Analysis of "La Therapeutique"

In this painting by Rene Magritte, I see a family hierarchy. The "man" is the patriarchal figure, the head of the family -- albeit headless. From his years of toil, he finally takes a rest, weariness represented by the cane, his baggage at his side.

The birds are his descendants, and here we have the difference. One bird represents the children and grandchildren who see their family name and legacy as a trap. They feel that expectations have created for them a cage of duty, and they dwell in a darkness of their own self-fulfilling prophecies.

Yet they do not see the open door and the ledge, upon which the other bird sits. This bird views the family as a home base, a safe perch to which one might return of their own volition. There is a sense of calm and freedom with this second bird who, though able to fly away at any moment, chooses to remain nearby.