“The Courtesans” is a Surrealist genre painting created by Paul Delvaux in 1943. The artwork, rendered in oil on canvas, measures 122 by 186 centimeters. It is representative of the Surrealism art movement and displays Delvaux’s characteristic dreamlike, allegorical style.
In the artwork, several nude female figures are depicted in a classical setting by the seaside, implied by the calm waters and distant mountainous landscape. The women are scattered across a tiled terrace, engaging in various acts of undressing, contemplation, and quiet interaction. A tent with a richly adorned entrance stands to the left, partially opened to reveal an interior. The sky is a juxtaposition of serene blues and turbulent overcast regions, adding to the surreal ambiance. Statuesque figures and mythical elements accentuate the scene, emphasizing Delvaux’s signature blending of reality and dream states. The overall composition, with its meticulously detailed figures and fantastical elements, conveys a sense of otherworldliness and introspection.
