The artwork titled “Et baptizatus est a Ioanne in Iordane,” created circa 1964 by Salvador Dali, is a religious painting belonging to the Biblia Sacra series. Measuring 48.6 by 35 cm, the piece is imbued with elements of Abstract Expressionism and Symbolism. It reflects Dali’s unique interpretative style and explores religious themes inspired by the biblical passage referenced in its title from the Gospel of Luke.
The artwork presents a composition that is both abstract and evocative, characterized by a fluid amalgamation of shapes and forms. Dominant in the piece is the use of negative space to create a sense of mystery and spiritual contemplation. The choice of muted colors, ranging from light to dark shades, contributes to a dreamlike ambiance that is typical of Dali’s oeuvre. There seems to be an impression of figures or landscape elements, but these are rendered with a deliberate ambiguity, inviting the viewer to engage in personal interpretation. Despite the abstraction, there is a suggestion of movement and transformation, possibly alluding to the act of baptism and the spiritual renewal it signifies. Dali’s signature can be discerned within the composition, providing a direct connection to the artist’s hand.
Overall, this work from Salvador Dali’s Biblia Sacra series presents a complex and introspective visual exploration of biblical themes, showcasing the artist’s capacity to transcend conventional representation and evoke profound religious experiences through abstract and symbolic forms.
