“The world map makes a mockery,” an artwork by Max Ernst, was created in 1975 in Paris, France. This piece, part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, employs the mediums of collage, etching, and paper. It belongs to the “Birds in Danger” series and falls within the genre of symbolic painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 54.7 by 41.8 centimeters.
The artwork features a minimalist yet evocative composition that highlights two birds against a simple background. The larger bird, prominently displayed, is outlined with delicate yet expressive lines, bearing a vibrant blue head with a yellow beak and a striking eye. Adjacent to this main figure, a smaller bird mirrors similar features, rendered in a more condensed form. On the right side, a circular emblem with intricate, symbolic designs adds an element of depth and complexity. The linear and coloristic simplicity captures a sense of innocence while simultaneously challenging the viewer to contemplate the underlying symbolism and themes inherent in Ernst’s “Birds in Danger” series.
