Chuff Daddy
From F. Gxynplaine MacIniyre
Sir: Andrew Lambirth (Arts, 1 February) has speculated as to the meaning of the railway engine in Giorgio de Chirico's paintings. It is true that this image is constantly present in the paintings of de Chirico's earliest and best period. In some paintings, the engine is hurtling headlong towards the observer, while in others it is moving away from us, or seen in profile. But always the engine is moving. Lambirth asserts that this railway theme is 'gravid with possible meaning', and he offers some speculation connected to Greek myth.
In fact, among art historians and biographers there is no doubt whatever as to the significance of the railway image in this painter's work. De Chirico's father was an engine-driver whose freight runs kept him away from home for long periods during Giorgio's childhood and adolescence. The railway engine in his work symbolises his absent father.
F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre
New York, USA
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