This Surrealist painting by Victor Brauner features a stylised figure with a Janus-like face and symbolic objects, rendered in a muted colour palette. 'Coup of Doubt' exemplifies Brauner's exploration of mythology and the subconscious.

Victor Brauner, a Romanian-French painter and sculptor, is known for his distinctive contributions to the Surrealist movement. His work often explores themes of mythology, the occult, and personal symbolism, rendered in a style that blends abstraction with figurative elements. Brauner's artistic journey was marked by experimentation and a deep engagement with the subconscious. He developed a unique visual language characterised by biomorphic forms, enigmatic figures, and a dreamlike atmosphere. 'Coup of Doubt' exemplifies Brauner's mature style. The painting features a stylised figure with a Janus-like face, one side orange and the other pale yellow, suggesting duality or inner conflict. The figure is adorned with symbolic objects and motifs, including a vessel held to the ear and another held in the lap, adding layers of meaning. A fantastical animal form appears at the bottom, further enhancing the surreal quality of the composition. The colour palette is muted, with earthy tones dominating, while the composition is flat and ornamental, typical of Brauner's approach to Surrealist imagery.