Paul Delvaux-Night Train 1947Paul Delvaux the obsessive painter of nudes was briefly associated with the Surrealist movement in the mid 1930’s and the dream-world presented in his canvases shows the influence of De Chirico (the originator of so many Surrealist careers) and his fellow Belgian Rene Magritte in the use of a dry academic painterly style and bizarre juxtapositions. However his vision of a silent Belle Epoque city frozen in time and filled with statuesque nudes reclining or walking down colonnaded streets past skeletons or bowler hatted men is uniquely his own and produces a vague sensation of unease and anxiety.
I do and I would like to see more of his work. It is quite odd. And I find the architectural details interesting – the chandelier, the crown moulding and the mirror of course.
Very interesting painting. Is that on a train? I wonder where it’s going. I might catch a ride. Though naked ladies should look a little happier. I want to see the skeletons and bowler hat ones too. Sounds pretty cool. š
The train is to the top left hand corner. The ladies are half way between objects of desire and statues so they need to retain an air of mystery. Almost every painting he did features nudes so I will post again, with a skeleton!
Ah, I see the train. On my little screen it’s hard to see all the detail. Yes, they do seem mysterious. I like the previous comment on the big bush. I like that aesthetic, lol. Yes, post again, thanks!
I love this painting Mr. Cake, it’s fascinating and odd. The mirror image is off and I can tell exactly why. I like that the train in ready to make an entrance, which would be spectacular. The more I look at the painting the more unsettling it becomes, yet I find myself smiling. So much detail, and the women look frozen in time. Wonderful painting by Paul Delvaux, and a lovely post by you, thank you. ~ Miss Cranes
Thank you Miss Cranes, I agree about the still, frozen quality in this painting. Delvaux loved trains and they feature regularly in his work. His world is unique, expect at least two more posts regarding Delvaux. So much to write.
For some reason…I am fixated…on a couple of things in this painting. Well, three if you count the reflection in the mirror. Hmm. Another great post Cake! Thanks for sharing š
Love this one, too. I have a thing for trains, and for hotels, but I’m not certain they are in one. Love the reflection and that she’s cupping her breasts (although, I’m not sure why).
cakeordeathsite 
Needless to say he was also obsessed with thick black bushes.
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Well the aesthetics were different back in the day…but yes
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Cake, I’m not seeing skeletons and bowler hatted men…. or was that a generalization and not this painting in particular?
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It was a generalisation of his oeuvre…I do plan to post more of his work. Do you like the painting?
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I do and I would like to see more of his work. It is quite odd. And I find the architectural details interesting – the chandelier, the crown moulding and the mirror of course.
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You know my love of the odd and mirrors
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I certainly do! Did I share the Max Beckmann with you?
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I believe so but send it again please
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Sent. Although my photo doesn’t do it justice
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It is excellent thank you very much
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You’re welcome. It was a fantastic exhibition
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Very interesting painting. Is that on a train? I wonder where it’s going. I might catch a ride. Though naked ladies should look a little happier. I want to see the skeletons and bowler hat ones too. Sounds pretty cool. š
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The train is to the top left hand corner. The ladies are half way between objects of desire and statues so they need to retain an air of mystery. Almost every painting he did features nudes so I will post again, with a skeleton!
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Ah, I see the train. On my little screen it’s hard to see all the detail. Yes, they do seem mysterious. I like the previous comment on the big bush. I like that aesthetic, lol. Yes, post again, thanks!
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That was a funny comment. I will post again you know me.
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I love this painting Mr. Cake, it’s fascinating and odd. The mirror image is off and I can tell exactly why. I like that the train in ready to make an entrance, which would be spectacular. The more I look at the painting the more unsettling it becomes, yet I find myself smiling. So much detail, and the women look frozen in time. Wonderful painting by Paul Delvaux, and a lovely post by you, thank you. ~ Miss Cranes
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Thank you Miss Cranes, I agree about the still, frozen quality in this painting. Delvaux loved trains and they feature regularly in his work. His world is unique, expect at least two more posts regarding Delvaux. So much to write.
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I love this artist. My favorite is ‘Village of the Mermaids’. We have it (or had it) at the Art Institute of Chicago, an amazing painting!
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it is an excellent painting…I am a big fan of Delvaux. I should be posting a few more times about him.
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For some reason…I am fixated…on a couple of things in this painting. Well, three if you count the reflection in the mirror. Hmm. Another great post Cake! Thanks for sharing š
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I can hazard a guess!
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LOL
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I know a Miss Insidious
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Thank you for your comments.
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Love this one, too. I have a thing for trains, and for hotels, but I’m not certain they are in one. Love the reflection and that she’s cupping her breasts (although, I’m not sure why).
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That is a good detail in the mirror. It suggests a hotel reception area to me at least, the train is to the train. Its a very strange painting.
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