The artwork titled “Figure in the Water – After a Drawing by Michelangelo for the ‘Resurrection of Christ'” is a creation by Salvador Dali, dating back to 1982. As an exponent of Surrealism, Dali’s work often bridges the gap between reality and the dream world, and this symbolic painting is no exception. The art movement it belongs to, Surrealism, has its foundation in the unexpected and irrational juxtaposition of images.
The artwork presents a solitary figure partially submerged in water, with a visual composition that appears as a reflection or a distortion. The ethereal figure, a reference to Michelangelo’s drawing, combines classical influence with Surrealist interpretation. The fluidity of the figure and the undefined background contribute to a sense of immersion and transformation. Salvador Dali’s command over dream-like visuals and symbolic content is evident in this piece, as he imbues it with a sense of mystery and otherworldly presence. With the neutral and warm tones dominating the canvas, Dali offers a compelling contrast to the ostensibly cool and aqueous environment in which the figure resides, highlighting the converging influences of both Renaissance and Surrealist art.