The artwork “Arca foederis” is a religious painting by Salvador Dali, created between 1964 and 1967. It is part of “The Biblia Sacra” series and exhibits elements of Expressionism and Symbolism. The title “Arca foederis” refers to the Ark of the Covenant, an important Biblical artifact.
The painting portrays a surreal and expressionistic representation of the Ark of the Covenant. Dominating the artwork is a structure that appears to be a combination of architectural and organic forms. The topmost element bears resemblance to a sanctuary or tabernacle, rendered in warm hues, seemingly aglow with an inner light. This could symbolize the divine presence typically associated with the Ark in religious texts.
Below the tabernacle-like feature is a mass that fuses wooden elements with natural foliage, an amalgamation that seems to be a hallmark of Dali’s tendency to blend the organic with the constructed. At its heart, there is a depiction of the iconic eye within a triangle, known historically as the Eye of Providence, often interpreted as the omniscient eye of God watching over humanity.
The base of the structure grounds the composition with darker tones, giving the impression of robustness and solidity. The arboreal forms on either side might symbolize the living nature of religious tenets or the infusion of divine presence in the natural world.
Throughout the artwork, Dali’s use of color and contrast, as well as the blending of geometric forms with naturalistic imagery, creates a scene that is both ethereal and anchored in symbolism. It is a piece that invites contemplation on the interplay between the sacred and the material worlds, characteristic of Dali’s thought-provoking aesthetic approach.
