Solitude

May 1915

Return to Italy and the hospital at Ferrara

At the outbreak of the First World War de Chirico returns to Italy; on his arrival in May 1915 he enlists in the army but is considered unfit for work and assigned to the hospital at Ferrara. The shop windows of the town inspire a series of paintings featuring biscuits, maps and geometric constructions in indoor settings.

1917

Friendship with Carlo Carrà: metaphysical painting

In 1917, in the military hospital at Ferrara, de Chirico befriends the painter Carlo Carrà, and together they found the movement of metaphysical painting. Between 1908 and 1917 he creates his most significant works — views of deserted city squares and still lifes.

1918

Moving to Rome

In 1918 de Chirico moves to Rome; from this year his work is exhibited extensively in Europe.

November 1919

The article “The Return of Craftsmanship”

In November 1919 de Chirico publishes in the journal Valori plastici the article “The Return of Craftsmanship,” advocating a return to traditional methods and iconography; it heralds an abrupt change of orientation toward a classicizing manner inspired by Raphael and Signorelli and makes him an outspoken opponent of modern art.