Ernst, Max (1891-1976)
L’Europe après la pluie (Europe after the Rain II)
1940–1942
Oil on canvas, 54.8 × 147.8 cm
Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford
Curatorial Narrative: Ernst began this work in occupied France during World War II. He finished it in New York as he reflected on his own bitter experience of war in Europe. Ernst “painted” Europe after the Rain II using a technique called “decalcomania”, in which wet paint is pressed onto the canvas with glass or another smooth surface. Removing the glass creates an unusual and evocative texture. He then painted in the bright sky and various images suggesting a fantastic landscape in a state of decay populated by unsettling figures.
Collection Catalog Narrative: Max Ernst’s work reflects his own bitter experience of war in Europe. He began this painting in France, but completed it in New York after escaping the horrors of World War II. Ernst created “Europe after the Rain” using a technique called decalcomania, in which wet paint is pressed onto the canvas with glass or another smooth surface. Removing the glass creates a unique surface texture. Ernst then painted in the brilliant blue sky and added detail to the resulting forms. The effect is unusual and evocative, in this case suggesting a fantastic landscape in a state of decay populated by anthropomorphic creatures and monsters. One of the leading artists of the Surrealist movement, Ernst became well known for this type of dark landscape. The picture was purchased for the Wadsworth Atheneum by A. Everett “Chick” Austin Jr., who was one of the first to recognize its outstanding quality. (WA)