The artwork “Homage to Raimundus Lullus (design for a ceiling painting)” is a creation by Salvador Dali, dated to 1975. Dali was a leading figure in the Surrealist movement, and this piece reflects the characteristic intrigue and complexity associated with Surrealism. As a design, it represents a conceptual approach to art, suggesting ideas for potential realization in another medium or space. This work pays tribute to Raimundus Lullus, often known as Ramon Llull, who was a philosopher, logician, and a Franciscan tertiary from the 13th century.
The artwork showcases a distinctive blend of geometric and organic shapes, orchestrated in a harmonious yet enigmatic composition. Central to the design is a stylized silhouette that appears quite ethereal, bordering on a form of visual paradox. This figure is accentuated by a background of soft, contrasting hues that form a triangular shape, which may be interpreted as the architectural space for the ceiling. Within the figure, a sequence of interlocking and overlapping geometric components descends, each carrying symbols or text that could reflect elements of Llull’s philosophical ideas or mysticism, symbolizing a convergence of thought, spirituality, and perhaps the cosmos, as denoted by the prominent circle at the top. The harmonious color palette and the precise rendering of form demonstrate Dali’s meticulous approach to design and his ongoing exploration of perception and symbolism. The insignia with the artist’s name at the bottom of the artwork adds a self-referential touch typical of Dali’s often grandiose view of his place in the art world.
