The artwork entitled “Breaking off,” created by Remedios Varo in 1955, is a quintessential piece of the Metaphysical art movement, categorized within the genre of symbolic painting. This movement is characterized by its exploration of the surreal, the subconscious, and the mysterious, often evoking a dream-like atmosphere. Varo’s contribution to the genre through this artwork is a testament to her skill in blending the realms of reality and imagination.
In “Breaking off,” the artwork presents a scene infused with a sense of enigma and profound symbolism. At the center, a cloaked figure descends a set of stone stairs, the garment’s ochre tones complementing the autumnal hues of the surroundings. The figure’s face is obscured by the conical hat, adding to the aura of mystery.
Each step is embedded with fallen leaves, reinforcing the theme of change and transformation implied by the title. Above, a multi-storied structure with an unearthly quality dominates the composition. Large, almost mask-like faces are embedded in the upper facade of the building, with windows acting as their gaping mouths. These surreal elements impart a sense of observation or surveillance, as if the figure is being watched by the building itself.
The air around the figure teems with white doves, depicted mid-flight, introducing dynamic movement into the otherwise still composition. The doves may symbolize peace, freedom, or the act of release, playing into the artwork’s title and suggesting a narrative of escape or transcendence. The atmosphere is ethereal yet grounded by the architectural solidity of the stone building and staircase. The barren trees that flank the scene contribute to a subtle sense of desolation or perhaps the quietude before a profound revelation.
Overall, Varo’s “Breaking off” is rich in allegorical content, urging the viewer to delve into its potential metaphysical meanings and the introspective journey that such imagery might provoke.
