini, Milan, with the dedication in ink on the mount, verso, 1979; sold to Philippe Frouin de la Londe, Comte de la Roche, 1986; sold to private collection, Athens, 2014.
Ernst (1891-1976) was a German-born painter and sculptor and a leader in the avant-garde Dada and Surrealism movements of the early 20th century. Born in Brühl, near Cologne, he studied philosophy and psychology at Bonn University, and his early works were heavily influenced by the groundbreaking scientific ideas of Sigmund Freud. In 1914, Ernst met Jean Arp in Cologne and both artists became significant figures in the early German Dada movement
In 1922, Ernst moved to Paris and became involved with the Surrealism. His work was highly imaginative, often incorporating found objects and materials into his paintings and sculptures. He pioneered a technique called frottage, which involved rubbing pencils and other objects on paper to create textures and patterns.
Ernst remained in Paris until the outbreak of World War II, when he emigrated to New York, met his wife, the artist Dorothea Tanning, and also lived Arizona. During his time in the United States, Ernst continued to produce art, as well as teach at several universities. In 1959, he returned to France and continued to work as a creative artist. He is regarded as one of the most influential and innovative artists of the 20th century and created an astounding variety of work which ranged from painting to sculpture and graphic art.
