The artwork titled “Dali’s Hand Drawing Back the Golden Fleece in the Form of a Cloud to Show Gala, Completely Nude, the Dawn, Very, Very Far Away Behind the Sun” is a symbolic painting by Salvador Dali, created in 1977. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Surrealist movement through its dream-like and imaginative visual language.
The artwork features a large, luminous figure prominently positioned in the center, rendered with a sense of volume and solidity that suggests physical form, yet maintains an ethereal quality. The figure, which appears to be female, is displayed in a state of nudity, her back to the viewer. This central figure is positioned against a backdrop that evokes a sense of classicism, with architectural elements reminiscent of an ancient harbor or trading port. The golden, warm palette of the piece is consistent with the dawning light suggested in the title, and the overall tone suggests a tranquil, though otherworldly, morning scene.
To the right of the figure, a hand emerges from the edge of the canvas, pointing towards the central figure. A cloud, which takes on the texture and luminosity of a golden fleece, emanates from the fingertips, creating a bridge of sorts between the hand and the figure. Below and around this central spectacle are elements of a bustling port: ships, waterfront buildings, and small figures engaged in various activities, all bathed in the soft, glowing light of the sunrise emanating from the horizon.
The juxtaposition of the colossal figure with the smaller, mundane elements of the harbor scene produces a stark contrast that is typical of Surrealist art. This contrast emphasizes the fantastical and symbolic nature of this artwork, inviting viewers to explore deeper layers of meaning and interpretation. Through intricate detail and precise craftsmanship, Dali brings to life a tableau that is simultaneously out of time and infused with the mythic resonance suggested by references to the golden fleece and the character of Gala within its title.
