The artwork titled “Neo-Cubist Academy (Composition with Three Figures)” was created by the artist Salvador Dali in 1926. This oil on canvas painting measures 190 x 200 cm and exemplifies the Cubist movement. It is categorized as a genre painting and is housed at the Museum of Montserrat in Barcelona, Spain.
In the artwork, one observes a striking confluence of figures and objects fragmented and reassembled in a manner characteristic of Cubism. Three figures dominate the canvas, their forms deconstructed and rendered in geometric shapes that convey a sense of both depth and abstraction. The central figure appears to be wielding a palette, signifying an artistic theme, while the other figures engage with various objects suggesting a narrative or allegorical scene. The color palette is relatively vibrant, with a prevalence of blues and neutrals, and the use of light and shadow adds a sense of volume to the otherwise flattened geometric forms. Subtle painterly details and the spatial arrangement create a complex visual experience that prompts the viewer to ponder the relationship between the characters and their enigmatic setting.
