Salvador Dalí

NAME Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Salvador Dalí is renowned as one of the most influential surrealist artists of the 20th century, best known for his dreamlike paintings, particularly The Persistence of Memory (1931).

BIRTH Born on May 11, 1904, in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain, near the French border.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Dalí's father, Salvador Dalí i Cusí, was a middle-class lawyer and notary, known for his strict disciplinary nature. His mother, Felipa Domenech Ferrés, provided emotional balance by nurturing Salvador’s artistic pursuits. Dalí was born nine months after the death of his older brother, also named Salvador, a loss that profoundly affected his family.

The photo below shows the Dalí family in 1910: from the upper left, aunt Maria Teresa, mother, father, Salvador Dalí, aunt Caterina (later became the second wife of father), sister Anna Maria, and grandmother Anna.

CHILDHOOD Dalí exhibited a vivid imagination and volatile temperament as a child, prone to hysteria. His teacher forbade mentioning grasshoppers in class due to Dalí's extreme fear of them.

Salvador Dalí's artistic inclinations were evident from a young age. By the age of 10, he was already taking drawing lessons. His supportive parents even built him an art studio at their summer home in Cadaqués to nurture his talents.

EDUCATION Dalí's formal education started at the Figueres public school at the age of four, but clashed with the traditional setting. Disliking school and prone to daydreaming, his progress disappointed his father. This led to a transfer to a private French school. In 1916, he continued his education at the Colegio de Hermanos Maristas and the Instituto in Figueres.

Despite his struggles with formal schooling, Dalí's artistic talent shone through. He had his first public exhibition at the young age of 15 at the Municipal Theater in Figueres, showcasing his artistic promise.

In 1922, at 18, Dalí's artistic journey took a significant step forward with his enrollment at the prestigious Academia de San Fernando in Madrid. Here, he immersed himself in the artistic world, living at the Residencia de Estudiantes, a hub for creative minds. He befriended influential figures like Luis Buñuel and Federico García Lorca.

The academy exposed Dalí to various artistic styles, including Cubism and Metaphysics, which he experimented with in his work. However, his unconventional personality and flamboyant style often clashed with the academy's norms. He was first expelled in 1923 for leading a student protest, though he briefly returned in 1924. Ultimately, in 1926, he was permanently expelled.

Despite these disruptions, Dalí's time at the academy was not without merit. He continued to hone his artistic skills, participated in exhibitions, and explored different artistic movements. His exposure to Impressionism, Futurism, and Cubism during this period would later contribute to the development of his unique Surrealist style.

CAREER RECORD Expelled from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in 1926.

Became a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement.

Held numerous solo exhibitions worldwide.

Created iconic works such as The Persistence of Memory (1931) and The Dream of Venus (1939).

Explored various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, film, and literature.

APPEARANCE Salvador Dalí's appearance was as iconic and eccentric as his art, becoming an integral part of his public persona and artistic brand.

Dalí's most recognizable feature was undoubtedly his meticulously sculpted mustache. Long, thin, and dramatically upturned at the ends, he described it as "very gay, very pointed, very aggressive." Using the same pomade as Marcel Proust, albeit with a distinct style, Dalí meticulously groomed his mustache, which grew increasingly eye-catching and upturned over the years. This iconic mustache remains a key part of his brand, appearing on merchandise and even adorning a Delta Air Lines plane.

Beyond his mustache , Dalí cultivated a distinctive overall appearance. His long hair, considered shocking at the time, further accentuated his unconventional image. His appearance was carefully crafted to stand out, provoke reactions, and serve as a powerful form of self-promotion. Dalí understood that his looks were an extension of his artistic expression, a visual manifestation of his unique and unconventional mind.

Portrait of Salvador Dali, taken in Hôtel Meurice, Paris Photo by Allan Warren

FASHION  Dalí's clothing choices were as flamboyant and surreal as his paintings. He frequently sported a cape and walking stick, adding to his theatrical presence. His wardrobe often included outlandish outfits, such as a deep-sea diving suit worn during a lecture. These extravagant choices were a deliberate part of his self-presentation, contributing to his overall flamboyant style.

Dalí ventured into the world of fashion and design with his signature surrealist flair. He designed clothing, including costumes for theatrical productions. He created iconic jewelry pieces, such as "The Eye of Time" (1949) and "Rubis' Lips" (1950). His collaboration with fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli resulted in iconic creations like the "Lobster Dress" and "Tears Dress."  He also designed perfume bottles and fabric patterns, adding his unique touch to the world of fashion.

