The artwork titled “Stratified Rocks, Nature’s Gift of Gneiss Lava Iceland Moss…” was created by the artist Max Ernst in 1920 in Cologne, Germany. Rendered with gouache and pencil on cardboard, it reflects the Dada art movement. The artwork measures 19.1 by 24.1 centimeters and is categorized as a symbolic painting. It is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork exhibits a complex interplay of abstract forms and vibrant colors, characteristic of Ernst’s unpredictable and avant-garde style. It portrays an imaginative landscape where organic shapes blend with geometric structures, possibly symbolizing a fusion of the natural and industrial. The use of gouache gives the piece a matte finish, while the pencil lines add intricacy and depth. The composition is marked by a rhythmic arrangement of forms, inviting viewers to explore the symbolism and underlying themes that define Ernst’s Dadaist approach. The elements in the painting evoke a dream-like quality, challenging conventional perceptions and engaging observers in a deeper reflection on nature and surrealist art.
