The artwork titled “Illustration to ‘A Week of Kindness'” by Max Ernst, created in 1934 in Paris, France, is a surrealist collage made on paper. It measures 18 x 13 cm and belongs to a series named “A Week of Kindness.” This particular piece is currently housed at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany.
The artwork intricately combines elements to form a surreal and enigmatic scene. The composition includes a woman kneeling on the floor with her hands toying with small, intricate dragon-like creatures, while a man stands with his back partially turned, seemingly despondent or focused on something unseen. The background contains a framed picture of another man, who appears to be in deep contemplation, enhancing the enigmatic atmosphere of the piece. The overall mood is steeped in the surreal, with ordinary scenes juxtaposed against fantastical elements, challenging the viewer’s perception of reality.
