This informative, illustrated study of the life and work of de Chirico reveals that prior to 1917 his paintings reflected his depression and anxiety states and evoked similar affective responses in viewers. Drafted into the Italian army in 1915 he became ill and was hospitalized with a psychiatric diagnosis. After his discharge he painted in a new style which was incoherent, enigmatic, and evoked no empathy. Correspondingly his development took a narcissistic and paranoid course.