Prayer

A red-bearded general in a dark blue tunic with gold epaulettes stands behind a table laden with a striped octopus, a whole fish, and small glasses and jugs, spreading his hands over the food as if giving thanks. A scallop shell frames his head like a halo, and a second fish floats above. Two women in ornate historical dress, one holding a cracked egg sprouting a plant, flank him against heavy drapery.

Saturated ochre, blue and rust tones stand out against near-black shadow, painted with smooth, precise brushwork typical of decorative surrealism. Flat frontal light turns the scene into a theatrical tableau, its odd mix of rank, sea creatures and courtly costume lending a dreamlike, faintly ironic solemnity.