The Child’s Brain (Le Cerveau De L’Enfant) is a masterful painting by Giorgio De Chirico, painted in 1914. A founder of Metaphysical Art, De Chirico inspired surrealism through his unique style, which can be seen in “The Child’s Brain.” The painting depicts a man with a book on a table before him in an allegorical scene, exemplifying the Apollonian and Dionysian Principles.
Measuring 80 by 65 centimeters and housed at Moderna Museet in Stockholm, “The Child’s Brain” is part of De Chirico’s metaphysical period. This work includes empty arcades, towers, elongated shadows, mannequins and trains that define the artist’s style during this phase. In describing his metaphysical artwork as “the flat surface of a perfectly calm ocean,” De Chirico highlighted the need for balance and harmony in the universe.
Surrealists greatly admired De Chirico’s work. André Breton was so taken with “The Child’s Brain” that he purchased it himself. The painting had a significant impact on him and helped to inspire further surrealist works around the world.
