The Dutch artist Corneille established an experimental group with Karel Appel and others in the 1949, named “CoBrA.” It was formed with a group of European artists that looked to challenge the conservative style of the 1950s, and abandoned the traditional academic approach to art. The common characteristics of the group CoBrA are bright colors, free expressionism, symbols, and abstractions. The paintings were done in childlike silhouettes, expressing pure and innocence. Despite the group was only formed for three years, Corneille moved to Paris when disbanded in 1951. He started using brighter colors, abstract expression and forming his individualistic style. The sour ce of inspirations originated from Joan Miro, Paul Klee, children’s paintings, folk art and African art.

The oceanic African art not only influence the work of Corneille, Picasso was also strongly influenced by it, giving his works cubist outlines. This particular work by Corneille belongs to the latter work in his career, and still possesses all the characteristics elements often seen in his works, including the use of eccentric colors. The lower right and the upper left of the painting is seen with portrays of man figures, that somewhat resembled the look of Egyptian Sphinx, added uncertainty in this painting. As for the mythical beast like birds are also portrayed in the present work, suggesting liberty or mystery is unknown. The mysterious black cat is also painted in a childish manner, making the painting look both lively and mysterious at the same time. This painting is painted with flatten objects, removing the perspective view, and spatial representation, but it exposes multiple ways to look at this work.