The dull military broods in front of my right wing (1975; Paris, France) by Max Ernst

The artwork titled “The dull military broods in front of my right wing” was created by Max Ernst in 1975 in Paris, France. This symbolic painting, part of the “Birds in Danger” series, is executed through the mediums of collage, etching, and paper, falling under the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The artwork measures 54.5 x 42.5 cm.

In the artwork, a large bird-like figure dominates the composition, characterized by geometric forms and a simplistic color palette of muted greens, blues, and a striking orange. The figure’s posture, seemingly defensive or contemplative, is accentuated by the presence of an abstract, smaller bird-like form to its side. The background features a subtle texture, enhancing the sense of depth and contrast within the piece. A round, celestial object adorned with minimalist, linear patterns and symbols resides in the upper left corner, adding a layer of enigmatic symbolism to the overall serene yet cautionary atmosphere.