heliogravure, paper, 23 x 31 cm
color heliogravure, high-grain velin paper, 23 x 31 cm (plate imprint), framed l: 40 x 47, numbered in pencil 49/250, signed from plate under composition "P.Delvaux", dry publisher's stamp l. d.: letter 'K' surrounded by the words "EDITION LIMITED CERTIFIED ARTS USA EUROPE SINCE 1998". Original certificate.
Paul Delvaux Belgian painter, surrealist formerly working in the neo-impressionist and expressionist movements. Sudden turns, emotionally dictated transformations and radical changes of direction are characteristic of Delvaux's work.
In 1925 he met Magritte and de Chirico, who had a significant influence on the formation of his personal style, and in 1930 he joined the grouping L'Art Vivant[a]. The artist's style turned to metaphysical art with a fascination for the painting of de Chirico, with whom he strengthened the ties that united them and of whom he said: "With him I will realize everything that is only possible - industrial cities with quiet streets, filled with human shadows that cannot be seen. "I've never thought about whether this is surrealism or not."
In the surrealist trend, he consistently developed his style independently, arriving at what is referred to as "magical realism." In compositions associated with scenes from daydreams, figures of stiff, melancholy women are reproduced against a background of colonnades, gardens, deserted streets, train stations, human skeletons and skulls are not uncommon elements. These images, imbued with a cool eroticism, exude a mood of enigma, mystery and anxiety
Each Delvaux work is like an open book for interpretation, full of symbols and metaphors.
The painting "Tunnel" by Paul Delvaux is a work that reflects his unique style and fascination with surrealist motifs, deep emotions and the artist's psyche. The symbolism in "The Tunnel" can be multidimensional, but often refers to themes such as Eros and Thanatos - sex and death. Delvaux was obsessed with trains, and the tunnel in his work could symbolize a journey, passage or transformation.
The richest collection of Paul Delvaux trowels is held by the Museum of Modern Art MoMA in New York.
In 2015, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid held an exhibition dedicated to Delvaux, titled "Paul Delvaux: A Walk with Love and Death." The exhibition featured works by this Belgian painter, including the painting "The Tunnel" (The Viaduct). Delvaux's works have also been exhibited at other art institutions around the world.
