“Configuration No.16,” created by Max Ernst in 1974 in Paris, France, is an evocative example of surrealism in the genre of abstract art. The artwork manifests an imaginative exploration, marked by its ethereal and enigmatic compositions.
The artwork is dominated by a large, celestial-like sphere that is centrally positioned against a stark black background. This sphere appears intricately textured, resembling a surreal map or a cosmic surface with abstract patterns and motifs. Within the large sphere, a smaller, globe-like object is placed, adding a layered complexity. Below the central sphere, the composition transitions into a textured blue field, which is interspersed with additional smaller spheres, further enhancing the abstract quality of the piece. The overall visual effect is one of cosmic abstraction, inviting the viewer into a contemplative exploration of the surreal and the unknown.