The artwork, titled “Some Roses and Their Phantoms,” created by Dorothea Tanning in 1952, is an oil painting that falls within the Surrealism art movement and is best described as figurative. It is currently housed in the Tate Modern in London, UK.
“Some Roses and Their Phantoms” features a surreal and somewhat eerie composition. The artwork depicts a table draped in a white cloth with twisted, unusually distorted forms that resemble roses. These rose-like objects possess a spectral quality, embodying both organic and phantom-like characteristics. The background is a muted monochromatic setting, which further enhances the mysterious and almost haunting atmosphere. The arrangement and the spectral nature of the roses evoke a sense of unease and wonder, typical of Tanning’s surrealistic style. The precision in the depiction of textures and the play of light and shadow add to the depth and complexity of the scene, inviting viewers to delve into its enigmatic narrative.