“Women-Trees,” created in 1937 by the artist Paul Delvaux, is an oil on canvas painting that is an exemplar of the Surrealism art movement. This still life artwork measures 120 by 150.5 centimeters and is housed in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy.
The artwork depicts a surreal and dreamlike scene, featuring four nude female figures whose lower bodies seamlessly transform into tree trunks, integrating them with their surroundings. These figures stand against a backdrop of architectural elements, including an arched colonnade and a brick wall, bathed in the twilight ambiance. The juxtaposition of the human and arboreal forms suggests a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere, characteristic of Delvaux’s exploration of surrealist themes. In the foreground, an odd assemblage of a human bust atop a pedestal adds to the enigmatic nature of the composition. The muted earth tones and intricate details contribute to the painting’s haunting and contemplative mood.
