“The duo (The models of the red tower)” is an allegorical painting by Giorgio de Chirico, created in the year 1915 in Paris, France. This artwork, executed using oil on canvas, measures 81.9 x 59 cm and is emblematic of the Metaphysical art movement. The painting is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts two mannequin-like figures standing on a wooden deck, poised against the backdrop of an imposing red tower and a gloomy, mysterious sky. The figures are rendered with anatomical simplicity, their faceless heads and ambiguous forms contributing to a sense of unsettling enigma. The red tower in the background exudes a sense of foreboding, dominating the composition with its stark presence. The use of muted and dark colors enhances the overall eerie and introspective atmosphere, characteristic of de Chirico’s Metaphysical period. The painting invites contemplation, urging viewers to explore the depths of its allegorical content and the silent dialogue between the figures.
