Probably the most complex artist within the Dada and Surrealist movements, Max Ernst (1891-1976) was certainly one of the most important modern European artists. He created techniques that went, in his own words, ‘beyond painting’, reflecting his emphasis on art as a process of enquiry. His collages and canvases explored the fantastic world of the unconscious, creating a ‘psychological biography’ that gave viewers new mental and artistic perspectives. A fascinating selection of his enigmatic and haunting images are reproduced here, analysed in detailed captions.

For this edition of Ian Turpin’s introduction to the life and work of Max Ernst, art historian Julian Stallabrass has written extensive commentaries on each colour plate, and selected numerous additional illustrations.