The artwork titled “Landscape Near Cadaques” is an early creation of Salvador Dali, dated 1923. It is influenced by the artistic principles of Cubism and Expressionism, embodying the genre of landscape. The piece is part of a private collection and illustrates a scene likely inspired by the environs of Cadaqués, a village in Catalonia, Spain, where Dali spent much of his youth.
In the artwork, one observes a monochromatic palette, predominantly featuring shades of gray, black, and white. The composition showcases various elements characteristic of Cadaqués, such as the hillside, architecture, and figures that inhabit the settlement. The cubist influence is evident in the fragmented and geometric depiction of the buildings and trees. The scene is animated with human figures and animals, which appear to be stylized rather than realistic, possibly reflecting the expressionist influence in their form and posture.
The perspective is somewhat flattened, with sparse attention to traditional depth cues, creating a certain ambiguity of space. Despite the lack of vibrant colors often associated with Dali’s later Surrealist works, the artwork still exhibits a meticulous attention to structure and form, indicating the artist’s early exploration of shaping reality through a unique lens. Overall, “Landscape Near Cadaqués” captures a moment in Dali’s artistic journey where he was experimenting with modernist techniques before fully embracing the Surrealist style for which he later became renowned.
