18 dessins de poche 1963

This elegant exhibition poster from 1963 announces a presentation of “18 dessins de poche” by Max Ernst, held at the Galerie Lucie Weill located near the Pont des Arts. The exhibition took place from 11 June to 20 July 1963, a period during which Ernst’s works were widely celebrated in Paris and internationally.

The poster is notable for its refined balance between typography and imagery. At the top appears a lively drawing composed of fluid lines forming stylized birds and abstract figures—motifs that frequently appear in Ernst’s work. The minimal yet expressive composition captures the spirit of Surrealism, the artistic movement with which Ernst was closely associated.

Rendered in simple black lines accented by touches of red, blue, and green, the figures appear both playful and mysterious. Their elongated forms and whimsical gestures evoke the dreamlike imagination that defined Ernst’s visual language. Birds, in particular, were a recurring symbol in his work, often linked to his alter ego “Loplop,” a mythical bird figure that appeared throughout his paintings and drawings.

Beneath the illustration, the poster prominently displays Ernst’s name in bold red typography, creating a striking visual anchor. The accompanying text provides details of the exhibition and its location: “Au Pont des Arts – Galerie Lucie Weill, 6 rue Bonaparte, Paris VI.” The poster was printed by Mourlot Studios, one of the most prestigious print studios of the twentieth century. Mourlot collaborated with many major artists—including Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall—to produce high-quality lithographic posters and prints.

The title “18 dessins de poche” can be translated as “18 pocket drawings.” The phrase suggests a series of small, intimate works—sketch-like creations that could be easily handled or collected. Such works often offered viewers a more direct glimpse into an artist’s creative process, revealing spontaneous ideas and experimental forms.

Exhibition posters like this one played an important role in the vibrant Parisian art scene of the mid-twentieth century. Produced both as promotional material and as collectible artworks, they often featured original designs created specifically for the event. Today, these posters are valued not only as historical records of exhibitions but also as works of graphic art in their own right, reflecting the creativity of the artists they represent.

Original Poster

Exhibition - Abstract

At the Pont des Arts - Lucie Weill Gallery

Printed by Mourlot in Paris

Good condition