“Christmas Turkey” is an artwork by the artist Remedios Varo, who was known for her contributions to the Surrealism movement. This symbolic painting reflects the unique characteristics of Varo’s style, which often includes fantastical and dream-like elements.
The artwork depicts a richly plumed turkey, standing with an air of dignity and authority, as it appears to be presenting or performing in front of an audience. Before the turkey is a table with a human figure lying on it amidst traditional Christmas decorations and regalia, including candles and wrapped gifts. This human figure seems to be basted and prepared much in the same way a turkey might be for a festive meal. The scene is both surreal and symbolic, as it inverts the typical roles of humans and animals, challenging the viewer to reflect on aspects of tradition, celebration, and perhaps the nature of consumption itself.
Varo’s technique employs fine, meticulous lines to give texture to the turkey’s feathers and the overall darkness of the backdrop, which contrasts sharply with the elements that are highlighted. The turkey is anthropomorphized, with a gesture that implicates it in an active, almost ritualistic role. The surrounding darkness enveloping this scene amplifies its dream-like quality, characteristic of many surrealist works. Overall, the painting offers a commentary through its inversion of holiday norms and represents the innovative and thought-provoking nature of surrealistic art.
