The artwork titled “Rheumatic pain” was created by the artist Remedios Varo in 1948. This piece is a notable example of metaphysical art, a movement characterized by the exploration of reality beyond the physical world through evocative and often symbolic subject matter. The genre of this artwork is symbolic painting, which employs symbols to convey complex ideas and emotions. Although currently held in a private collection, this artwork is a testament to the imaginative qualities and profound insights of Varo’s work within the context of 20th-century art.
In “Rheumatic pain,” Remedios Varo portrays a dream-like scenario in which the central figure, seemingly in agony, is enveloped by a barrage of needles or sharp elements that pierce the body. This central figure’s contorted posture and expression of distress encapsulate the essence of pain, possibly alluding to the debilitating experience of rheumatic discomfort. The contrastingly tranquil background features a landscape with a hill topped by an architectural structure reminiscent of medieval towers, creating a stark juxtaposition between the figure’s suffering and the static, distant architecture.
The scene is suffused with a gloomy and surreal atmosphere, emphasizing a sense of isolation and torment. The expanse of pointed, needle-like forms creates a symbolic bed of suffering, transforming the natural landscape into a disturbing and oppressive environment. Such imagery invites contemplation of the inner experiences of affliction, as the surreal setting provides a stark canvas for the depiction of emotional and physical pain, emphasizing the often invisible and internal nature of suffering. The artwork captivates the viewer with its stirring presentation of human suffering through a metaphysical lens, making Varo’s “Rheumatic pain” a profound commentary on the human condition.
