Friday 31 August 2012

"The Disquieting Muse"

"The Disquieting Muse"
Completed: 1916
Artist: Giorgio de Chirico
Dimensions: 97 cm x 66 cm
Media: Oil paint
Periods: Metaphysical art, Surrealism


“The Disquieting Muses” was painted during World War I, when De Chirico was in Ferrara. The Castello Estense, near which de Chirico lived, is in the background, rust-red and among industrial buildings. At the front are the two Muses, dressed in classical clothing. One is standing and the other sitting, and they are placed among various objects, including a red mask and staff, an allusion to Melpomene and Thalia, the Muses of tragedy and comedy. The statue on a pedestal in the background is Apollo, leader of the Muses.
 
My understanding and interpretation of this artwork is that the three muses are some kind of gods overlooking a war or battle. The one in the middle has its’ back facing to the battle but it’ face towards us. I think that shows that it doesn’t enjoy wars and prefers peace.


One element would have to be the three muses because looking at how they are all standing and sitting impacted my idea. Another element would be the sky. The sky is dark and gloomy and it bring upon a sad and tragic feeling. A third element would also be the red mask and the stick. To me it symbolises a mask that a solider or knight would wear and the stick would be a sword and weapon that they would use in a battle.

 
 

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