On Wednesday 11th June, we have our auction of Salvador Dalí and Paul Delvaux: European Masters of Surrealism. Paul Delvaux’s work is characterised by a distinctive dreamlike atmosphere that sets it apart from much of 20th-century painting. His canvases often resemble scenes from silent dreams or theatrical tableaux, where time seems suspended. He used muted lighting and frequently nighttime settings to instil a sense of mystery and timelessness, immersing the viewer in an eerie, contemplative world. Our upcoming auction includes an important selection of prints by Paul Delvaux which came from the personal collection of Mira Jacob, the leading scholar on the artist and the author of the recognised catalogue raisonné of his prints.

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One of the most prominent features of Delvaux’s art is the presence of recurring figures, particularly nude women. These women were depicted with calm, expressionless faces and are typically shown in passive or introspective poses, evoking both sensuality and emotional distance. Alongside them, Delvaux often included skeletons and classical figures, which add to the surreal and unsettling quality of his scenes. The presence of skeletons in particular creates a haunting juxtaposition with the living figures, symbolizing themes of mortality and the uncanny.

Delvaux was also deeply influenced by classical antiquity, and his paintings frequently feature Greco-Roman architectural elements such as colonnades, temples, and ruined buildings. These settings not only reinforce the timeless quality of his work but also reflect his fascination with the aesthetics and symbolism of the past. The classical structures, often placed in deserted or moonlit environments, lend an air of solemnity and ritual to his compositions.

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