The artwork titled “Max Ernst Showing a Young Girl the Head of his Father” was created by artist Max Ernst around the year 1927 in Paris, France. This oil on canvas painting, which measures 114.3 x 146.8 cm, is a symbolic painting associated with the Surrealism movement. Presently, it is housed in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, UK.
The artwork features a dark, dreamlike scene characteristic of Surrealist paintings. Dominating the center of the composition is a large, glowing ring or orb set against a black sky, which adds an otherworldly and mystical element to the piece. In the foreground, one can discern abstract and fragmented figures, one of which appears to be presenting an object, possibly a head, to another figure. The chaotic landscape and the surreal forms create an unsettling, enigmatic ambiance, suggesting themes of psychoanalysis, exploration of the subconscious, and complex familial dynamics. The artwork’s dark and moody palette further enhances its mysterious and evocative nature.
