The artwork titled “Cadaver in seoulchro Elisei (2 Kings 13:21)” was created by the artist Salvador Dali between the years 1964 and 1967. It is a religious painting belonging to “The Biblia Sacra” series and features characteristics of Abstract Expressionism and Symbolism. This particular piece draws from a biblical narrative and showcases Dali’s unique approach to religious themes, mediated through his distinctive artistic lens.
The artwork itself is a vibrant composition that blends abstract forms with symbolic elements. A sense of fluidity and movement is present, characteristic of Dali’s more expressive and less structured style during this period. The color palette ranges from warm hues of orange and red to the contrasting cooler tones, potentially conveying emotional intensity and spiritual fervor.
At the forefront, abstract shapes seem to coalesce into a central form that might be interpreted as a figure or object of significance to the narrative alluded to by the title, referring to an event from the Second Book of Kings in the Bible. The background appears to be rendered in a lighter wash, providing a stark contrast to the denseness of the more opaque, foreground elements.
Textures throughout the artwork are varied, with some areas appearing smooth and others dense and tactile, adding to the layers of interpretation and inviting deeper contemplation of the religious context and its abstract representation. Dali’s work from this series often represents his attempt to reconcile his surrealist style with the spiritual themes present in sacred texts, hence this particular piece likely reflects a nuanced exploration of both visual form and theological content.
