{"product_id":"compendium-of-the-history-of-the-universe-max-ernst","title":"Compendium of the History of the Universe - Max Ernst","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking Surrealist work by Max Ernst, featuring intense red tones and biomorphic forms that explore themes of cosmic mystery and the subconscious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMax Ernst produced Compendium of the History of the Universe in 1923, a period during which he was actively shaping the visual language of Surrealism. This work demonstrates his interest in the juxtaposition of disparate elements to create a sense of psychological unease and cosmic mystery. The composition is dominated by a saturated red field, which serves as a backdrop for abstract, biomorphic forms that suggest both organic growth and mechanical construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErnst utilised techniques such as frottage and grattage to achieve the varied textures visible across the surface. These methods allowed him to bypass conscious control, inviting chance to dictate the final appearance of the work. The central figure, if it can be described as such, possesses a bird-like quality, a recurring motif in the artist's oeuvre. This figure appears to emerge from the red ground, its form defined by sharp, angular lines that contrast with the softer, more nebulous areas of the background. The eye-like shape near the upper centre provides a point of focus, drawing the viewer into the internal logic of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 1923, Ernst had moved from the Dadaist activities in Cologne to the burgeoning Surrealist circle in Paris. This transition is evident in the shift towards more dream-like, irrational imagery. The title itself suggests an ambitious, almost encyclopaedic scope, yet the visual content remains elusive and resistant to literal interpretation. The interplay between the flat, intense colour and the layered, textured surfaces creates a tension that is characteristic of his early Surrealist paintings. This print captures the specific tonal qualities of the original oil painting, allowing for a close examination of the artist's mark-making and the complex spatial relationships he constructed within the frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/sv\/products\/the-return-of-the-flame-rene-magritte\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Return of the Flame - René Magritte — René Magritte\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/sv\/products\/extinction-of-useless-lights-remedios-varo\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eExtinction of Useless Lights - Remedios Varo — Remedios Varo\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Max Ernst","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58877761225039,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58877764960591,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58877764993359,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ B2 (50x70 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58877765026127,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A1 (59.4 x 84.1  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58877765058895,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Compendium-of-the-History-of-the-Universe_Poster_CompositorV1_1790318066485.jpg?v=1790319482","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/sv\/products\/compendium-of-the-history-of-the-universe-max-ernst","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}