Madonna and Child with Saints and Donors

Salvador Dalí

Created:
Movement:
1958
Surrealism
key Notes:
Surrealist Composition, Religious Iconography
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
88 7/8 × 75 1/4 in. (225.7 × 191.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Madonna and Child with Saints and Donors" is a painting by Salvador Dalí created in 1958. The work reflects Dalí's interest in religious themes, which he explored throughout his career. It features the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, surrounded by saints and donors, a composition reminiscent of traditional altarpieces. The painting is characterized by Dalí's signature surrealist style, incorporating dreamlike elements and meticulous detail. The figures are rendered with a blend of realism and abstraction, showcasing Dalí's technical skill. The work is part of a broader exploration of spirituality and the divine in Dalí's oeuvre during the late 1950s. The specific context of its commission or the identity of the donors is not well-documented. The painting is held in a private collection, and its exhibition history is limited.

Description of the work:

"Madonna and Child with Saints and Donors" by Salvador Dalí, created in 1958, is an oil on canvas painting that features a central depiction of the Madonna and Child, characterized by elongated forms and a surrealistic approach. The figures are rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing Dalí's signature technique of blending realism with dreamlike elements. Surrounding the Madonna and Child are various saints and donors, each portrayed with distinct facial expressions and gestures that convey a sense of reverence. The composition is structured with a strong vertical axis, drawing the viewer's eye upward towards the central figures. The color palette is rich and vibrant, with deep blues, golds, and reds that enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the work. The background features a landscape that recedes into a distant horizon, adding depth to the scene. Light plays a significant role, illuminating the figures and creating a contrast between the foreground and background. Overall, the painting exemplifies Dalí's unique fusion of classical themes with modern techniques, resulting in a visually striking and thought-provoking work.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Madonna and Child with Saints and Donors