The artwork titled “Illustration to ‘A Week of Kindness'” by Max Ernst was created in 1934 in Paris, France. This collage on paper, measuring 18 by 13 centimeters, is part of the Surrealism art movement and the series “A Week of Kindness.” This particular illustration is held at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany.
The artwork depicts a surreal and uncanny scene, characteristic of Ernst’s surrealist style. In the foreground, a woman in a period dress is kneeling on the floor beside miniature dragon-like creatures, adding a fantastical element to the domestic setting. A bearded man in traditional attire stands near a mantelpiece, while other figures appear to be engaging in an unclear interaction in the background. Intriguingly, a framed portrait on the wall depicts a similarly dressed figure in a pose of despair, further amplifying the mysterious and unsettling aura of the scene. The intricate details and odd juxtapositions within the collage invite viewers to ponder the possible narratives and underlying themes, embodying the essence of Surrealist art.
