The artwork entitled “Punching Ball or the Immortality of Buonarroti,” created by Max Ernst in 1920, originates from Cologne, Germany. The piece is rendered using gouache, photomontage, and ink, and it belongs to the Dada art movement. Categorized as a self-portrait, this artwork combines Ernst’s penchant for innovation with the surrealist and anti-establishment ethos of Dada.
In the artwork, a central photograph of a man is prominently featured, suggesting a representation of the artist himself. The man’s expression is solemn and his attire formal, donning a bow tie and suit. To the right of the figure, a dissected anatomical drawing appears intertwined with the photograph, seamlessly merging human elements with mechanical or diagrammatic intricacies. Handwritten labels, such as “da damax” and “caesar buonarroti,” infuse the composition with textual elements, adding conceptual depth and inviting contemplation on identity and legacy. The juxtaposition of realistic photography with abstract, anatomical, and textual inserts typifies the Dadaist approach, challenging conventional norms of art and self-representation. Ernst’s signature is discretely placed at the bottom of the artwork, subtly affirming his authorship of this thought-provoking piece.
