“Castor and Pollution” is an oil on canvas artwork created in 1923 by artist Max Ernst in Paris, France. This symbolic painting is recognized as a product of the Surrealism movement, and it measures 73 x 100 cm. Currently, it resides in a private collection.
The artwork features two male figures positioned back-to-back, confined within a circular, metallic structure reminiscent of a tank or turret, which occupies the center of the composition. These figures, possibly representing the twins Castor and Pollux from mythology, are depicted with their fingers in their mouths, a gesture that can be interpreted as introspective or contemplative. Above the structure, a multi-colored, pinwheel-like object extends upward, contrasting sharply with the yellow sky in the background. On the horizon, surreal and abstract forms, including waves and a peculiar circular cloud formation with cracks, contribute to the painting’s enigmatic atmosphere. The overall composition combines elements of the fantastical and the allegorical, characteristic of Ernst’s approach to Surrealism.
