Ubu Imperator (1923) by Max Ernst

Ubu Imperator - Max Ernst - 1923

Artwork Information

TitleUbu Imperator
ArtistMax Ernst
Date1923
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions100 x 81 cm
Art MovementDada
Current LocationGeorges Pompidou Center, Paris, France
Location Created Paris, France
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About Ubu Imperator

Ubu Imperator is an important artwork painted by Max Ernst in 1923 during his Parisian period. It is considered a proto-Surrealist piece due to its bizarre and surreal composition, resembling a collage in painted form. The tower-like figure with human arms and an architectural head dominating the center of the painting immediately captures the viewer’s attention.

Ernst’s extreme wit, familiarity with myth, and knowledge of Freudian theories are reflected in Ubu Imperator. The painting expresses absurdist themes that may evoke strong emotions and confusion from the viewer. Ernst was a critical figure in the Cologne Dada anarchic circles before he moved to Paris, where he became a pivotal member of the Surrealist movement.

Born out of his childhood memories and experiences from World War One, Ernst’s artworks often depict absurd yet interesting scenes. Georges Pompidou Center in Paris houses Ubu Imperator which radiates a commanding presence beyond its scale. This small canvas still fascinates art lovers worldwide for its unique composition, strange juxtapositions between elements, use of symbolic imagery such as human arms on an architectural head depicting Freudian theory-inspired inner conflict within an individual or society at large can be interpreted differently based on personal interpretation.

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