Three Sharks in Search of a Victim

1967

Max Ernst

Associated Names
Max Ernst

Artist, German, 1891 - 1976

The image displays a series of tall, elongated lines that arc across the canvas, intersected by shorter, curved lines in a deliberate pattern. The abstract composition features multiple elements, with the longer lines resembling tall plants or reeds, while the shorter lines create a textured ground or horizon. At the base, three elliptical forms stand out, each containing distinct shapes: two red squares, two yellow circles, and one blue circular form, which may resemble abstract faces with eyes.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color etching and aquatint with hand coloring

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Jacob Kainen

  • Accession Number

    2002.98.276

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Leppien 1975, no. 120


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Jacob Kainen, Washington, D.C.; gift to NGA, 2002.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2002

  • An Artist's Artists: Jacob Kainen's Collection from Rembrandt to David Smith, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2002-2003, as Three Sharks in Search of a Victim.

Bibliography

1975

  • Leppien, Helmut R. Max Ernst: Das Graphische Werk. Houston, TX: Menil Foundation; Cologne: Verlag M. DuMont Schauberg, 1975.

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: 62/99; lower right in graphite: Max Ernst

Wikidata ID

Q76348426

You may be interested in

Loading Results