The artwork “Gloria vultus Moysi (Exodus 34:29)” was created by Salvador Dali in 1964. This religious painting is a part of “The Biblia Sacra” series and illustrates themes and narratives from the Bible. Dali’s approach to this piece aligns with the aesthetic principles of Abstract Expressionism and Symbolism, movements that are known for their explorations of form and the evocation of emotional or spiritual meaning.
Regarding the artwork itself, one observes an ethereal portrayal of Moses, which resonates with the event of his descent from Mount Sinai as described in the book of Exodus. The use of soft, diffuse color gradients creates a halo or aura of light around the figure’s head, a depiction that may suggest the radiance Moses acquired after encountering the divine. Dali’s signature blend of surrealism and symbolism is evident in the stylization of Moses’ facial features and the incorporation of abstracted elements which may represent the horns of light, an iconography derived from misinterpretations of the Hebrew text but often portrayed in art.
The composition is predominantly warm with yellows and oranges, perhaps indicative of the divine light or the sacred experience. The artwork deviates from traditional religious iconography by abstracting the visage and the body of Moses, a choice that allows for a more introspective and less literal interpretation by the viewer.
