“Illustration to ‘A Week of Kindness'” by Max Ernst is a collage on paper created in 1934 in Paris, France. The artwork, measuring 18 x 13 cm, belongs to the Surrealism art movement and is classified as an illustration. It is part of the series “A Week of Kindness” and is currently housed in the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany.
The artwork portrays a surreal and enigmatic scene in a domestic setting. A subdued color palette and intricate detailing characterize the composition. Central to the scene is a seated woman whose posture suggests introspection or sorrow, amidst domestic furnishings such as chairs and a small table. To the left, a framed painting within the artwork shows a man resting his head on his arms, which intensifies the mood of melancholy and introspection. Nearby, a standing figure in traditional clothing, possibly a servant, appears to attend to something. The right side of the composition includes three male figures seemingly engaged in or exiting a room, introducing a dynamic element to the otherwise static scene. At the feet of the seated woman lies a small, fantastical creature with wings, adding an element of surrealism characteristic of Ernst’s style. The overall mood of the artwork is one of mystery and quiet tension.
