The artwork, titled “The Surprise,” was created by Andre Derain in 1938. Executed in oil on canvas, it belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement. Measuring 140 by 306 centimeters, the painting is a nude genre piece and is presently housed in the Daniel Malingue Gallery in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a group of nude women engaged in various activities within a lush, natural setting. The central figures are shown in dynamic, expressive poses, with two women holding up white fabrics or cloths, while another reaches out with a vibrant red cloth. The warm, earthy tones of their skin contrast with the cool greens of the surrounding landscape and the darkened background. The composition exhibits classical influences, particularly in the idealized forms and balanced arrangement of the figures. The scene evokes a sense of spontaneity and interaction among the women, capturing a moment of candidness and intimacy.
