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Untitled (Composition with Soda Syphon)
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? Salvador Dali, Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation, DACS, London 2005

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Untitled (Composition with Soda Syphon) 1937
This drawing features several motifs which recur throughout Dalí's work. Amongst the items in the foreground are beans, a bone and a fried egg, and extending from the top of the soda syphon is a tree branch, which has become soft and requires the support of crutches. The deep perspective of the drawing, with two small figures visible on the horizon, is also a device Dalí often used. This drawing was once in the collection of the eccentric millionaire Edward James, one of the most important British patrons of Surrealism. It relates closely to an oil painting entitled 'Enchanted Beach, Long Syphon' made in the same year, and may be the preparatory study for the painting.

Glossary Open

Motif

A distinctive element in a work of art or design.

Patronage

The support given to artists by an individual or organisation, usually through buying or funding their work.

Perspective

The principle of representing depth on a flat surface so that items further away from the eye appear smaller and parallel lines appear to converge.

Surrealism

A literary and artistic movement founded by the poet André Breton in 1924. Many of the associated artists, such as Max Ernst and Jean Arp, had previously been involved with Dadaism. The movement sought to challenge conventions through the exploration of the subconscious mind, invoking the power of dreams and elements of chance. Cultural hierarchies were challenged by the combination of diverse elements in collages and sculptural assemblages. The movement is also notable for the collaborations between artists and writers evident in the Surrealists' many publications.

Motif, Patronage , Perspective, Surrealism

Details

  • Acc. No. GMA 3957
  • Medium Pen and ink and gouache on paper
  • Size 43.60 x 54.00 cm
  • Credit Bequeathed by Gabrielle Keiller 1995

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