“Illustration to ‘A Week of Kindness'” is a work created by Max Ernst in 1934 in Paris, France. This artwork, measuring 18 x 13 cm, is a collage on paper representative of the Surrealism art movement. It is part of the series “A Week of Kindness” and is located at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany.
The artwork presents a surreal and enigmatic scene, characteristic of Ernst’s style. Dominated by a monochromatic, engraved aesthetic, the composition depicts an interior setting where human figures are engaged in ambiguous activities. The two central figures appear to be engrossed in the scene before them, while another figure is captured in a deep bow, creating an atmosphere of solemnity or contemplation. An interesting element in the scene is a framed picture on the wall, showing a person with their head bowed, seemingly mirroring the sentiments of the characters within the room. Additionally, fantastical reptilian creatures add an element of the uncanny, further enhancing the surreal quality of the piece. The juxtaposition of everyday settings with the bizarre and fantastical invites viewers to delve into the depths of the subconscious, reflecting the core principles of Surrealism.
