The artwork “Shakespearean Equation: Measure For Measure,” created by Man Ray in 1948, represents an intriguing synthesis of fine art and literary inspiration. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece aligns with the Surrealist movement, known for its exploration of the unconscious mind and dream-like imagery. Embracing the figurative genre, the artwork becomes an amalgamation of abstract forms and hidden meanings, often prompting the viewer to delve deeper into its enigmatic composition for interpretation.
Upon examining the artwork, one notices the implementation of curvilinear shapes and contrasting color palettes of dark blues, tans, and whites. These elements create an otherworldly scene that oscillates between the abstract and the recognizably concrete, characteristic of Man Ray’s unique approach to figuration. The composition’s off-kilter perspective, with its unsettling angular frame, further enhances the disorienting effect, inviting viewers into a space where the familiar and the abstract converge. It is a visual representation of the balance and measure implicit in the title, itself a reference to the work of William Shakespeare.
