“The Therapist” by Rene Magritte, is a painting created in 1937, which depicts a man, both faceless and bodiless.
The main focus of this painting is the torso replaced by the birdcage. Inside the birdcage are two birds, one inside the cage and one outside the cage. The birds sit comfortably in their positions, as if they are content with how and where they are in their current state. Focusing on the man himself, he is sitting down with a cane in his right hand and a bag, as if he is ready to get up and leave from where he currently is. However, his posture implies that he does not intend on going anywhere, as he is not in the act of rising from his position. Just like how the man himself shows tendencies of leaving his current state, the birds have opportunities to leave the birdcage and roam free. However, as mentioned before, the birds sit comfortably, implying that they choose to stay where they are, even if they are caged and unable to experience freedom. Magritte may be representing the complex human psychology of fearing to feel uncomfortable, although wanting to experience change.
The color palette of this painting mainly consists of hues of blue for the background and pants, white for the birds, and red for the cloak. Blue often symbolizes freedom and confidence. The sky and ocean are both blue, representing how freedom surrounds this man and is in reach if he wishes to pursue freedom. The pants that the man wears are also blue, perhaps representing how the man is capable of aspiring for freedom and change, as the legs are used for taking the body to places, which in this case would be a place of freedom. White birds are often known as doves. Doves represent peace and navigation. Although the man is capable of aspiring for change and freedom, he has reached inner peace and is content with not experiencing a change of some sort. The brownish red used in this piece could symbolize security and safety. The man secures his slight aspirations for change and freedom for himself, as he does not act upon his aspirations.
Ultimately, Magritte shows that although we humans are all capable of changing and achieving freedom, we are afraid of the uncertainties that lie ahead of us, which is why we choose to be content with how we are currently. We behave as prisoners in our own cages, although the cage doors are unlocked.
