The artwork “Planctus David in mortem Saul” is a piece created by Salvador Dali, executed between the years 1964 and 1967. The medium used for this piece is gouache, and it forms part of the series “The Biblia Sacra.” This artwork resonates with the themes of Abstract Expressionism and Symbolism, and it is categorized as a religious painting.
In examining the artwork, one immediately discerns the abstract qualities that are characteristic of the Abstract Expressionist movement. The use of gouache affords a depth to the colors, imbuing the piece with a textured and layered appearance. The dominant hues seem to be somber earth tones punctuated with areas of brighter color, perhaps indicative of emotional intensity within the religious narrative depicted.
Though the subjects are not rendered with precise realism, there appears to be a figure or forms that might suggest a human presence, reflective of the piece’s title which refers to a biblical lament—the mourning of David over the death of Saul. Salvador Dali’s approach to the subject veers away from literal interpretation and enters the realm of emotional representation, utilizing shapes and colors that evoke a sense of loss and contemplation.
The presence of symbolism is palpable, as the composition relies on the interaction of forms and colors to convey a deeper, spiritual narrative, rather than focusing on detailed iconography. As a whole, this work reflects Dali’s unique ability to infuse religious themes with innovative artistic techniques and his trademark sense of imagination. The result is a contemplative and evocative piece that invites the viewer to explore the layers of meaning within Dali’s abstracted visual language.
