Max Ernst: A Retrospective

Born in Germany, Max Ernst spent more than 40 years of his life in France and lived in exile in America for over a decade. This study illustrates and assesses all aspects of one of the truly international artists of the 20th century. It also contains Max Ernst's full autobiographical notes. The extensive plate section includes works in all media and genres - painting, sculpture, works on paper, book illustration - and from all periods of the artist's career. In his analysis, Werner Spies examines the artist's creative energy that was fuelled by a continual dialogue between tradition and innovation. Although frequently associated with the Dada and Surrealist movements, Ernst's critical assessment of current styles ensured his independence from any particular trend. Other contributors, discuss the symbolism of his Surrealist imagery, the influence of romanticism and the Native American ethos on him, and his ties with England. Max Ernst's own "biographical notes", illustrated with documentary photographs and further examples of his work and interspersed with other writings by the artist, provide insights into his life and art and constitute a vivid autobiographical document. Werner Spies is the author of "Picasso's World of Children", "Pablo Picasso: The Path to Sculpture" and "Fernando Botero - Paintings and Drawings".