Warriors and Philosophers

1926

The break with the Surrealists

De Chirico's relationship with the Surrealists grows increasingly contentious as they publicly disparage his new work; by 1926 he has come to regard them as “cretinous and hostile.” They soon part ways in acrimony.

1928

A first exhibition in New York, then in London

In 1928 de Chirico holds his first exhibition in New York City and, shortly afterwards, in London.

1929

The novel “Hebdomeros” appears

In 1929 (by other accounts, in 1925) de Chirico's novel “Hebdomeros, the Metaphysician” appears; around then he also writes essays on art and other subjects. The poet John Ashbery has called the book probably the finest major work of Surrealist fiction.

1929

Stage designs for Sergei Diaghilev

In 1929 de Chirico makes stage designs for Sergei Diaghilev.

1929–1930

Illustrations for Apollinaire's “Calligrammes”

In 1929–1930 de Chirico creates illustrations for Guillaume Apollinaire's “Calligrammes” — the poet who was among the first to praise his work and who helped introduce it to the later Surrealists.

1930

Meeting Isabella Pakszwer

In 1930 de Chirico meets Isabella Pakszwer Far (1909–1990), a Russian, with whom he will remain for the rest of his life; his marriage to Raissa Gurievich ends in divorce in 1931.