The artwork titled “The Deposition,” created by the artist Paul Delvaux in 1951, belongs to the Surrealism movement. This symbolic painting measures 154 by 268 centimeters.
The artwork depicts a scene dominated by skeletal figures. These skeletons, arranged in a manner reminiscent of historical religious depictions of the Deposition of Christ, are clad in varying fabrics that are highlighted in hues of blue, white, and yellow. The central figure, shrouded in white, is held aloft by surrounding skeletons, suggesting a somber and solemn tableau. The background features architectural elements and a deep blue sky, contributing to the surreal and contemplative atmosphere of the piece. Through his use of skeletal forms and muted colors, Delvaux invokes reflections on mortality and the human condition, consistent with the themes prevalent in Surrealism.