Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Salvador Dalí, gouache, 1930
Untitled, by Salvador Dalí, gouache, 1930

Untitled is a gouache drawing by Salvador Dalí. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1930 drawing by Salvador Dalí is an example of Surrealist art, created with ink and gouache on paper. It features a complex, dreamlike scene with various symbols and imagery.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing contains a range of unusual elements, including blocks with keys and locks, melting faces, a giant hand holding a key, and a crowned box. The inclusion of gemstone names at the bottom adds to the enigmatic nature of the work, suggesting a puzzle or cryptic message.

Technique & Style

Dalí's meticulous draftsmanship is evident in the detailed, intricate composition. The use of ink and gouache allows for a range of tonal values and textures, contributing to the overall sense of drama and tension in the work.

History & Provenance

Dalí, a Spanish artist, was a key figure in the Surrealist movement, which he joined in the late 1920s after training in fine arts in Madrid. This drawing reflects his involvement with the movement and its emphasis on unconventional, imaginative imagery.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Salvador Dalí

Artist

Salvador Dalí

Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquess of Dalí de Púbol (11 May 1904 – 23 January 1989), known as Salvador Dalí, was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.