Train in Evening 1957

Paul Delvaux painted this enigmatic scene, “Train in Evening”, using oil on canvas, and its haunting stillness has really stayed with me. The paint is applied thinly and precisely, creating these smooth, almost dreamlike surfaces. You can almost feel the cool night air and the dampness of the train tracks just by looking at it. I’m particularly drawn to the way Delvaux handles the light here. See how each lamp casts this eerie glow, but then fades into the overall darkness? It’s a delicate balance that gives the painting a real sense of mystery. And that little girl standing alone on the platform… it’s pure Edward Hopper, isn't it? Delvaux definitely shares some sensibilities with Hopper, especially in their use of light and shadow and their ability to evoke a sense of loneliness. Art is always this dialogue, an echo, an ongoing conversation across time, and this piece certainly has a lot to say.