Paysage mystique 1979

Francis Bott painted "Paysage mystique" with oil on canvas, though I'm not sure exactly when. What strikes me first is the cool palette—icy blues and grays that create a sense of distance. It’s like Bott is setting the stage, a stage for paintings within paintings, a play of realities. Look at how he handles paint. It’s smooth, almost airbrushed, which adds to the dreamlike quality. But then, within each framed "painting," the texture changes, hinting at different worlds, different processes. It’s like a conversation between styles, a reminder that every mark carries its own history and intention. I’m drawn to the surreal imagery—the stark landscapes, draped clothing and dead hare, each object rendered with a precision that only deepens the mystery. Bott is playing with us, reminding us that art is a process of seeing, of questioning, of never quite arriving at a single answer. Maybe this is a nod to de Chirico, who also used surreal compositions and dreamlike imagery, but Bott is all his own. It’s about the journey, not the destination, and that’s what keeps me coming back.