Answer
Mannequins, frequently encountered in de Chirico's paintings, serve as enigmatic presences that disrupt the conventional sense of reality. These inanimate figures, often depicted in deserted cityscapes or classical architectural settings, create an atmosphere of mystery and unease. Their static postures and vacant expressions add to the surreal quality of his works, inviting viewers to contemplate the deeper philosophical and psychological undercurrents that lie beneath the surface of the depicted scenes.