Blue Beard 2021

Michael Cheval's "Blue Beard" (2021) is a captivating realist painting that depicts the titular character with his new wife. The couple stands in front of a bright blue background, symbolizing the beauty of the facade, and the ominous darkness behind the man, representing his hidden secrets. The woman, adorned in a scarlet dress, holds a set of keys, suggesting the mystery that lies within the castle walls. Cheval's masterful use of color and detail captures the tension and suspense of this classic fairy tale, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of the woman and the true nature of the blue-bearded man.