The Duo

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.

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.