Max Ernst

This sheet is an example of frottage, a method of creating a design by rubbing pencil over paper laid on a textured surface. By using this technique, Ernst surrendered some control, thus expanding the possibilities of his art. The border of Fruits, with its softly rendered wood grain pattern, is a classic example of the method. The central still life, however—turned on its axis and appearing to float in space—has a compositional clarity that is difficult to achieve with frottage.