The artwork under discussion is an illustration from “A Week of Kindness,” created by Max Ernst in 1934 in Paris, France. This piece, classified within the Surrealism art movement, is a collage on paper with dimensions measuring 18 by 13 centimeters. It belongs to the genre of illustration and is part of a series titled “A Week of Kindness.” Presently, the artwork is housed at Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany.
The illustration captures a scene laden with surrealistic elements, characteristic of Max Ernst’s style. The foreground features a kneeling woman, seemingly engaged in an intense moment, with fantastical creatures resembling small dragons or mythical animals around her. Close by, a man in a traditional outfit stands with his back to the viewer, while two other men, dressed in 19th-century attire, engage in an activity behind him. The background is detailed with period furnishings and a framed portrait of a pensive man resting his head on his hands. The blend of realistic and fantastical elements, alongside an air of solemnity and the uncanny, reflects the hallmarks of Surrealism, prompting a deeper exploration of the subconscious and dreamlike imagery.
