The Anthropomorphic Tower

Salvador Dalí

Created:
Movement:
1930
Surrealism
key Notes:
Surreal architecture, distorted form
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Dimensions:
65 × 50 cm (25 5/8 × 19 11/16 in.)
medium:
Pastel and stumping on tan wove paper
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"The Anthropomorphic Tower" is a painting by Salvador Dalí, created in 1936. This work exemplifies Dalí's surrealist style, characterized by dreamlike imagery and bizarre juxtapositions. The painting features a tower that takes on human-like forms, reflecting Dalí's interest in the subconscious and the exploration of identity. The use of architectural elements combined with anthropomorphic features suggests themes of transformation and the fluidity of reality. Dalí's meticulous attention to detail and his innovative use of color contribute to the painting's striking visual impact. The work is often interpreted as a commentary on the nature of existence and the interplay between the human and the inanimate. "The Anthropomorphic Tower" is part of Dalí's broader oeuvre that seeks to challenge perceptions of reality and provoke thought regarding the human condition.

Description of the work:

"The Anthropomorphic Tower" by Salvador Dalí features a surreal composition characterized by a towering structure that resembles a human figure. The tower is depicted with elongated limbs and a distorted form, suggesting anthropomorphic qualities. The use of pastel and stumping techniques on tan wove paper creates a soft, textured surface that enhances the dreamlike quality of the work. The color palette includes muted earth tones, which contribute to the overall atmospheric effect. The background is relatively ambiguous, allowing the central figure to dominate the visual field. Dalí's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of shadows and highlights, which adds depth and dimensionality to the tower. The juxtaposition of organic and architectural elements invites contemplation of the relationship between humanity and structure. The overall composition reflects Dalí's exploration of identity and the subconscious, hallmarks of his surrealist practice.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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The Anthropomorphic Tower