The artwork, “Broderie,” created by Francis Picabia in 1922, is an exemplary piece of the Surrealism movement. It is rendered on cardboard using tempera and occupies dimensions of 68 x 58 cm. As an abstract genre piece, it is currently held in a private collection.
In “Broderie,” Picabia employs a mixture of stark, black contours curving across the surface, juxtaposed with softer, pastel hues of pink, yellow, and blue. The black lines weave and loop, creating abstract forms that may evoke figures or objects, but leave room for subjective interpretation. The minimalist text at the top and the artist’s signature at the bottom right further accentuate the balance between the bold lines and the delicate application of color, embodying the essence of Surrealist abstraction. This delicate interplay highlights the artist’s intent to challenge conventional perceptions and provoke contemplation.
