The artwork titled “Abraham, pater multarum gentium” (Genesis 12:1f), created by the renowned artist Salvador Dali between 1964 and 1967, is a remarkable religious painting that aligns with the Abstract Expressionism and Symbolism art movements. It is a part of Dali’s significant series “The Biblia Sacra,” which explores biblical themes and narratives through the artist’s unique lens.
In the artwork, one can observe the abstract qualities for which Dali is known, manifesting in an interplay of darkness and color. The composition features a silhouette that dominates the canvas, presumably representing the biblical figure of Abraham. This silhouette is shrouded in darkness, creating a stark contrast with the warm, ethereal hues that appear to emerge from the edge, subtly suggesting illumination or divine presence.
Salvador Dali’s approach to this piece, with its blend of abstraction, symbolism, and religious context, invites contemplation and interpretation. The colors and shapes appear momentarily formless, echoing the ephemeral and mystical qualities associated with visions and spiritual revelations, aptly fitting for a work depicting a patriarch who is central to the Abrahamic faiths.
The series to which this artwork belongs, “The Biblia Sacra,” underscores Dali’s engagement with religious themes and showcases his capacity to reinterpret traditional narratives through a modern, abstracted lens, which is characteristic of his broader oeuvre. This painting captures the sense of awe and the weight of divine communication as might be associated with the biblical Abraham, rendering it a profound visual exploration of faith and its patriarch.