CHARACTER Dalí was a blend of genius and eccentricity, exhibiting both brilliant creativity and erratic, unpredictable behavior.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Dalí’s humor was surreal and provocative. He once arrived at an art exhibition in a limo filled with turnips and sold Yoko Ono a blade of grass as “hair” for $10,000, fearing she might use his real hair for occult purposes.

RELATIONSHIPS Salvador Dalí and Elena Ivanovna Diakonova, better known as Gala, were bound by a unique and unconventional marriage. Their relationship was not only personal but also deeply intertwined with Dalí's artistic career.

The couple first wed on January 30, 1934, in a civil ceremony at the town hall of the 14th district in Paris.

Decades later, on August 8, 1958, they exchanged vows again in a religious ceremony at the Sanctuary of the Angels (Santuari dels Àngels) in Sant Martí Vell, near Girona, Spain.

This second wedding was a deeply private affair. Only five people were present: four priests and the secretary of the town's municipal court. No relatives or friends were invited. The couple arrived in Dalí's iconic Cadillac, which is now on display at the Dalí Museum in Figueres. The ceremony was officiated by Francisco Vila, Dalí's personal friend and a former parish priest of Cadaqués. The event was kept so secret that even the chapel's chaplain was unaware of the couple's identity until shortly before the ceremony began. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds visited the bishop of the diocese in Girona and enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant. The world remained unaware of this intimate ceremony for four days.

This second marriage became possible after the death of Gala's first husband, Paul Éluard, in 1952, allowing for a Catholic ceremony. By this time, Dalí's own views on the Church had also evolved, becoming more positive.

MONEY AND FAME  Salvador Dalí's relationship with money and fame was as unconventional as his art. He was an artist driven by a dual desire: to create groundbreaking art and achieve immense wealth and celebrity.   

Dalí was unapologetic about his love of money, famously declaring his "pure, vertical, mystical, gothic love of cash." Amassing wealth was a central goal, leading André Breton to mockingly nickname him "Avida Dollars" (French for "eager for dollars").

Dalí's financial strategies were as creative as his art. He employed unconventional tactics like doodling on checks to avoid paying for meals.  He also embraced various commercial ventures to support his and Gala's lavish lifestyle. This included designing jewelry, clothing, furniture, and even sets for ballets and plays.   

Beyond financial gain, Dalí craved fame and reveled in courting public attention. He was a master self-promoter, adept at creating sensations and controversies. By his early thirties, he had secured solo exhibitions in prestigious venues like Paris and New York City.  In 1936, Time magazine even featured him on its cover.   

Dalí's relentless pursuit of wealth and fame had a complex impact on his artistic legacy.  While his fame in America soared during the 1930s and 40s, the art world increasingly viewed him as a commercial artist rather than a pure visionary.  Critics often received his work with lukewarm enthusiasm, questioning his artistic integrity.  Some argue that his most groundbreaking work came in his early years, with his later career prioritizing self-promotion over artistic innovation.   

Despite the controversy surrounding his commercialism, Dalí's impact on art and popular culture remains undeniable.  He achieved a level of fame in the United States that surpassed many other 20th-century masters, including Pablo Picasso.  His influence extends beyond the art world, shaping advertising, branding, architecture, and design.  In recent years, there has been a critical reevaluation of his work.  Some art historians now rank him alongside Picasso and Matisse as one of the greatest 20th-century painters.   

Salvador Dalí challenged the traditional notion of the starving artist.  He embraced wealth and fame as tools to elevate his art and himself.  While his tactics were often unconventional, his legacy as a groundbreaking artist and a pop culture icon remains secure.   

FOOD AND DRINK Food played a significant role in Salvador Dalí's life and art. He incorporated edible elements into his paintings, used them as metaphors, and even viewed cooking as an artistic pursuit.

Dalí's artistic works are replete with culinary motifs. Eggs, fish, bread, milk, and sea urchins frequently appear in his paintings. He used food as a powerful symbol, associating it with eroticism and desire. Dalí famously stated, "When I'm busy making a dish, I add a little of this and a little of that. It's like mixing paints," highlighting the connection he saw between cooking and his artistic process.

