Metaphysical painting

Metaphysical painting, also known as "pittura metafisica" in Italian, is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, flourishing mainly between 1911 and 1920. This style is primarily associated with Italian artists Giorgio de Chirico and Carlo Carrà, and it is characterized by its use of representational but incongruous imagery to create disquieting effects on the viewer​​​​.

The movement was characterized by unexpected juxtapositions of unusual elements, creating dreamlike, transcendent atmospheres while maintaining a realist style. It is also known for its intense and sharp contrasts of light and shadow, conveying feelings of disturbance, mystery, and enigma​​.

Giorgio de Chirico, often considered the initiator of this style around 1910, was joined by Carlo Carrà in 1917, institutionalizing the movement. Their meeting at a military hospital in Ferrara during World War I was a pivotal moment in the formation of Metaphysical painting. The style contrasted with the earlier movement of Futurism by opposing its dynamism with realist and static artworks and its avant-garde eagerness with subjects of classical inspiration​​.

Notable works of this movement include Carlo Carrà's "L'Ovale delle Apparizioni" (The Oval of Apparition, 1918) and Giorgio Morandi's "Metaphysical Still Life with Triangle" (1919). These artworks, along with others by De Chirico, such as "The Song of Love" (1914) and "The Disquieting Muses" (1947), are renowned for their unique metaphysical qualities and have contributed significantly to the development of modern art, influencing later movements like Surrealism​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Metaphysical painting offers a unique window into an important phase of artistic exploration, where the focus was on creating a world beyond physical reality. If you're interested in staying updated about new product sales and auction events related to Metaphysical painting, consider signing up for updates to gain access to valuable information and opportunities in this fascinating area of art history.