The title of my painting is inspired by Ernst’s desperation to escape Europe.

During the unrest and threat of WWII, many European artists were fleeing from Nazi occupation. Peggy Guggenheim, an American heiress who had rebuilt her life in Venice as an avid art collector and gallerist, offered support to those in need, notably funding the trans-Atlantic passage of Max Ernst. She adored Ernst, and wrote in her book Confessions of an Art Addict:

‘He had white hair and big blue eyes and a handsome beak-like nose resembling a bird’s. He was exquisitely made. ‘

This painting portrays the urgency and ‘electric’ energy in Peggy’s pose as her dress billows while taking strides across the landscape, with the letter in her hand that would ultimately guarantee his salvation.