Il corallo 1994

Carlo Maria Mariani made this painting, Il corallo, with oil on canvas. I am immediately struck by the way that Mariani has combined a classical figure with surreal touches. The surface of the painting is very smooth, with the figure rendered in soft, almost porcelain-like tones. I notice the background has these subtle, swirling patterns with geometric shapes, and a kind of hazy light. Then you've got the bright coral. The contrast is kind of jarring, right? The coral itself is so intricate and detailed. It makes you look again at the other objects that the figure is holding. I think that what Mariani is doing here is making a comment on history. His work reminds me of De Chirico and the Metaphysical painters. It's like he's inviting us to dream, maybe, in a space where anything is possible.