The artwork titled “Illustration to ‘A Week of Kindness'” was created by the artist Max Ernst in 1934 in Paris, France. This piece, executed in collage on paper, belongs to the Surrealism movement and measures 18 by 13 centimeters. It is part of the “A Week of Kindness” series and is currently housed in the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany.
The artwork presents a surreal scene laden with enigmatic and fantastical elements consistent with the Surrealist ethos. In the foreground, a woman is seen kneeling and engaging with a peculiar creature that resembles a small dragon. The detailed collaged figures are positioned in a room elaborated with classic interior décor, including ornate chairs and a mantelpiece. Behind the woman, a man with his back turned appears to be busy with something on the mantel, while two other men are in conversation or interaction to the right. A striking feature of the artwork is a large framed picture on the wall showcasing a man with his head bowed against his arms, contributing to the enigmatic and contemplative mood of the piece. The detailed collage technique and the juxtaposition of everyday and fantastical elements work to subvert the viewer’s expectations and evoke a dreamlike atmosphere.
