The Red Model, 1935, Oil on Canvas, 74 cm x 50 cm
First encountered Margritte whilst at the tastfully industrial looking Centre Pompidou Paris for an exhibition related to surrealist art. As I was strolling along with fatigue from all the walking, the Red model arrested my attention and brought me back to life. It was a small painting but with the immensity monumental enough to unseattle any viewer. Good art does not have to be beautiful but should always evokes an emotional response from the viewer, in this case that of disturbance and morbid fascination. It's like a war scene with the body of the soldier being blown away leaving behind the boots and legs. The wood as a backdrop stands for the coffin and soil/gravel stands for burial. The title Red Model adds to the convulsion with red signifying blood (or the lack/loss of it in this instance) whilst model signifying 'a model of war'. Everyday comon objects/subjects have undergone an uncany metamorphosis under the hands of Margitte.
P.S. This might might not be the actual piece i saw as Margritte did several versions of the red model.
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