Giorgio de Chirico (1888-1978)
The Soothsayer's Recompense - June-July 1913 - Oil on canvas - H. 135.6; W. 180 cm
Older collection: Paul Guillaume
Philadelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Louise and Walter Arensberg Collection, 1950.
In his series of works linked to the theme of Ariadne, Giorgio de Chirico combined references to his personal history and to the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900). The effigy of Ariadne, from Greek mythology, was developed in depth by Nietzsche. De Chirico, who read his writings while in Munich, followed his footsteps through the Piedmontese city where he underwent a genuine revelation while studying the philosopher's theories.
Thus, in this series, the artist links the figure of Ariadne to Turin, evoked by the arcades, whereas the railway could be linked to his father, a railway engineer.
