Early Life and Influences

• Born: Berlin, Germany (1913)
• Died: 1985
• Named after Meretlein from Gottfried Keller's "Green Henry."
• Family moved to Delémont, Switzerland, due to her father’s military service during World War I.
• Exposure to art and artists at a young age in Switzerland.
• Inspired by her aunt, Ruth Wenger, and her modern lifestyle.
• Influenced by Modernism, Expressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism.
• Introduced to the writings of Carl Jung and began recording dreams, which became important sources for her art.
• The work of Paul Klee significantly influenced her artistic development.

Career and Artistic Development

• Moved to Paris in 1932 and attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière.
• Participated in Surrealist exhibitions starting in 1933, associating with André Breton, Man Ray, Max Ernst, and others.
• First solo exhibition in Basel in 1936 at Galerie Schulthess.
• Artistic block began in 1937 after initial success; destroyed much of her work during this period.
• Returned to art in the 1950s, reverting to earlier styles and themes.

Major Works and Style

• Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure) (1936): Her most famous artwork – a teacup, saucer, and spoon covered in fur. This piece explores themes of female sexuality, luxury, and the objectification of women.
• Her work often incorporated everyday objects arranged to evoke dreamlike or unsettling scenarios.
• Explored themes of femininity, exploitation, and the subconscious through her paintings and sculptures.
• Style characterized by a blend of Surrealism, Dada influences, and personal symbolism.

Historical Significance and Legacy

• Considered a leading figure in the Surrealist movement.
• Her work challenged conventional notions of art and gender roles.
• Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure) became an iconic symbol of 20th-century art, acquired by MoMA shortly after its creation.
• Oppenheim's exploration of dreams, sexuality, and the subconscious continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
• Her later work emphasized personal freedom and the "androgyny of the mind."

Key Influences and Artistic Circle

• Carl Jung: His theories on psychoanalysis and archetypes profoundly influenced her artistic themes and imagery.
• Paul Klee: Inspired by his abstract style and exploration of color and form.
• André Breton: A key figure in the Surrealist movement who encouraged and promoted her work.
• Marcel Duchamp & Max Ernst: Their conceptual approach to art influenced her use of everyday objects.
• Man Ray: Collaborated with Oppenheim on photographic works, including nude portraits.