Étude Pour Portugal, Panneau Mural Pour Le Pavillon Des Chemins De Fer, Exposition Internationale De Paris 1937

Sonia Delaunay created this study for the Pavilion of Railways at the Paris International Exhibition, capturing a slice of Portuguese life. Note the vibrant color palette, a signature of Delaunay's style, which evokes the energy and warmth of Portugal. Circles and semi-circular arches dominate the composition, echoing the curves of train tracks and tunnels, and also perhaps, the cycle of travel itself. We see the archetypal image of people gathered by the sea, a recurring motif throughout art history, suggesting themes of departure and arrival, exploration, and the lure of the unknown. Consider the circle, or wheel, an ancient symbol of the sun, eternity, and movement. It recurs across cultures, from ancient sun-worshipping rituals to the wheel of fortune. Here, it pulsates with rhythm, suggesting movement. The vibrant scene may also touch on the collective longing for adventure and discovery, a powerful force that drives us toward new horizons. This piece makes one feel as though travel is not just a physical act, but a journey into the collective unconscious.