The artwork titled “Laocoon Tormented by Flies” by Salvador Dali, created in 1965, is a notable example of the Surrealism art movement. It is a mythological painting that embodies the unconventional and dream-like elements characteristic of Dali’s style, reflecting the period’s fascination with exploring the subconscious and presenting unexpected juxtapositions.
The artwork presents a scene that fuses architectural elements with mythological narrative. At the top, a triangular architectural feature, reminiscent of a pediment, is adorned with a pattern of yellow orbs that could be interpreted as a swarm of flies. Below this, a stone archway frames the central figure, which appears to be a Minotaur—a creature from Greek mythology with the body of a man and the head of a bull.
The Minotaur itself is portrayed in a fashion that departs from classical representations. It appears contemplative and somewhat morose, with emphasis on its animalistic features. The creature’s pose, combined with the dreary shades in the background and the broken brick wall, suggests a scene of disarray and decline, drawing the viewer’s attention to the unsettling presence of the mythical being. In true Dali fashion, the artwork challenges reality by transforming a traditional myth into a scene that explores themes of torment and isolation, conveyed through a distinctly surrealist lens.
