“The Elephant Celebes,” created by Max Ernst in 1921 in Cologne, Germany, is a distinguished work of art measuring 125.4 x 107.9 cm. This symbolic painting, crafted using collage and oil on canvas, belongs to the Dada and Metaphysical art movements. The artwork is currently housed in the Tate Modern, London, UK.
The artwork “The Elephant Celebes” depicts an enigmatic and surreal scene featuring a large, dark, cylindrical form that resembles an elephant. The figure has a vaguely mechanical appearance, augmented by components such as a metal trunk and disjointed body parts, suggesting a fusion of industrial and organic elements. The trunk curves unnaturally, ending in a hand that appears to hold the leg of a decapitated human torso, contributing to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere. A small fish and other abstract forms float in the sky above, adding to the ambiguity and surreal quality of the scene. The composition uses a muted color palette with a focus on contrast between the forms and the background, creating a sense of depth and intrigue, while staying true to the characteristic nature of the Dada and Metaphysical art movements.
