A Glance (Un coup d'oeil) from Natural History (Histoire naturelle), created by Max Ernst in 1925, is a significant piece within the history of modern printmaking and the Surrealist movement. This work is one of 34 collotypes reproduced after the artist’s original frottage drawings, compiled and published as the seminal portfolio Histoire naturelle in 1926.
Ernst developed the technique of frottage (rubbing) in 1925, inspired by the texture of floorboards. The technique involves placing paper over a textured surface, such as wood grain or leaves, and rubbing it with graphite, capturing the structure below. This process harnesses chance and automatic creation, essential components of Surrealist methodology aimed at bypassing conscious control to tap into the subconscious mind. By translating these rubbings into collotype prints, Ernst was able to disseminate these revolutionary French works widely.
The image in this particular piece offers an abstracted, biomorphic form, characteristic of the series’ overall aesthetic. While the title suggests a quick visual observation, the texture generated through frottage renders the subject ambiguous, implying vast cosmic or deep organic structures when viewed up close. Ernst sought to create a subjective taxonomy of nature, rejecting scientific literalism in favor of poetic and psychological interpretations of everyday objects and textures. The result is a series that stands as a primary visual document defining the theoretical foundations of mid-1920s Surrealism.
The formal publication of the collotypes, following the initial c. 1925 creation of the drawings, cemented the importance of the series in the history of prints and reproducible art. The availability of high-quality prints and reproductions of the work later helped establish the visual language of the movement for a broader audience. This specific impression is held in the distinguished collection of the Museum of Modern Art, reflecting its crucial role in the development of 20th-century artistic innovation.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.