The artwork titled “Gala and The Angelus of Millet Before the Imminent Arrival of the Conical Anamorphoses” is a symbolic painting by Salvador Dali, created in the year 1933. It is an oil on wood piece, with dimensions measuring 24.2 x 19.2 cm and is currently housed at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, Canada. This surrealistic creation reflects Dali’s exploration of the unconscious and dream-like imagery that defines his work within the Surrealism movement.
The painting presents a complex and layered composition characteristic of Dali’s oeuvre. At the center, a figure with a bald head, presumably male, is portrayed from behind, gazing at a miniature couple poised in prayer, who are reminiscent of figures from Jean-François Millet’s “The Angelus.” This central scene is framed by a proscenium, an architectural element that adds depth to the scene. On the left, a woman extends her hand outward with a dramatic gesture, her face obscured by what appears to be a floral arrangement evoking the shape of a rooster’s head, a possible reference to Gala, Dali’s muse, and wife. On the right-hand side of the artwork, a man looks down into a book on a crimson draped table, adding to the scholarly or thoughtful atmosphere.
The piece is rich with surrealist iconography, challenging perceptions of reality and conventional aesthetic standards by juxtaposing everyday objects in unexpected ways. The title implies a transformative event, as “the imminent arrival of the conical anamorphoses” suggests a moment before significant change, indicating Dali’s interest in visual distortion and alternative perspectives. The incorporation of Millet’s figures within the work suggests a dialogue with art history and the role of tradition, a recurring theme in Dali’s art.
Overall, “Gala and The Angelus of Millet Before the Imminent Arrival of the Conical Anamorphoses” is a testament to Salvador Dali’s talent for blending the familiar with the extraordinary, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with the surreal world he has crafted.
