L'Antipapa (The Antipope)
Original print, Intaglio • Max Ernst
Style & Movement
Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Etching and drypoint on paper; features cross-hatching, stippling, and plate tone for texture.
Creation Period
circa 1941-1960s (related to 1941-42 painting phase)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches (plate size), Portrait orientation
Subject Description
An anthropomorphic, chimeric figure with avian and machine-like attributes, reflecting Ernst\'s use of the Loplop alter ego. The composition is chaotic and symbolic, referencing religious motifs, metamorphosis, and the subconscious through distorted anatomical forms and wood-grain textures.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (viewed through glazing); clear impression with visible plate tone and sharp architectural lines.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a numbered edition or a surrealist portfolio (such as those published by Georges Visat); requires inspection of margins for signature and edition numbering.
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of Ernst\'s transition from collage to graphic media, utilizing the 'Antipope' theme which explored his complex relationship with authority and the Catholic Church, a recurring motif in his major wartime paintings.
Notable Features
Features Ernst\'s signature faux-bois (wood grain) texture within the etched lines and the iconic beak-like facial structure characteristic of his surrealist period.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper consistent with age; minor plate tone variations; possible light-staining from previous framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Use acid-free mounting, UV-protective glazing, and maintain stable low-humidity environment to prevent foxing or further paper oxidation.