“The Vigil,” an oil on canvas painting created by Paul Delvaux in 1940, is a notable piece within the Surrealism art movement. Measuring 100 by 90 centimeters, the artwork is classified as a nude painting (nu).
In “The Vigil,” the central figure is a nude woman, standing with an air of contemplative serenity. Her form is depicted with great attention to detail, emphasizing the natural human anatomy while maintaining an enigmatic aura. She wears a wreath of leaves on her head, adding a touch of mythical or classical influence. The background contrasts solid, structured indoor elements with rocky, earthy outdoor scenery visible through an opening. This juxtaposition of the interior and exterior landscapes augments the surreal atmosphere, merging the ordinary with the extraordinary in a manner that invites contemplation and introspection. The artwork’s blend of realistic detail and dreamlike qualities is emblematic of Delvaux’s contribution to Surrealism.
