The artwork “Cadaques, seen from behind” was created by artist Salvador Dali in 1921. This oil on canvas captures the essence of Impressionism, a movement known for its emphasis on light and its effects, as well as the depiction of everyday subjects with a sense of immediacy and the use of visible brushstrokes. Classified within the landscape genre, the painting does not conform strictly to the typical stylistic elements of Impressionism, given Dali’s unique style that he would further develop later in his career.
The artwork portrays the scenic town of Cadaques. At the center of the composition, the town is conveyed with a warm array of colors suggesting the glow of sunlight upon the architecture, contrasting with the cooler hues of the surrounding landscape and the sky. The elevated perspective overlooks roofs and buildings that cascade towards the sea, indicating that the viewer is situated on a vantage point behind the town.
The painting exhibits a loose and dynamic brushwork characteristic of Impressionistic pieces, creating a sense of movement and vitality. The colors seem to shimmer, emulating the fleeting effects of light. The sky is rendered in a gradation of colors leading to a dusky or twilight ambiance, which might be inferred from the visible moon or sun in the sky, while the bold strokes give texture and depth to the scene.
Despite the rough and rapid brushstrokes, Dali has captured a sense of life and depth in the painting, depicting the town of Cadaques surrounded by a rugged landscape. It is an early piece by Dali which precedes his better-known Surrealist works, and it reveals his initial explorations into capturing light and ambiance on canvas.
