“Phases of the Moon II,” a genre painting by Paul Delvaux, was created in 1941 during the Surrealism art movement. Crafted with oil on canvas, the artwork measures 143 x 175 cm.
The artwork presents a surreal, enigmatic scene that combines elements of the natural and the supernatural. On the left, a partially nude woman wearing a large hat sits, bathed in an ethereal light that contrasts with the otherwise dimly lit room filled with various objects on shelves, including skulls and books. In the background, a group of men dressed in dark, formal attire are engaged in a mysterious conversation, their expressions and gestures suggesting a perplexing narrative. Through an open door in the center of the room, a barren, otherworldly landscape under the phases of the moon is visible, enhancing the surreal atmosphere of the painting. To the right, more figures are gathered, one holding a lamp, their attention focused on an inscrutable topic, adding to the sense of intrigue that pervades the scene. The artwork masterfully juxtaposes the ordinary and the extraordinary, creating a dreamlike tableau that invites contemplation and interpretation.
