The artwork titled “Colonial Mannequins” by Giorgio de Chirico was created in 1943 in Rome, Italy. This piece is associated with the Metaphysical art movement and falls within the genre of allegorical painting.
In the artwork, two faceless mannequins are portrayed seated side by side. Each figure’s body is adorned with intricate, surreal designs that resemble architectural and decorative motifs. The mannequin on the left, dressed in a flowing garment, exhibits a complex tapestry of imagery, including a mythological figure and various ornate patterns. Meanwhile, the mannequin on the right is draped in a more structured attire, decorated with an array of geometric and symbolic elements such as hearts and architectural fragments. The color palette is subdued, enhancing the enigmatic and dreamlike quality of the piece. The faceless nature of the mannequins, combined with the elaborate internal decorations, evokes a sense of mystery and introspection, characteristic of Metaphysical art.
