“The Enigma of the Arrival and the Afternoon” is an evocative cityscape painting by Giorgio de Chirico, created in 1912 in Paris, France. This artwork, rendered in oil on canvas, measures 70 x 86.5 cm and belongs to the Metaphysical art movement. Currently held in a private collection, this piece is noteworthy for its mysterious and dreamlike qualities.
The artwork depicts a tranquil and enigmatic scene featuring classical architectural elements bathed in an eerie, almost surreal light. Dominating the composition is a large, cylindrical structure resembling a tower, casting deep shadows against a clear, muted sky. To the right, a billowing sail alludes to a distant, unseen sea, while two figures in the foreground, shrouded in cloaks, evoke a sense of contemplative stillness. The geometric paving stones beneath them enhance the spatial ambiguity, adding to the overall mystique. De Chirico’s use of sharp contrasts and elongated shadows creates a stage-like setting, encapsulating the quiet, uncanny atmosphere typical of Metaphysical art.