Perhaps the most iconic example of food-inspired imagery in Dalí's work is the melting clocks in The Persistence of Memory. Inspired by the sight of a melting Camembert cheese left in the sun, Dalí described these surreal timepieces as "the tender, extravagant and solitary paranoiac-critical Camembert of time and space."

Bread held a special place in Dalí's artistic universe. He considered it a subject of deep-seated fetishism and obsession. He once spent two months dedicated solely to painting a bread basket, highlighting its significance in his artistic vision. On several occasions, Dalí even made a dramatic entrance by wearing a hollowed-out loaf of bread as a headpiece.

For Dalí, food was more than just subject matter; it was a form of artistic expression. He famously declared, "Beauty should be edible, or not at all."  He used gastronomy to enhance his persona and to give new meaning to his art.

He published a cookbook titled Les Dîners de Gala.

ART Salvador Dalí became one of the 20th century's most influential and, let's face it, downright oddball artists, famed for his surrealist paintings and a personality that could curdle milk at a hundred paces.

Dalí wasn't always the gooey-clock-melting maestro we know today.  He showed artistic talent early on and was steered towards a life of creating rather than, say, competitive bullfighting (although, with his flamboyant style, he might have given the matadors a run for their money).  He studied at the San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid, where he dabbled in various artistic styles like Cubism, Futurism, and Purism, which, to be honest, sound like they should involve wearing brightly colored jumpsuits and helmets.  During this time, he hung out with fellow artists Federico García Lorca and Luis Buñuel, the latter of whom he would collaborate with later on some truly bizarre films, but we'll get to that in a moment.

The late 1920s saw Dalí dive headfirst into the world of Sigmund Freud and his writings on the subconscious.  This was a bit like pouring gasoline on a flickering artistic flame – it all went a bit wild.  Dalí officially joined the Surrealist movement in 1929, becoming a major player very quickly.  He even cooked up his own special sauce, the "paranoiac-critical method," which was basically a mental exercise to tap into the subconscious and yank out whatever strange imagery lurked beneath.  This resulted in some of his most famous works, like The Persistence of Memory, featuring melting clocks in a landscape that looks like it was dreamed up by someone who'd eaten a whole wheel of brie before bed and The Enigma of Desire, which explored well, you can probably guess.

The Persistence of Memory. 1931

The 1940s saw Dalí relocate to the United States, where he continued to, well, be Dalí.  He entered a phase he called "Nuclear Mysticism," which involved blending religious and scientific themes in his work.  Think of it as if the Sistine Chapel ceiling got a makeover by a scientist on LSD.  Paintings like The Sacrament of the Last Supper and Galatea of the Spheres reflected this new direction.

Dalí kept at his artistic antics until the early 1980s, when his health started to decline.  By the end, he'd left behind a massive collection of work, including over 1,500 paintings.  His influence wasn't confined to the stuffy art world – it seeped into popular culture, inspiring countless artists and leaving everyone a little bit weirder, in the best way possible.

Today, Dalí's works are celebrated in museums worldwide.  If you ever find yourself in Figueres, Spain, or St. Petersburg, Florida, you might just bump into a museum dedicated to the man himself.  So next time you see a melting clock or a lobster phone (yes, that was a thing too), remember Salvador Dalí, the artist who dared to dream strange dreams and then splash them onto canvas for the rest of the world to enjoy, or at least scratch their heads at.

MUSIC AND ARTS Dalí admired classical music and was deeply moved by Richard Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde, which played as he passed away.

Dalí made significant contributions to the world of cinema. He collaborated with Luis Buñuel on the groundbreaking surrealist films Un Chien Andalou (1929) and L'Age d'Or (1930). He also worked with Alfred Hitchcock on the dream sequences for Spellbound (1945).  Furthermore, he collaborated with Walt Disney on the animated short Destino, which was not completed until 2003.  Dalí also experimented with his own experimental films, creating works like Chaos and Creation (1960) and Impressions from Upper Mongolia (1977).

LITERATURE Dalí was a prolific writer, authoring novels, essays, poetry, and critical works. His autobiography, The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí, offers a fascinating, albeit self-aggrandizing, glimpse into his life and artistic philosophy. He also made significant contributions to theater and performance art, designing sets for ballets and operas and creating theatrical designs and costumes.

Dalí drew inspiration from Freudian psychoanalysis and surrealist literature, which influenced his exploration of the subconscious.

