#11869 Raymond Daussy (1918-)

The composition presents a nocturnal scene dominated by a towering, skeletal structure that pierces a dark sky. In the foreground, two figures are suspended in mid-air, locked in an embrace. The man, clad in a dark suit, holds the woman – dressed in a white dress and red shoes – in a close hold as they appear to float above a paved area. Two ornate lampposts flank the scene, their light radiating outwards in sharp, stylized rays that intersect with the figures and the central structure. Dense foliage frames the right side of the canvas, adding depth and obscuring further details of the surrounding environment.
The artist’s use of perspective is unusual; theres a flattening effect that minimizes spatial recession, creating an almost stage-like quality. The stark contrast between the dark clothing of the man and the white dress of the woman draws immediate attention to their interaction. Their posture suggests both intimacy and vulnerability – a sense of being caught in a moment outside of ordinary time and space.
The towering structure behind them functions as a silent witness, its presence lending an air of grandeur and perhaps even melancholy to the scene. The stylized light emanating from the lampposts contributes to this atmosphere, creating a dreamlike quality that obscures reality. It’s not merely illumination; its a visual device that isolates the couple within their private moment.
Subtly, there is an element of tension present. The figures are suspended, defying gravity, which introduces a sense of instability and uncertainty. While the embrace suggests affection, the lack of grounding could also be interpreted as a feeling of being adrift or disconnected. The overall effect is one of romanticism tinged with a quiet unease – a depiction of human connection set against an imposing backdrop that hints at larger, perhaps impersonal forces.