The artwork titled “Mannequin (Barcelona Mannequin)” was created by Salvador Dali between 1926 and 1927. This oil on canvas portrait reflects the influence of Cubism, measuring 198 x 148 cm. The genre depicted in this piece can be classified under portraiture. It is housed in the Dalí Theatre and Museum located in Figueres, Spain.
The artwork presents a stylized representation of a figure, which aligns with the Cubist tendency to break down objects and figures into abstract forms. Dominant colors such as red, black, and yellow create strong contrasts, while the integration of white and blue offers a sense of depth and complexity. The figure itself appears to be a fusion of geometric shapes and fragmented body parts, with an emphasis on the contrast between the organic and the abstract. This interplay challenges traditional notions of representation and perception.
Although the artwork embodies some realistic features, such as the recognizable human form, it veers away from conventional portraiture by deconstructing the human body into a series of disjointed shapes and flat planes. This approach is characteristic of Cubism, which Dali explored before delving into his more famous Surrealist phase. The composition’s background subtly recedes, supporting the focus on the central figure, and the use of shadow suggests a three-dimensional space, providing the artwork with a dynamic tension between flatness and depth.
