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The surrealists were greatly influenced by Sigmund Freud's
theories of sexuality. In his writings on the 'Oedipus complex',
Freud argued that rivalries between sons and fathers for the
attention of the mother could lead to feelings of confusion,
shame and guilt about sex in adult life.
The Freudian world of child/parent relationships is the focus
of this section, called The Child's Brain. The title
comes from a painting by the Italian artist Giorgio de Chirico
whom the surrealists greatly admired. Although de Chirico
denied having been influenced by Freud's theories, the surrealists
discerned an aura of repressed sexuality and erotic symbolism
in his work. André Breton bought the painting and it
remained one of his most treasured possessions.
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