Description of the picture:
Station Montparnasse de Chirico. 1914.140×184.5
This work appeared during de Chirico’s first stay in Paris in the summer of 1911, when, presenting his work at the Autumn Salon and the Salon of Independents, "he was able to amaze his brothers in art, who were used to everything and not quite surprised at all, as well as the audience". The motive of the railway station then fascinated the artist. It caused concern and alarm, reminded of the first trip – leaving Greece after the death of his father. When developing the canvas in kind, one of the Paris train stations near Rennes Square served. But there is not much left of the real station in the picture of de Chirico. The work is distinguished by perfect geometric simplicity, which does not calm the viewer, but rather increases his anxiety, anxiety and stress. The painter boldly uses sharp straight stripes – perhaps, under the influence of Picasso. The picture resembles a book illustration or engraving.
"Station Montparnasse" refers to the metaphysical period of the artist. De Chirico embodies in her his thoughts on time. These thoughts are reflected in several visual contrasts. The large arch on the left is an element of classical architecture. It is opposed to the structure occupying the central part of the image – either the platform or the terrace, supported by piles. These square pillars are made of concrete and are clearly contemporary to the author. But that is not all. Strictly vertical smoke from the chimney of a steam locomotive frozen in a motionless landscape suggests that time has stopped. And the flags on the tower and in the depths of the landscape flutter in the wind. A pun is added to the graphic series – in French "time" and "weather" – synonyms – "le temps".
The space of the picture is divided into two contrasting parts, symbolizing two different worlds (real and imaginary, or nature and technology).
The composition seems to be built on two horizon lines. The basic element of the inner space, reaching the base of concrete piles, is a bunch of bananas. These two spaces (the upper part is a tower that rises from the terrace, which is bounded on the left by the building, and on the right by the train visible in the distance; and the lower – with still life elements) are combined by a beautiful, geometrically straight yellow road, on which two small human figures are visible.
Mystery and anxiety – such sensations are created by a plurality of vanishing points of perspective. This impression is enhanced by smooth and dry painting. This is the largest work of the artist in size. At one time, she made such an impression on Pablo Picasso that he called the author "station singer"."