'Characters in a Surrealist Landscape' by Lucien Coutaud (1931)

'Characters in a Surrealist Landscape', oil on canvas, by Lucien Coutaud (1931). A couple entwine with the male character seemingly in grief, the female not returning with a comforting embrace. In the distant landscape a sole character meanders. This painting seems to be a creation of the artist's dreams, perhaps reflecting events in his personal life. It seems there is a relationship problem. In the world of Surrealists, there is a focus on the unconscious mind through Freudian methods of free association, trance-like states or dreams. Some Surrealists practiced psychic 'automatism' which was automatic writing or drawing, turning off the conscious mind and producing streams of words or images directly from the unconscious. In unlocking the unconscious in this way, Surrealism was individually expressed (Ref. 'The Short Story of Art' by Susie Hodge, 2017). The painting is in good overall condition having recently been professionally cleaned and restored. It is newly framed in a tray. The artwork is signed in the lower right hand. On the backside of the canvas it is dated and signed (faded) with a workshop stamp. Upon request a video may be provided. 

About the Artist: Lucien Coutaud, born in December 1904 in Meynes, France and died in June 1977 in Paris, was a French engraver and painter in the Surrealist school. In addition to his career as a painter, he worked as designer for theatre, dance and opera. His paintings appear in international collections, both public and private and inspire spirited bids at the major auction houses. 

Dimensions with Frame:

H 74.5 cm / 29.3"

W 93 cm / 36.6"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 73 cm / 28.7"

W 91.5 cm / 36"