Max Ernst (1891–1976)Surrealist Visionary | Modern Master A true pioneer of modern art, Max Ernst was a founding force in both the Dada and Surrealist movements—known for his fearless experimentation, wild imagination, and symbolic complexity. Born in Germany, Ernst broke the boundaries of traditional painting with techniques such as frottage, grattage, and decalcomania, creating rich, dreamlike imagery that feels at once ancient and otherworldly. In the 1940s, Ernst and fellow Surrealist artist Dorothea Tanning made their home in Sedona, Arizona, building a secluded desert sanctuary they named Capricorn Hill. Nestled among red rocks and sun-drenched mesas, Sedona offered Ernst the mystical solitude he craved and endless inspiration from its striking natural forms, prehistoric petroglyphs, and Native American legends.The time Ernst spent in Sedona marked a profound chapter in his artistic journey. The elemental beauty of the landscape fused with his inner mythology, and his works from this period pulse with primal energy and visual poetry. His influence in the region helped shape Sedona’s early artistic identity and brought a truly international voice to its cultural evolution. Today, Max Ernst is celebrated as one of the greatest and most influential modern artists of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists to dream beyond the visible, to challenge convention, and to find meaning in the surreal.