Une semaine de bonté, ou, Les sept éléments capitaux (A Week of Kindness, or the Seven Capital Elements)

Max Ernst’s illustrated novel, which translates to “A Week of Kindness (or the Seven Capital Elements)” is a volume of five books, with each section dedicated to a different day of the week and corresponding natural element (e.g. mud, water, void). Using images cut from Victorian novels and reference books, Ernst created a series of dreamlike collages that disrupt the book’s structured arrangement. While some of the collages have an obvious narrative, others challenge the viewer to free associate, a practice the Surrealists held in high esteem. It is a vivid example of the occult elements of the Surrealist movement, not only in the symbolic presentations of birds, snakes, and other human-hybrid beings, but also in the ritual-like creation of each individual book with its unique associations.

Une semaine de bonté contains a limited amount of text. Beyond the titles, days, elements and general information on printing, and Ernst’s images, the text is limited to short, evocative quotations from fellow Surrealists such as Paul Eluard, Alfred Jarry, among others. The Art Institute’s print has an inscription indicating this set was a gift to fellow Surrealist activist Caresse Crosby.