Character 

This painting, known as "Character," is by the surrealist artist Remedios Varo. Varo, who was born in Spain but fled to Mexico during World War II, found herself amidst a vibrant community of artists and intellectuals. This piece is reminiscent of the Renaissance portraits, yet infused with a distinctly surrealist sensibility. The figure appears androgynous, adorned in elaborate garments, simultaneously evoking royalty and the world of the esoteric. With the book in hand and propelled by whimsical wheels, the character embodies the quest for knowledge and self-discovery. Varo once said, "I don't believe in labels... I paint what I saw, what I think". Her work invites us to traverse the boundaries between the material and the mystical, challenging traditional representations. "Character" ultimately reflects the intersection of personal experience and universal themes. The artwork serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the importance of forging one's own path.