The artwork titled “Mystery and Melancholy of a Street,” created by Giorgio de Chirico in 1914 in Paris, France, is an oil on canvas painting, associated with the Metaphysical art movement. It measures 85 x 69 cm and resides in a private collection. This cityscape exemplifies the genre’s characteristic exploration of enigmatic and philosophical themes through architectural forms and moody atmospheres.
The artwork depicts an urban scene marked by strong contrasts and deep shadows, creating a sense of unease and mystery. A young girl is seen running with a hoop in the foreground, casting a long shadow on the sunlit ground. The girl’s shadow stretches towards a dark, looming building which contrasts sharply with the well-lit white arcade on the left side. The arcade, with its repetitive arches, recedes into the distance, enhancing the painting’s eerie ambiance. Above, the sky is an unsettling dark shade, reinforcing the melancholic tone of the scene. The use of perspective and shadow creates a dramatic and contemplative composition, inviting viewers into a space of reflective silence and enigmatic depth.