Artwork Replica Christ of Saint John of the Cross, 1951 by Salvador Dali (Inspired By) (1904-1989, Spain) | WahooArt.com

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"Christ of Saint John of the Cross, 1951"

Salvador Dali (i) - Oil (i) - Surrealism (i)

Introduction

Christ of Saint John of the Cross is a painting by Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, created in 1951. The artwork is considered one of the most iconic pieces of Surrealism and is housed at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland.

Background

Dalí was a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement, which emerged in the early 20th century and sought to explore the unconscious mind through dreamlike imagery. The movement was influenced by Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories and aimed to break away from traditional artistic conventions.

Analysis

In Christ of Saint John of the Cross, Dalí depicts Jesus Christ on the cross in a darkened sky, floating over a body of water complete with a boat and fishermen. The painting is devoid of nails, blood, and a crown of thorns, as Dalí was convinced by a dream that these features would mar his depiction of Christ. He also revealed in a dream the importance of depicting Christ in the extreme angle evident in the painting. The composition of Christ is based on a triangle and circle, with the triangle formed by Christ's arms and the circle formed by Christ's head. The triangle may be seen as a reference to the Trinity, while the circle represents Unity. This dual representation of the divine and the human reflects Dalí's interest in mysticism and the mysteries of the universe.

Inspiration

Dalí's depiction of Christ is based on a drawing by the 16th-century Spanish friar John of the Cross, which he saw in a cosmic dream in 1950. The artist used Hollywood stuntman Russell Saunders as a model to create the figure of Christ, envisaging the pull of gravity on the human body from the desired angle.

Acquisition

The painting and intellectual property rights were acquired for Glasgow Corporation in 1952 by Tom Honeyman, then the Director of Glasgow Museums. The purchase was controversial at the time but has since earned back the original cost many times over through copyright earnings.

Conclusion

Christ of Saint John of the Cross is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of Surrealist art that challenges our perceptions of reality and explores the mysteries of the universe. The painting's unique composition, inspired by Dalí's dreams and mystical interests, has made it an iconic piece of modern art.

 






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