Max Ernst (1891-1976) was a German painter, sculptor, and poet, naturalized American and then French, who was a key figure in the Dada and Surrealist movements. After co-founding the Cologne Dada group, he moved to Paris, becoming one of the leading figures of Surrealism. His artistic exploration was distinguished by experimentation with innovative techniques such as frottage (rubbing), grattage (scraping), and collage, used to explore the unconscious and create dreamlike and unsettling worlds. Among his most celebrated works are "The Celebes Elephant" and the series "Europe After the Rain." Forced to flee Europe during the Second World War, he lived in the United States before returning to France. His career was crowned with major awards, including the Grand Prize for Painting at the 1954 Venice Biennale, which cemented his status as a master of 20th-century art. His influence extends beyond painting, as he also created significant sculptures and graphic works.