Rare poster for an exhibition "Prints of the Surrealists", featuring a lithograph after Max Ernts' "Danseuses" original lithograph that was shown in this 1950 exhibition.  This is a true lithograph poster, not an offset.  Excellent condition.  Poster size: 25 x 19 inches.
 
Max Ernst (1891-1976) was a prominent German-born artist and one of the leading figures of the Surrealism movement.  He was known for his innovative and diverse artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, collage, and printmaking.   Ernst's work played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of traditional art and exploring the realms of the subconscious and dream imagery.  Born on April 2, 1891, in Brühl, Germany, Ernst initially studied philosophy at the University of Bonn but abandoned his studies to pursue a career in art.  He began his artistic journey by experimenting with various styles and techniques, including Expressionism and Dadaism, before becoming associated with Surrealism.  Ernst's work often combined elements of fantasy, symbolism, and the irrational, reflecting his interest in Freudian psychoanalysis and the exploration of the unconscious mind.  He employed techniques such as frottage (rubbing) and grattage (scraping) to create intriguing textures and effects in his paintings.  His imagery often featured strange and distorted figures, biomorphic forms, and dreamlike landscapes.

During his career, Ernst collaborated with other Surrealist artists, including André Breton, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte.  He also worked on various literary projects, illustrating books and creating visual narratives.  Due to political unrest and the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Ernst left Europe and relocated to the United States in 1941.  He spent the war years in New York, where he continued to produce art and became a key figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism. In 1953, Ernst returned to Europe and settled in France, where he remained until his death.  His notable works include "The Elephant Celebes", "The Horde", "The Robing of the Bride", and "Europe After the Rain II".