#11559 Remedios Varo

The composition presents a central figure dominating the vertical format, set against a stark, dark background that isolates it entirely. The individual is rendered with meticulous detail and a dreamlike quality, suggesting a symbolic or allegorical intent rather than a straightforward portrait.
Here we see a being of ambiguous gender, possessing an elongated skull and pale blue skin. A voluminous mane of fiery red hair cascades around the head, contrasting sharply with the pallor of the face. The hair’s texture appears almost tangible, resembling flames or dense foliage.
The figure is draped in elaborate garments that blend elements of historical dress – a high-collared shirt and a flowing robe – with surreal distortions. The fabric seems to melt and shift, revealing glimpses of what might be underlying anatomical structures or fragmented forms. One hand holds a small, delicate flower, while the other extends towards the viewer, displaying a cluster of stylized stars radiating light. The boots are notably modern in design, disrupting any sense of historical consistency within the overall attire.
A significant element is the duality present within the figure’s appearance and clothing. The combination of ethereal beauty (the flower) with unsettling features (the elongated skull, fragmented garments) creates a tension that invites interpretation. The stars held aloft might symbolize hope or inspiration, yet their presentation by this otherworldly being introduces an element of uncertainty.
The dark background serves to amplify the figure’s presence and emphasizes its isolation. It suggests a realm beyond ordinary perception, perhaps a psychological landscape where familiar forms are distorted and reconfigured. The painting seems to explore themes of transformation, identity, and the interplay between beauty and strangeness, leaving room for multiple readings regarding the nature of this enigmatic individual.