The artwork, titled “Woman, Old Man and Flower Femme,” was created by Max Ernst around 1923 in Paris, France. Crafted using oil on canvas, it belongs to the Surrealism art movement and measures 96.5 by 130.2 centimeters. This symbolic painting is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts an enigmatic and dreamlike scene characteristic of the Surrealism movement. A central figure with a fan-like head stands prominently, adorned with a dress featuring abstract shapes and vivid colors. This figure’s back is turned towards the viewer, and its arm is raised in a gesture that suggests a ritualistic or symbolic meaning. To the left, there is an elderly man dressed in a dark, heavy garment with a red, cape-like accessory, appearing contemplative or solemn. The background sets a surreal stage, blending a barren landscape with a distant sea or horizon, punctuated by peculiar structures and forms. The juxtaposition of the human figures and abstract elements imbues the painting with an otherworldly aura, encapsulating themes of transformation, mysticism, and the subconscious.
