The artwork titled “Commonplaces – Where to Unwind the Spool,” created by Max Ernst in 1971 in Paris, France, is a collage on paper. It is a part of the Surrealism art movement and falls under the genre of symbolic painting. This piece belongs to the “Commonplaces” series.
The artwork depicts a narrow urban street bordered by closely packed buildings. The architectural style reflects an old European charm, with details such as ornate balconies, shuttered windows, and shop signs adding to the picturesque setting. A significant symbolic element can be observed; a centipede-like creature is shown crawling on the exterior wall of one of the buildings. Shopfronts with intricate display windows showcase items that appear surreal and unconventional, adding to the otherworldly quality typical of Surrealism. The scene exudes a sense of mystique and encourages viewers to ponder the underlying narratives and symbols interwoven into this painted collage.
