Biography

1891

Was born April 2, 1891 in Brühl, near Cologne

1909-1914

Studies in philosophy, psychology, ancient philology and history of art at the University of Bonn

1913

Participation in the exhibition “Rheinische Expressionisten” at the art salon of Fritz Cohen

1914

Military service during World War I

1916

Solo exhibition at the gallery “Der Sturm”

1919

Foundation of the Cologne Dada Movement in conjunction with Johannes Theodor Baargeld (Alfred Ferdinand Gruenwald) and Hans Arp

1925

Ernst invented a new type of graphical work technique – the so called “Frottage” which he transferred to the art form of painting – the “Grattage”

1933

Ernst’s art was defamed “degenerate” by the National Socialists

1939

Relocation to Saint-Martin d’Ardèche (southern France) in company with Leonora Carrington. With the outbreak of World War II, Ernst had been interned in France for several times

1941

Escape across Madrid and Lisbon to the United Stated of America. Marriage with the art collector Peggy Guggenheim

1942

Participation in the magazine “VVV”

1951

Retrospective in celebration of his 60th birthday in Brühl

1955

Won the Grand Prize for Painting at the Venice Biennale

1956

Member of the Berlin Academy of Arts

1958

French citizenship

1964

Was awarded the title of honorary professor by the government of North Rhine-Westphalia. Relocation to Seillans

1970

Honorary doctorate at the University of Bonn

1976

Died April 1, 1976 in Paris