“The Postman Cheval,” created by Max Ernst in 1932 in Paris, France, is a symbolic painting embodying the Dada art movement. The artwork utilizes the medium of collage on paper, characteristic of Dada’s exploration of surrealistic and symbolic themes.
The artwork is a collage that intricately combines various elements to create a surreal composition. Central to the piece is a large, blue, marble-like patterned background featuring circular cutouts. One of these cutouts reveals a woman’s face, projected in a lifelike manner that contrasts with the abstract surroundings. Adjacent to this is a vertical rectangular segment displaying a white bird with detailed, almost skeletal features set against a rich blue backdrop. Below this, another segment with red accents, perhaps suggesting a landscape, includes a golden sphere, contributing to the overall enigmatic feel of the collage. Additionally, there is an envelope with a postmark, hinting at correspondence or journeys, and small figures in a monochrome hue. Collectively, these elements evoke mystery and symbolism, characteristic of Ernst’s approach within the Dada movement.
