Spirit of the Sunflower 1934

Valentine Hugo made *Spirit of the Sunflower* using traditional painting techniques to create a surreal and symbolic image. Look closely, and you’ll see a box filled with pearls and lined with tufted satin. The box overflows with thistles and a butterfly, pinned in place. Blood drips from the insect into the box, and also runs down the exterior of the container. Hugo’s painting is rendered in a palette of gold, crimson and black on a smooth, dark ground, and the artist’s skillful brushwork gives the image a dreamlike quality. This image is particularly interesting when we consider its art historical context: the Surrealists were interested in exploring the unconscious mind, and they often used unexpected juxtapositions of objects and imagery to create unsettling and thought-provoking effects. The choice of painting as a medium is also significant, given its long history as a vehicle for symbolic expression. Ultimately, understanding this artwork requires attention to its materials and techniques. By embracing the possibilities of the painted surface, Hugo invites us to engage with a world of symbolism, encouraging us to challenge conventional interpretations of art.