“X-Ray of M.O.’s Skull,” crafted by Meret Oppenheim in 1964, stands as a significant piece within the Surrealist movement and is classified as figurative artwork. The artwork showcases a distinctive approach by the artist, emphasizing the intersection of reality and the surreal.
The artwork depicts an X-ray image of an individual’s skull, capturing a profile view. The skeletal structure is starkly contrasted against the background, presenting a surreal visualization that blends elements of the human form with abstract notions. The skull is adorned with prominent earrings, indicating a fusion of medical imagery with personal or cultural elements. The level of detail in the bone structure and the distinct appearance of accessories like earrings lend a unique, almost haunting aesthetic to the composition. The use of X-ray imagery challenges the viewer’s perception, evoking themes of transparency, mortality, and identity, hallmarks of the Surrealist genre.
