Ambiguous Figures

Dimensions
50.0 x 35.0 cm

The picture follows your choices: , .

Collectible Description

A captivating dance of vibrant red circles and sharp swords defines this abstract masterpiece by Angelo Eugenio Dorfles, inviting you to explore the intricate layers of this modern classic for your private collection.

Artist Biography

An influential figure of the Concrete Art movement, Angelo Eugenio Dorfles was a profound philosopher and painter whose captivating works like Ambiguous Figures invite you to explore the intersection of geometry and mystery.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

More about this painting

Preview AR preview Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image Send
Details Guide Add to favorites Download Similars X-Ray Diaporama Q&A Stats

Order your painting in four simple steps

Take your time. You can change any answer; the price in your order card follows each choice.

1 Step one of four

Which size would you like?

These sizes keep the proportions of the original painting. The drawing shows your choice on a wall, above a two-metre sofa.

Your painting: () — with its frame.

Or give your own measurements

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.

2 Step two of four

How should it be prepared: rolled, stretched or framed?

The prices below are for the size you chose in step one.

Choose the edges of the stretched canvas

Choose your frame

Corner sample of the WhiteWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
White $1
Corner sample of the BlurSideWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Blurside $1
Corner sample of the ExtendedWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Extended $1
Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
Corner sample of the P118H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118H $10
Corner sample of the P118W picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118W $10
Corner sample of the P438Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P438Z $10
Corner sample of the P508JH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508JH $12
Corner sample of the P508YH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508YH $12
Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805H $10
Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805Z $10
Corner sample of the P919BZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919BZ $10
Corner sample of the P919G picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919G $10
Corner sample of the P919XJ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919XJ $10
Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P959ZH $10
Corner sample of the P968JZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick
P968JZ $12
Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218G $10
Corner sample of the W218JH picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218JH $8
Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W398PJ $8
Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick
W940BG $15
Corner sample of the W953PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W953PJ $8
Corner sample of the H24-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-GOLD $30
Corner sample of the H24-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-SILVER $30
Corner sample of the H36-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-GOLD $45
Corner sample of the H36-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-SILVER $45
Frame preview
Framed

Moulding: . Overall size with the frame: .

3 Step three of four

Would you like anything changed in the painting?

Most people answer no. Because each painting is made by hand, our artist can also adapt it for you.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

4 Step four of four

A few finishing options

All of them are optional. The answers already selected cost nothing extra.

Who paints it?

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (10 November). No compromise on quality.

A nameplate, as in a museum?

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

A protective varnish?

When do you need it?

✓ Check and order

Your painting, as you ordered it

Ambiguous Figures

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

-

Reproduction Frame

-

-

For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.

  • All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.

  • Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.

  • Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.

Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.

Nameplate

-

-

Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

-

Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.

-

Urgent

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (10 November). No compromise on quality.

-

Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (17 November).

Included

Total Price

$ 263

Total Price $ 263

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

Included with every order

  • Free Worldwide Express Shipping
  • High-Quality Linen Canvas
  • Full Shipping Insurance
  • Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
  • True Color Matching Guarantee
  • 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
  • 100% Money-Back Guarantee
  • Bulk Discount Offer

A Dance of Geometry and Mystery

In the captivating realm of Ambiguous Figures, the viewer is invited into a labyrinthine visual experience where geometry meets the enigmatic. At first glance, the eye is drawn to a striking central motif: a vibrant red circle, encased in a cool blue outline, acting as a rhythmic heartbeat for the entire composition. This central orb serves as an anchor amidst a sea of floating spheres in varying shades of emerald green, deep crimson, and cerulean blue. These smaller circles are scattered with a deliberate, almost musical precision across the canvas, creating a sense of depth that pulls the observer into a multi-layered cosmic dance. The interplay of these primary and secondary colors creates a pulsating energy, making the artwork feel less like a static image and more like a living, breathing organism of light and form.

Beyond the soft curves of the celestial spheres, the composition is punctuated by unexpected elements of tension. Two swords are strategically placed within the frame—one poised in the upper left corner and another cutting through the middle of the canvas. These sharp, linear intrusions break the fluidity of the circular patterns, introducing a sudden sense of movement and narrative conflict. The presence of these blades suggests a hidden story, perhaps a struggle between order and chaos, or the piercing of tranquility by the hand of fate. This juxtaposition of soft, organic shapes with the cold, hard edges of weaponry transforms the painting from a mere abstract study into a profound exploration of ambiguity, where every shape holds the potential for both peace and peril.

