The artwork titled “Iosue fortis in bello (Joshua 10:12)” is a creation of the renowned artist Salvador Dali, crafted between the years 1964 and 1967. Employing the medium of gouache, Dali infused this piece with the aesthetic nuances of Expressionism and Symbolism. As part of the religious genre, it belongs to the series “The Biblia Sacra,” which reflects Dali’s interpretation of Biblical themes.
The artwork depicts a simplified but evocative silhouette of a figure on horseback, which assumes an imposing presence on the canvas. The rider, likely representing Joshua from the Biblical narrative, appears to be in a commanding pose, with one arm outstretched as if in the middle of giving an order or invoking power. This gesture could be a symbolic reference to the Biblical account where Joshua asks the sun to stand still. The bold, distinct lines create a dramatic contrast against the light background, focusing the viewer’s attention on the immediacy of the figure’s actions.
The silhouette of the horse is captured mid-stride, conveying a sense of movement and urgency, which aligns with the portrayal of Joshua as “fortis in bello” – strong in battle. The use of dark colors for the figure’s silhouette provides a stark outline that gives depth to the subject, despite the minimalist approach. In the upper right corner, there is a golden abstract form that offers a lightness in color and could be interpreted as a celestial body, perhaps the sun, which is referenced in the moment depicted from the Book of Joshua.
Salvador Dali’s expressive and symbolic style within this artwork invites contemplation and perhaps a reflection on the themes of divine intervention and the fierceness of spiritual battles. The work stands as a testament to Dali’s ability to distill complex narratives into potent visual imagery.
