Max Ernst was a German artist and one of the pioneers of Dadaism, an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century. He was a key figure in the development of Surrealism, a movement that sought to explore the subconscious mind through art. Ernst's works often featured dreamlike imagery and abstract forms, and he was known for his use of collage and frottage techniques. He is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.