Salvador Dalí

Le Signal de l'angoisse [The Signal of Anguish]

About this artwork

This painting probably has its origins in a fantasy of Dalí's, concerning a hidden voyeur who watches his object of desire through the window of a rundown building. The painting was probably begun around 1932. Minor alterations were made in 1936, namely the addition of a leafy branch which crosses the woman's shoulder, and slight changes to the cypress tree in the background. The branch may refer to the myth of Daphne, who was transformed into a bush. This would also explain the green tinge to her breasts.

Updated before 2020

see media
  • artist:
    Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989) Spanish
  • title:
    Le Signal de l'angoisse [The Signal of Anguish]
  • date created:
    1936
  • materials:
    Oil on wood
  • measurements:
    21.80 x 16.20 cm; Framed: 37.00 x 31.50 x 5.00 cm; 3.00 kg
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequeathed by Gabrielle Keiller 1995
  • accession number:
    GMA 3956
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Salvador Dalí

Salvador Dalí