Active analysis THE DISQUIETING MUSES Giorgio de Chirico was the founder of Metaphysical Painting. He used this definition to point out that everything has two aspects: one that reflects reality, the world we all see, and another that goes beyond reality and that everyone interprets differently. In The Disquieting Muses, the artist shows us a large plaza that seems to be raised with respect the buildings in the background. The main characters are the Muses. In ancient Greece, the Muses inspired and protected the arts; here, they are mannequins, window dummies, and disquieting because they are immobile, unreal. They seem to have nothing to say to humans. The two muses in the foreground are in sunlight; the head of the one at the center rests on the ground, separated from its body. The muse on the right in the background is entirely in shadow. ARTIST GIORGIO DE CHIRICO TITLE The Disquieting Muses DATE/YEAR 1916 MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUE oil on canvas DIMENSIONS 97x67 cm LOCATION Milan, private collection Observe the painting and answer the question below. 1 Of what material does the paving of the plaza seem to be made? ................................................................................................................. 2 For this reason, it is similar to: a field. a stage. a street. 3 Describe the Muse in the right near foreground. Use these words: column back punching ball Choose the correct word or phrase. 1 In the background, De Chirico paints a castle / villa that helps us identify Ferrara, the city where the artist was born. On the right / left he depicts two towers / smokestacks as symbols of modern / ancient society. 2 The cool / warm light that illuminates everything in the painting contrasts with the dark / bright color of the sky and the dark shadows cast by all the objects. This contrast increases the sense of harmony/ unease. Improve your expertise Invent a story about the three mysterious Muses in the painting, with the background painted by De Chirico as your setting. Read your story to the class. 53