The artwork “Everyone Here Speaks Latin” is a creation by artist Max Ernst, made in 1943 while he was in the United States. It is an oil painting on canvas belonging to the Surrealism movement, typically characterized by its exploration of the unconscious mind and dream-like imagery. As a landscape genre work, it is housed at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) located in New Orleans, LA, US.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately struck by the rich, intricate detail and the surreal, dreamlike quality that Ernst is known for. The landscape is dense and appears almost primeval, with an array of what seems to be vegetation and organic shapes entwining to create a mysterious, forest-like setting. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones, which gives the scene a somber, enigmatic character.
Throughout the composition, humanoid figures with bird-like features, possibly references to Ernst’s frequent use of birds as a motif, are situated in various poses and activities, contributing to the surreal narrative of the piece. Their red and blue attire provide compelling contrasts to the predominantly dark hues of the background. These figures seem to interact with one another or engage in unknown tasks, adding to the enigmatic narrative and leaving interpretation open to the viewer.
The fusion of these fantastical elements reflects typical Surrealist attempts to juxtapose the real with the imagined, challenging the observer to question the reality presented before them. Ernst’s technique and use of symbolism create a tableau that is both otherworldly and rooted in the depths of the subconscious, inviting contemplation and personal interpretation.
