The artwork entitled “Noe qui primus plantavit vineam… (Genesis 9:20f)” was created by the eminent artist Salvador Dali between 1964 and 1967. The medium of this work is gouache and it falls within the realms of Abstract Expressionism and Symbolism in terms of its art movement. It is a religious painting and is part of the series “The Biblia Sacra.”
Within the artwork, Dali exhibits a compelling blend of the abstract and symbolic elements that characterize his involvement in the Abstract Expressionism movement. The central figure appears quite expressive and chaotic, with splashes of black and red radiating from what could be interpreted as a face with haunting eyes. This figure dominates the composition and seems to carry a tumultuous emotional charge.
To the right, two figures are depicted in a far more subdued and controlled style, in sharp contrast with the central form. Their contours are smoother, with soft pastel tones and gently defined features. It seems as if one figure is holding a grape cluster, an identifiable symbol correlating to the biblical tale of Noah, the first to plant a vineyard. Dali’s interpretation blends the biblical narrative with his unique artistic style, inviting viewers into a contemplative dialogue between the symbolic content of the scene and its visceral emotional expression. The sky in the background is tranquil, with light touches of color and an almost serenely drawn line suggesting the horizon, further juxtaposing the chaotic qualities of the central figure. Dali’s capacity to invoke religious and spiritual themes through distinct abstract forms is evident in this complex and layered work.
