Spiralen. Spirals. by Max Ernst, 1891-1976

Max Ernst, 1891-1976
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Spiralen. Spirals.

Original etching with drypoint and aquatint in deep ochre and black. 1964. Signed in pencil. Inscribed by Ernst as 'essai' A trial proof with variant colours before the edition of 100. Published edition issued for the Dokumenta III Exhibition, 1964. Printed at the studio of Visat, Paris 1964.
Ref: Brusberg 107. Spiess-Leppien 105.

Superb rich impression with black and strong yellow. On stiff pale cream wove Arches paper. Excellent condition; very slightest traces of old edge mounting on the reverse of the sheet only. Full margins. Sheet: 19 3/4 x 13 ins. Plate: 8 1/4 x 6 1/8ins ( 208x157mm)

An exceptional and rare proof of one of Ernst?s finest etchings of the 1960?s.

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Ernst was an artist for whom making prints was central to his whole creative spirit. His etchings include some of the most inventive graphic works of the mid 20th century. In the 20 years after the War his inspiration was at a peak. Whist he was living n New York in the late 1940?s he was much influenced, like his Surrealist contemporaries such as Miro, by Hayter and by the ideas taught at Hayter?s Atelier 17, but perhaps even more important was his meeting in Paris after the War with the great etching teacher and technician Georges Visat. Visat had an exceptional understanding of the ways in which a copperplate could be worked. His technical understanding revealed a whole new world of visual effects to Ernst. It was in this period that Ernst began to see ways of creating an evocative abstract imagery that was only possible through the often almost random effects of a plate worked with line acid or texture.

Spirale, above, is an exceptionally fine example of the extraordinary creativity of Ernst?s finest etchings at this date. Flowing, constantly evolving line is combined with random surface textures, and an inspired combination of black surface-inking and colour - a strong ochre yellow - to make an image which epitomises Ernst?s use of a ?stellar? element in his abstract themes. This use of symbols which recall the forms of stars and galaxies, and their links to the activities of the subconscious mind, is a major motif which runs on through Ernst?s work from the Surrealist epoch in the 30?s to the end of his life.