Grattage

Grattage, an artistic technique that involves laying a painted canvas over a textured object, such as wire mesh or a piece of wood, and then scraping or rubbing off the paint. The process often results in unexpected patterns or textures on the canvas. Max Ernst, a prominent Surrealist artist, is credited with developing the method. By carefully considering the color of paint, the type of textured object, the placement of both paint and object, and the addition of discreet details, Ernst was able to create otherworldly landscapes and creatures, such as those in the artworks Forest and Dove (1927) and Max Ernst Showing a Young Girl the Head of His Father (1926/27).

Grattage is closely related to frottage, another technique that Ernst invented, which involves rubbing graphite over a textured surface to create an impression. Both methods rely on chance and spontaneity, encouraging artists to embrace the unexpected and explore the depths of their imagination. These were important goals of the Surrealist movement, which flourished in Europe between the World Wars and aimed to unite the conscious and unconscious realms of experience. The technique continues to be used today.