The artwork titled “Silent Night” by Paul Delvaux, created in 1962 using oil on canvas, is a fine example of the Surrealist movement. This genre painting measures 130 x 185 cm and captures the dream-like and mysterious essence characteristic of Surrealism.
In the artwork, one can observe a nocturnal scene framed by a path lined with tall, bare trees casting long shadows on the ground. Dominating the foreground are three figures: to the left, an elderly man in formal attire appears to be addressing someone or directing attention; centrally, a young woman, unclad with a flower-crowned head, is seated at a table with a lamp, serving as a central point of illumination. To the right, two partially unclad female figures, dressed in red and dark blue drapery, stand closely in an intimate embrace, their expressions seemingly lost in an engagement with each other. The background features a pathway that recedes into the distance, with another figure walking away, adding depth and a sense of continuation to the scene. The use of light, shadow, and placement of figures contribute to an eerie, contemplative, and somewhat otherworldly atmosphere, in line with the dream-like quality often pursued in Surrealist works.
