The artwork “Portrait of Josephine Hartford Bryce” was created in 1950 by Salvador Dali, a prominent figure in the Surrealism art movement. This portrait exemplifies the genre and carries with it the distinct characteristics of Dali’s approach to Surrealism.
The artwork features a woman posed in profile against a serene backdrop that seems to blend the tranquility of a placid lake with a desolate desert. The juxtaposition of such contrasting landscapes is typical of Surrealist work, aiming to provoke thought through unexpected combinations and surreal scenarios. The subject, Josephine Hartford Bryce, is depicted with a poised elegance, her attire and hairstyle reflective of the era’s sophistication.
Her gaze is directed away from the viewer, lending an air of contemplation or distant focus. She holds a small bouquet of red flowers, which provides a splash of vibrant color against the otherwise muted palette of blues, greens, and earthy tones. Her jewelry and embroidered dress suggest opulence and status.
In the distance, whimsical figures on horseback add an element of narrative or allegory, common in many of Dali’s pieces. They evoke a sense of movement and activity that contrasts with the subject’s stillness. The attention to detail and clarity throughout the artwork, from the delicate rendering of Josephine’s features to the dreamlike quality of the surrounding landscape, are hallmarks of Dali’s precise and imaginative painting style.
