The artwork titled “Combinations” or “The Combined Dalinian Phantasms; Ants, Keys, Nails,” created by Salvador Dali in 1931, exemplifies the Dada and Surrealism art movements. Modest in scale, the piece measures 14 by 9 cm and is categorized under the still life genre. As of the latest information available, it is part of a private collection.
In the artwork, Salvador Dali employs a small canvas to present a dreamlike array of visual elements. The composition includes a central figure of a woman’s face, enveloped by multiple oval and round shapes that resemble a collection of surreal, miniature canvases within the larger work. Each of these ovals features a distinct, peculiar image—several with ants and others with keys or nails. These motifs are recurrent in Dali’s work, representing decay, human subconscious, and Freudian themes.
The background appears organic, with wave-like forms and textures evocative of the sea or some other natural environment. The colors are somewhat muted, with green and yellow tones dominating the palette, accented by the flesh color of the central figure and the white, red, and blue details of the surrounding elements. The placement of each item creates a sense of depth and hierarchy, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between the objects and the central figure.
