Red Model

This is Red Model painted by the Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte in 1947.

This is a rather quirky image, the subject of which I find fascinating - a crossover between a pair of boots and human feet. My first point of attention is the detail and realism. The wood effect comprising the backdrop is painted with painstaking detail in regards to the rings and knots on the boards. At a closer look, one would also notice a spillage stain in the top right hand corner, and even indentations surrounding the nail heads.

The same level of detail is also applied to the ground - in which every small stone is shaded, and given proportionate shadows so they look as three dimensional as possible. Perhaps my favourite part of the composition is the small objects placed on the floor around the boots. The four old coins, cigarette butt, and burnt match lend the image a very peronal touch. Whereas the tattered newspaper clipping in the bottom-right corner gives an aura of mystery to the composition.

For a still life painting, Rene has applied rather unconventional framing to this composition. The object is placed at the bottom with 2/3 open space above. Though this allows for  the detail of the wood to be showcased/ noticed as well as drawing our eye down to the boots for a second time. I feel this painting is framed more like a photograhph than anything else, but that is my personal opinion.

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While trawling the internet I came across this sculptoral homage to the Red Model. I just had to share it! It's fantastic!