The artwork titled “Et post buccellam introivit in eum satanas (Psalms 40:10)” was created by the artist Salvador Dali in 1964. It falls within the movements of Expressionism and Symbolism and is classified as a religious painting. This piece is part of the series “The Biblia Sacra,” which illuminates various passages of the Bible.
In the artwork, one observes a dramatic interplay of shadow and light, a characteristic signature of Dali’s style. The central figure, presented in silhouette, dominates the composition. This figure is detailed with contrasting patches of color, giving the illusion of depth and dimension despite the absence of intricate facial features or clothing detail typical of more representational works. This silhouette is set against a background of more intricate, finely drawn imagery suggestive of a landscape or a scene from a narrative, possibly echoing the religious connotation of the work. The color palette is limited, focusing on earth tones that might be interpreted to reflect the somber nature of the biblical verse referenced in the title. The overall effect is one of contemplation and perhaps a sense of foreboding, inviting the viewer to reflect on the deeper thematic elements of the biblical text in relation to the human condition.
