Leda Atomica is a 1949 painting by the renowned artist Salvador Dali. The painting depicts Leda, the mythological queen of Sparta, with a swan. The frontal portrait of Leda is actually Dali’s wife, Gala, sitting on a pedestal with a suspended swan behind and to her left. This exceptional piece of art was inspired by the classical myth of Zeus and Leda when he took on the form of a swan.
One unique aspect that sets this painting apart is its surrealistic composition. Floating around Gala are various objects such as books, stepping stools, set squares and an egg in order to create an unrealistic atmosphere that adds depth to the mythical story behind it.
The painting can be viewed at the Treasure Room in Dali’s Theatre-Museum in Figueres where visitors can also find Dalí Atomicus (1948), along with other works by Dali. This photograph took Halsman and Dali 28 attempts to achieve but has finally been admired as one beautiful piece that complements the artwork itself. Overall, Leda Atomica was able to encapsulate Salvador’s intricate mind accompanied by his profound mastery of surrealist art which truly makes it worth seeing for yourself if you have yet had the opportunity!