NATURE Dalí’s works often featured surreal interpretations of natural landscapes, including melting clocks and distorted figures.

PETS Salvador Dalí was equally unconventional in his choice of pets. These animals, from exotic ocelots to an iconic anteater, reflected his desire to shock, entertain, and incorporate elements of the unexpected into his life and art.

Dalí famously owned two ocelots, Babou and Bouba. These exotic cats were frequent companions, accompanying him to social gatherings, restaurants, and even on luxurious ocean liner voyages. Babou, in particular, became a celebrated figure, often seen sporting a collar and leash adorned with precious stones.

Dalí in 1960 holding his pet ocelot, Babou

While not strictly a pet, Dalí's iconic image walking an anteater on a leash through the streets of Paris in 1969 remains a testament to his theatrical flair. This was likely a staged performance, with the anteater borrowed from a zoo. The image resonated deeply, with the anteater potentially symbolizing André Breton, the founder of Surrealism, who was nicknamed "The Anteater" by his peers. For Dalí, the anteater might also have represented a symbolic battle against decay, given the insect's role in nature.

Dalí's fascination with the unusual extended beyond ocelots and anteaters. He owned a rooster named Oscar, which often traveled with him. As a child, he even kept a bat as a pet.

Dalí's unconventional pets often caused a stir in public. In a Manhattan restaurant, when a diner expressed concern about Babou the ocelot, Dalí calmly responded that it was simply an ordinary cat adorned with an "op art design."  

His appearance on The Dick Cavett Show in 1971, where he brought a small anteater from the Bronx Zoo and placed it on actress Lillian Gish's lap, generated considerable commotion.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS  Dalí enjoyed creating unusual art installations and exploring various artistic mediums, including sculpture and film.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Salvador Dalí's artistic vision was profoundly shaped by his fascination with atomic theory and nuclear physics, particularly after the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. This period saw the emergence of "Nuclear Mysticism," a unique phase in his career that blended science, art, and philosophy.

The atomic bombings had a profound impact on Dalí, "shaking him seismically." He declared the atom his "favorite food for thought," marking a turning point in his artistic exploration. Nuclear Mysticism emerged from this experience, fusing science, physics, mathematics, and art into a new and captivating aesthetic.

Dalí's intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the realm of art. He amassed a vast library of books on physics, geometry, optical science, genetics, mathematics, and natural history. He was particularly intrigued by quantum physics and molecular biology. Later in his life, he became fascinated by the work of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and mathematician René Thom, whose catastrophe theory further influenced his artistic explorations.

Dalí seamlessly integrated these scientific concepts into his artwork. Spheres and cubes, often representing particles, became recurring motifs in his paintings. He claimed to have visualized and depicted fundamental elements of modern physics, such as electrons, protons, and mesons. His iconic painting, The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (1952-54), reimagined his famous melting clocks within the framework of atomic theory.

Several of Dalí's most significant works from this period exemplify his fascination with science. Galatea of the Spheres (1952), a portrait of his wife Gala composed entirely of spheres, is a testament to his interest in atomic theory. The Railway Station at Perpignan (1965) depicts the station as the center of the universe, incorporating a complex interplay of scientific and religious elements. Leda Atomica (1949), a painting that required extensive mathematical calculations and study, further demonstrates the profound influence of science on his artistic practice.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY  Dalí's early intellectual landscape was shaped by a potent mix of conflicting influences. His mother's devout Catholicism clashed with his father's staunch atheism. This internal conflict was further complicated by his immersion in the Surrealist movement, with its emphasis on psychoanalysis and the exploration of the subconscious. This contradictory foundation laid the groundwork for Dalí's lifelong spiritual quest.

From the 1940s onward, a profound spiritual shift occurred. Dalí reconnected with the Catholic Church, delving into the works of medieval Spanish mystics. He sought to reconcile his earlier anti-clerical stance with his newfound faith. This spiritual awakening culminated in a private audience with Pope Pius XII in 1949, where Dalí presented his painting The Madonna of Port Lligat, which received the Pope's blessing. It was premiered on November 27, 1950 at the Carstairs Gallery in New York. 

The Madonna of Port Lligat 

In the 1950s, Dalí developed his concept of "Nuclear Mysticism." This ambitious framework sought to synthesize seemingly disparate elements: Catholic doctrine, nuclear physics, Renaissance art, and mystical traditions.

