Paul Delvaux (1897 - 1994)

With initial beginnings in Impressionism followed by a shift towards Expressionism, it was in the Surrealist style where Belgian born Paul Delvaux found his forte in painting. Under the influence of fellow Belgian artist, Rene Magritte, Delvaux discovered his inspiration for his strong narcissistic and sexual voyeur themed canvases. In 1937 Delvaux joined the Belgian Surrealists placing himself in the realm of the realist branch of Surrealism, identified as a deep perspective of space as the setting for an image. A 1944 retrospective of his work held in Brussels introduced Delvaux to the rest of the art world as well as marking the beginning of his international reputation. Delvaux's works are often times comprised of a nude or semi-nude statuesque female. These females were painted with great precision and beauty, placed in a provincial setting framed with elaborate architectural features, reflecting his personal interest in ancient Roman architecture. A male figure often lurks in the ambit, evoking a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. Delvaux's probing works transcend our world extending into a dream-like reverie.