The artwork titled “Ionas in ventre piscis” was created by the renowned artist Salvador Dali between 1964 and 1967. This piece was executed using gouache as the medium and is part of a series known as “The Biblia Sacra.” It bears the hallmarks of Expressionism and Symbolism, two art movements known for conveying emotional experiences and underlying meanings respectively, rather than relying on literal interpretations. As a religious painting, it likely delves into themes and narratives derived from sacred texts.
In this painting, one observes a rather abstract and emotive rendition of what can be inferred as the biblical story of Jonah and the whale, given the title’s reference to Jonah (Ionas) being in the belly of the fish (ventre piscis). The artwork is dominated by warm hues, primarily shades of red, orange, and yellow that border on the surreal, a characteristic feature of Dali’s work. Amid these colors, the silhouette of a fish is discernible, its body painted in a stark, contrasting shade of black, which likely represents the whale that swallowed Jonah as per the narrative.
The abstract nature of the composition allows for a multitude of interpretations, typical of Dali’s evocative style. The painting does not provide a clear-cut visual story but rather invites the viewer to ponder the depths of its symbolism and emotional resonance. Dali’s application of gouache contributes to the vibrant intensity of the colors and the dream-like quality of the scene, encapsulating the artist’s unique approach to the Expressionist and Symbolist movements within his religious interpretations.