Key tenets of Nuclear Mysticism included the belief that recent scientific discoveries, particularly in the realm of atomic physics, provided empirical evidence for the existence of God. Dalí attempted to rationalize Christian theology through the lens of contemporary scientific advancements, arguing that concepts like the Resurrection, Transfiguration, and the Assumption of Mary could be explained by scientific principles. He believed that art, particularly his own, could serve as a visual manifestation of the universe's underlying unity, a concept that could be demonstrated through both scientific and spiritual understanding.

Dalí's philosophical and theological ideas found powerful expression in his art. Paintings like The Christ of Saint John of the Cross (1951) depicted religious themes through a unique lens, blending traditional iconography with a profound understanding of scientific principles. He employed classical painting techniques to explore the complexities of modern physics, incorporating concepts like floating objects and disintegrating forms to reflect his ideas about perceived reality and the nature of consciousness.

POLITICS Dalí’s political views were controversial, as he was criticized for his ambiguous stance during the Spanish Civil War.

SCANDAL In 1936, Dalí stormed out of a surrealist film screening, accusing the filmmaker of stealing ideas from his subconscious.

MILITARY RECORD Dalí served nine months of military service as a toilet cleaner at Sant Ferran castle in Figueres in 1927. He feigned nervous fits to avoid night duty.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Dalí’s later years were marked by declining health. On August 30, 1984, when Dalí was 80 years old, a fire broke out in his bedroom at his castle residence. The fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit in the electric bell on Dalí's bedside table, which he used to call his assistants6. The fire spread to his four-poster bed, which was covered in flammable material.

As a result of this incident, Dalí suffered first- and second-degree burns. While the injuries were not life-threatening, they were severe enough to require hospitalization and subsequent rest at his castle. The fire and resulting injuries confined Dalí to a wheelchair for some time afterward.

This unfortunate event occurred late in Dalí's life and contributed to his declining health in his final years. Despite the setback, reports from the following year indicated that Dalí remained mentally sharp and artistically active, continuing to challenge and provoke even at 80 years old.

HOMES Salvador Dalí's life was inextricably linked to a few key residences, each serving as a backdrop to his artistic evolution and personal life.

Childhood Home in Figueres: Recently opened as Casa Natal Dalí, this four-story 19th-century apartment building at 6 Carrer Monturiol in Figueres, Catalonia, is where Dalí was born in 1904. Transformed into an immersive cultural experience, the home showcases original family spaces, including the bedroom where Dalí was born. Visitors can explore the environment that shaped his early years, gaining insights into his family relationships and the influences that fostered his artistic inclinations.

Portlligat House: This was Dalí's primary home from 1930 to 1982. Initially a modest fisherman's hut in the picturesque village of Portlligat, Spain, Dalí and Gala meticulously expanded it over four decades, transforming it into a labyrinthine structure that Dalí himself described as a "real biological structure." With narrow corridors and a multitude of rooms, this unique residence housed his studio, where some of his most renowned artworks were created. Today, Portlligat House stands as a museum managed by the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation, offering visitors a glimpse into the artist's creative sanctuary.

Púbol Castle: Following Gala's death in 1982, Púbol Castle became Dalí's final residence. Located in Púbol, Spain, this enchanting castle served as his studio and home during his later years. Today, it operates as the Gala Dalí House-Museum, offering a unique perspective on the artist's life and his enduring relationship with his muse.

Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres Erin Silversmith

TRAVEL Dalí traveled extensively for exhibitions and collaborations, including time in Hollywood working with Harpo Marx.

DEATH Salvador Dalí died on the morning of January 23, 1989, at the age of 84. He passed away due to heart failure in Figueres, Spain, the same town where he was born.

In his final years, Dalí had become increasingly withdrawn from public life, especially after the death of his wife Gala in 1982. He spent his last years in poor health and relative isolation at his castle in Spain.

He is buried in the crypt below the stage of the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The Dalí Theatre-Museum was a project Dalí himself had worked on, converting the town's old theater into a museum dedicated to his art. This location brings Dalí's life full circle, as he is buried in the same town where he was born and in a building he helped create.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Dalí appeared in surrealist films and inspired numerous documentaries and books about his life and work.

ACHIEVEMENTS Dalí’s contributions to surrealism remain unparalleled, with a legacy celebrated in his Theatre-Museum and by collectors worldwide.

Source Artnet