Born in Brühl, Germany, Max Ernst was a self-taught artist who emerged as a central figure in the European avant-garde. Following his service in World War I, which profoundly influenced his critical perspective on modern society, he became a key participant in the Dada movement before transitioning into Surrealism.

Ernst is celebrated for his technical innovations, most notably frottage, which utilizes pencil rubbings of textured surfaces, and grattage, a method of scraping paint across a canvas to reveal underlying textures. His practice also encompassed the creation of collage novels and pamphlets, which challenged traditional narrative structures through fragmented imagery.

Throughout his career, Ernst navigated significant political upheaval, including his time in France during World War II. His legacy remains defined by his prolific output across painting, sculpture, and graphic arts, cementing his status as a pioneer of 20th-century modernist expression.