“Dryads,” created by Paul Delvaux in 1966, belongs to the art movement of Surrealism and falls under the genre of genre painting. The artwork features a surreal scene that echoes Delvaux’s signature dreamlike and enigmatic style.
The artwork depicts several nude women standing in a reflective and serene setting. Some of them are adorned with red cloaks and elaborate hats, while others are unclothed or draped in simple, flowing fabrics. They appear to be engaged in calm and contemplative poses, exuding an ethereal and mysterious aura. The background reveals a classical architectural setting, with a grand staircase leading up to an imposing structure, inhabited by more figures. The water in the scene is still, enhancing the otherworldly and surreal atmosphere. The overall composition embodies the surrealist themes of Delvaux’s work, combining classical elements with a dreamlike quality to create a scene that feels both timeless and out of this world.
