“They have slept in the forest too long” is an oil painting on canvas created by the artist Max Ernst in 1926 in Paris, France. This artwork belongs to the Surrealism movement and falls under the genre of portrait.
The artwork depicts an eerie and otherworldly scene, showcasing the artist’s characteristic use of surreal and dream-like imagery. The figures in the painting appear to be humanoid forms composed of tree-like and natural elements, giving them a mystical and uncanny presence. The background is a muted blend of pastel colors, adding to the dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere of the piece. The forms are crafted in deep, earthy tones with an intriguing juxtaposition against the paler background, emphasizing their enigmatic nature. The surreal, almost haunting quality of the figures suggests a narrative of transformation and timelessness, in line with the Surrealist emphasis on the exploration of the subconscious and the irrational facets of the human experience.
