Giorgio de Chirico

Date of Birth: July 10, 1888

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: November 20, 1978

Biography

Giorgio de Chirico was an Italian artist born on July 10, 1888, in Volos, Greece. He is widely recognized as the founder of the Metaphysical art movement, which profoundly influenced the Surrealist artists that followed. De Chirico’s early education was in Athens, where he studied drawing and painting. He later attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, where he was influenced by the works of Nietzsche and Arnold Böcklin. De Chirico’s paintings often feature eerie, dreamlike scenes with classical architecture, long shadows, and mannequins. His works are characterized by a sense of mystery and enigma, using unusual perspectives and a palette of muted colors to create unsettling atmospheres. Some of his most famous works include “The Enigma of an Autumn Afternoon,” “The Song of Love,” and “The Disquieting Muses.” Throughout his life, de Chirico experienced fluctuating fortunes and varying degrees of critical acclaim. In the 1920s, he moved to Paris and mingled with the avant-garde circle, including Picasso and André Breton. He later distanced himself from the Surrealists and returned to a more classical style of painting. Despite the shifts in his artistic approach, de Chirico’s influence on modern art remains significant. He passed away on November 20, 1978, in Rome, Italy.

5 Interesting Facts about Giorgio de Chirico

1. Giorgio de Chirico was the founder of the Metaphysical art movement, which predated and influenced Surrealism.

2. His early works were significantly influenced by the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, particularly the notions of eternal recurrence and the uncanny.

3. De Chirico’s paintings often feature empty cityscapes, elongated shadows, and classical statues, creating a sense of eerie stillness.

4. He had a brother, Alberto Savinio, who was also a notable writer and painter.

5. Later in his career, de Chirico’s shift to a more classical style was met with mixed reviews, and he was often at odds with the Surrealists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giorgio de Chirico

1. “To become truly immortal, a work of art must escape all human limits: logic and common sense will only interfere.”

2. “Art is the fatal net which catches these strange moments on the wing like mysterious butterflies, fleeing the innocence and distraction of common men.”

3. “What is especially needed is great sensitivity: to look upon everything in the world as enigma.”

4. “There is much more mystery in the shadow of a man walking on a sunny day, than in all religions of the world.”

5. “The only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Giorgio de Chirico’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his works have sold for millions at auctions, indicating significant financial success during his lifetime and posthumously.