Ernst was a German artist and poet who is widely considered to be the pioneer of Surrealism. He was a major contributor to the Dada movement, which was an artistic and literary movement that sought to challenge the traditional values of art. Ernst's work often featured dreamlike imagery and explored the subconscious mind. He is best known for his paintings, collages, and sculptures, which often featured abstract shapes and distorted figures. His work has had a lasting influence on modern art and continues to inspire new generations of artists.