The Visionary Legacy of Dorfles

To understand the soul of this piece, one must look to the intellectual depth of its creator, Angelo Eugenio Dorfles. As an Italian master who navigated the complexities of modernism, Dorfles was not merely a painter but a philosopher of the visual. His work often reflects a deep preoccupation with how we perceive reality and the subtle ways in which culture and kitsch influence our aesthetic sensibilities. In Ambiguous Figures, we see his ability to distill complex philosophical inquiries into a language of pure form and color. The painting serves as a bridge between the tangible world and the abstract subconscious, inviting collectors and enthusiasts to contemplate the layers of meaning that exist beneath the surface of what we see.

For the discerning interior designer or art collector, this piece offers an unparalleled opportunity to introduce a focal point of intellectual sophistication. The 50 x 35 cm scale makes it an intimate yet commanding presence, perfect for a curated gallery wall or as a singular statement piece in a modern study. Its ability to evoke emotion—ranging from the calm of its rhythmic patterns to the sudden alertness prompted by its sharp metallic accents—makes it a versatile masterpiece. Owning a high-quality reproduction of this work is more than an acquisition of decor; it is an invitation to engage with a legacy of modernist thought, bringing a sense of mystery and refined elegance to any contemporary living space.

Questions & Answers

What is "Ambiguous Figures" about?

"Ambiguous Figures" by Angelo Eugenio Dorfles depicts: red circle, blue outline, swords, green circles, blue circles, red circles.

How can "Ambiguous Figures" by Angelo Eugenio Dorfles be used in home decor?

Use (conversation) and space (coworking) are the two recommendations recorded for "Ambiguous Figures" by Angelo Eugenio Dorfles.

Which reproduction size is suggested for "Ambiguous Figures" by Angelo Eugenio Dorfles?

"Ambiguous Figures" is recommended at a small print size. Other sizes are available with the same proportions.

Angelo Eugenio Dorfles

Angelo Eugenio Dorfles

1910 - 2018, Italy

Artist Biography

The Polymath of Aesthetics

Angelo Eugenio Dorfles was far more than a mere painter; he was a profound intellectual force whose influence rippled through the landscapes of art criticism, philosophy, and aesthetics. Born in Trieste to a father of Jewish descent from Gorizia and a Genoese mother, his early academic pursuits were rooted in medicine, where he specialized in psychiatry. This unique scientific foundation deeply informed his later explorations of visual perception and the psychological weight of form. As a scholar, he held professorships in aesthetics at the Universities of Trieste, Milan, and Cagliari, bringing a rigorous, analytical eye to the study of how humanity interacts with beauty and culture.

His artistic journey was inextricably linked to the avant-garde movements of his time. In 1948, he became a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Movimento per l'arte concreta (MAC), collaborating with notable artists such as Atanasio Soldati, Galliano Mazzon, Gianni Monnet, and Bruno Munari. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, his own paintings were showcased in Milan, contributing to the vibrant discourse of concrete art. However, as his intellectual inquiries deepened, Dorfles eventually transitioned away from the canvas, dedicating his formidable intellect to the study of aesthetics and the complex relationship between art, industry, and contemporary society.

A Legacy of Criticism and Thought

Beyond the realm of painting, Dorfles left an indelible mark on the world of design and cultural theory. In 1956, he co-founded the Associazione per il disegno industriale (ADI), bridging the gap between fine art and industrial aesthetics. His critical writings explored the nuances of the vanguard and the pervasive influence of mass culture, famously analyzing phenomena such as "Kitsch." He believed that aesthetics should encompass the entirety of culture, weaving together elements of fantasy, symbolism, and myth. His literary contributions, including works like L'architettura moderna and his explorations of fashion and daily fetishes, solidified his reputation as a premier observer of modern life.

Even in his later years, Dorfles remained an active participant in the global art dialogue. He contributed to the design of the Tibetan pavilion at the 55th Venice Biennale and continued to hold exhibitions in cities such as Milan, Aosta, and Rome. His late-life publication of poetry, written between 1941 and 1952, revealed a hidden, lyrical dimension to his creative spirit. Through his multifaceted career, Angelo Eugenio Dorfles transformed the study of art into a profound investigation of the human condition, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with the intellectual evolution of twentieth-century aesthetics.

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.