Piazza

1912

First shows at the Salon d'Automne

From 1912 de Chirico takes part in the exhibitions of the Salon d'Automne: through his brother he meets Pierre Laprade, a member of the jury, and shows three works, among them “The Enigma of the Oracle” and a self-portrait.

1913

The first sale: “The Red Tower”

In 1913 de Chirico exhibits at the Salon des Indépendants and the Salon d'Automne; his work is noticed by Pablo Picasso and Guillaume Apollinaire, and “The Red Tower” becomes the first painting he sells.

1914

A contract with the dealer Paul Guillaume

In 1914, through Apollinaire, de Chirico meets the art dealer Paul Guillaume, with whom he signs a contract for his artistic output.

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.