The artwork “A Propos of the ‘Treatise on Cubic Form’ by Juan de Herrera” is a distinctive piece by the artist Salvador Dali, created in the year 1960. It is part of the Surrealism movement and is categorized as a figurative work of art. Salvador Dali, widely recognized for his imaginative and eccentric pieces, often infuses his work with a vivid dream-like quality that defies conventional interpretation.
In the artwork, there is a prominent geometric structure resembling a cube or a series of cubes overlaid upon each other. These forms are composed of repeating text, creating a pattern that spans across the surface of the shapes. Positioned in front of a serene landscape, heavily characterized by a blue sky with soft clouds, the geometric forms elicit a stark contrast. The landscape also includes a distant horizon, which provides a tranquil backdrop to the imposing text-based constructs.
The cubes seemingly float in mid-air, anchored to the ground by thin rods, evoking a sense of surreal suspension. The shadows that the structures cast on the clouds further this effect of surreality, distorting perspective and the viewer’s sense of space. Moreover, how the text is rendered on the objects adds another layer of mystery to the piece, with the purpose or meaning of the script seemingly as enigmatic as the overall composition.
Dali’s talent for blending hyperrealism with fantastical elements is evident in this work, as it engages viewers to ponder deeper about the relationship between text, form, and the natural world. The questions that arise from viewing “A Propos of the ‘Treatise on Cubic Form’ by Juan de Herrera” are classic trademarks of both Dali’s style and the Surrealist movement—a challenge to look beyond the visible and explore the subconscious terrain of the mind.
