“The Vexations of the Thinker,” created by Giorgio de Chirico in 1915 during his time in Paris, France, is an oil on canvas painting rendered in the dimensions of 46.4 x 38.1 cm. This piece is a notable example of the Metaphysical art movement and falls within the genre of cityscape. Presently, the artwork is housed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in San Francisco, California, USA.
The artwork features an enigmatic figure in the foreground, which may represent a thinker or philosopher, set against a backdrop of classical architecture. The buildings, with their arches and columns, evoke a sense of timelessness and grandeur. The juxtaposition of the figure—a fusion of organic and mechanical elements—adds an air of surrealism and contemplation. The subdued palette, punctuated by muted greens and browns, enhances the dreamlike quality of the scene. Giorgio de Chirico’s distinct use of perspective, light, and shadow invites viewers into a mysterious urban landscape imbued with philosophical undertones.
