The artwork, titled “Plaza Italia (Great Game),” was crafted by Giorgio de Chirico in 1971 while in Rome, Italy. Executed using oil on canvas, this piece measures 60 by 80 centimeters and belongs to the Metaphysical art movement. The painting, which fits within the genre of cityscape, is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a surreal urban plaza bathed in a mix of deep and muted colors. Dominating the scene is a centrally positioned red chimney emitting smoke, which draws the viewer’s eye towards a distant horizon of rooftops and mountains under a green sky. To the left, there’s a statue of a mounted figure, adding a sense of historical grandeur. The right side exhibits a series of arches and architectural elements, casting long shadows that enhance the depth and mystery of the setting. In the central foreground, two small figures stand close to each other, almost unnoticeable amid a series of geometrical and whimsical objects. The space is defined by strong linear perspectives and juxtaposed with curvilinear forms, embodying the enigmatic and almost theatrical qualities characteristic of Metaphysical art.
