The artwork titled “The Strollers,” created by Paul Delvaux in 1947, is a surrealist oil painting on canvas. Measuring 130 by 180 centimeters, it belongs to the genre of nude paintings (nu). This painting is a quintessential example of Delvaux’s exploration of the dreamlike and the surreal, elements that are indicative of the Surrealism movement.
In the artwork, two nude female figures dominate the foreground, adorned solely in intricate, decorative necklaces and partially draped in cloths. Their gazes are distant, their posture relaxed yet elegant, exuding an enigmatic presence that is heightened by the surreal landscape they inhabit. In the background, additional female figures, fully clothed in classical attire, stroll or recline, contributing to the painting’s otherworldly atmosphere. The setting appears to be a deserted urban street, bathed in the soft, eerie glow of moonlight, which adds a further layer of surrealism and mystery. The buildings and lampposts create a stark, almost theatrical backdrop, emphasizing the juxtaposition of the everyday with the fantastical. This meticulous and evocative work captures the essence of Delvaux’s artistic vision, blending the real with the imaginary in a harmonious yet perplexing composition.
