rule of thirds in modern art

The rule of thirds highlights certain aspects of images and allows the viewer to move around the piece of art without having to focus on one part. In De Chirico's oil painting, The Soothsayer's Recompense, the rule of thirds is apparent but important to the structure of the painting. Although the statue may be the main figure, it is still off to the the side and lies on one of the main focal points indicating some importance. This allows the viewer to look further into the background and foreground and give it a sense of depth. I believe the layout makes the painting more interesting and makes me question what the artist was trying to portray by having the statue there is the first place.