“The Skeleton has the Shell,” created by Paul Delvaux in 1944, is a surrealist, symbolic painting measuring 122 x 100 cm. This artwork is emblematic of the Surrealism art movement.
The artwork depicts a skeletal figure engaged in an introspective scene set within an architectural space dominated by monumental columns under a circular dome. The skeletal figure, presented with precise anatomical detail, stands near another skeleton that is seated on an ornate chaise longue. The seated skeleton appears to be in a contemplative pose, creating a striking contrast between the two figures. The background offers a panoramic view of a deserted, classical landscape, evoking a sense of timelessness and eerie tranquility. This symbolic arrangement, typical of Delvaux’s surrealist vision, provokes reflection on themes of mortality and the transcendental.
