Decalcomania is an art technique that originated in the 18th century, developed by French-English engraver Simon François Ravenet. Initially, it was a method of transferring designs from specialty paper to pottery or glass, but it later evolved into a technique used by artists to create abstract patterns by transferring paint or ink from one surface to another.
In the early 20th century, decalcomania was adopted by the Surrealist movement, with artists like Óscar Domínguez and Max Ernst using the technique to create abstract and otherworldly landscapes and creatures. Surrealists were drawn to decalcomania because it allowed for the element of chance in their artwork, reflecting their interest in the subconscious and the unexpected.
To create a decalcomania artwork, an artist would apply thick paint or ink onto a surface such as paper or canvas, then cover it with another material like paper or aluminum foil while it was still wet. The covering would then be removed, revealing an abstract pattern that could be further embellished upon. This process allowed artists to create imagery by chance rather than through conscious control, which was central to the Surrealist movement.