Skip to content

Art Quote by Max Ernst

“Who made art history? Not the most reasonable people. The mad men did. If painting is the mirror of a time, it must be mad to have a true image of what that time is. To one madness we oppose another madness.” quote by Max Ernst
Download Open image
“Who made art history? Not the most reasonable people. The mad men did. If painting is the mirror of a time, it must be mad to have a true image of what that time is. To one madness we oppose another madness.”

Max Ernst

About This Quote

Source Essay: “Madness in Art”, 1935

Creative genius often emerges from madness, challenging conventional perception of reality.

In simple terms: Madness fuels artistic truth.

Key Takeaway

Value unconventional perspectives.

Themes

art madness creativity history perception

Mood

provocative introspective inspirational

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • artists
  • art historians
  • students
  • curators

Key Concepts

avant‑garde psychoanalysis philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does madness influence artistic value?
  • Can order produce equally profound art?
A Different Perspective

Madness can be romanticized, overlooking suffering.

2.3 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Max Ernst

Explore all 21 Max Ernst quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes