Sophocles and Euripides

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

The "mannequin" figures seen here represent the ancient Greek tragedians Sophocles and Euripides. They stand back to back, apparently in conversation, leaning on what seems to be a grave stele. Fragments of classical architecture compose the background. Indeed, de Chirico presents the mannequins as composites of humanity, statuary, and architecture. The colorful prisms and carpenters' squares that fill their torsos reinforce the artist's belief that classical geometries reveal metaphysical principles, such as how myth can serve to make sense of the human tragedy.

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