Enigma of the Hour

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The Enigma of the Hour

Giorgio de Chirico, 1911

Oil on canvas

private collection

The Enigma of the Hour (1911) is a painting by the Greek-Italian metaphysical painter Giorgio de Chirico. He created the work during his early period, when he focused on metaphysical depictions of town squares and other urban environments.

The Enigma depicts an urban scene with the classical architecture and angular lighting that are de Chirico's hallmarks. Several figures around the scene have vague features, to give the sense that they are absent. Above the scene is a large clock that reads five minutes to three.