The artwork entitled “Feather Equilibrium (Interatomic Balance of a Swan’s Feather)” was created by Salvador Dalí in 1947. As a work associated with the Surrealist movement, the piece is composed using the medium of oil on canvas and can be classified within the genre of still life. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection.
The surrealistic landscape portrayed in the artwork consists of a variety of objects scattered across an earth-toned background with sharp geometric divisions. Dominating the canvas is a large, central ghostly white hand with fingers extended upwards. To the right, there is a realistically depicted swan’s head looking toward the hand. On the left side of the painting, a slice of watermelon, a claw-like object, and a pile of crumpled white fabric are visible, as well as a small, fragmented skull. A brown egg sits near the center, just above the inscription of the painting’s title. At the very center foreground is a small white feather, seemingly in a state of delicate balance on an inky black base, contrasting the feather’s inherent lightness with the black object’s solidity. A dark pen lays near the central objects, further alluding to the feather’s association with writing and balance. Lastly, two chestnuts are positioned on the right side, parallel to the swan’s head.
The composition and the placement of objects appear carefully considered to evoke themes of balance, fragility, and the intersection of the natural and the surreal. The use of shadows and light, characteristic details, and the precision of the lines contribute to a sense of hyperrealism that is typical of Dalí’s work within the Surrealist context. The title of the artwork itself is prominently featured within the piece, adding an extra layer of meta-commentary typical of Dalí’s intricate style.
