The artwork “Portrait of Laurence Olivier in the Role of Richard III,” created by Salvador Dali in 1955, is an illustration of the artist’s surrealistic interpretation of the actor Laurence Olivier portraying Shakespeare’s character Richard III. As part of the Surrealism movement, this portrait is expected to contain elements that invoke the uncanny and the dream-like quality characteristic of Dali’s oeuvre. It can be categorized within the genre of portraiture.
In the artwork, the legendary figure of Laurence Olivier as Richard III is presented with an array of striking features and surreal embellishments. The actor’s gaze seems intense and piercing, possibly reflecting the complex nature of the character he represents. The black hat adorned with white fur draws attention, while the fur seems to softly blend into the clouds of the background, highlighting the surrealistic fusion of elements. The period attire is depicted with a high level of detail, showcasing rich textures and finely crafted accessories. Salvador Dali, known for his love of the symbolic and the bizarre, appears to have imbued the portrait with an otherworldly atmosphere, blending reality with fantasy in his depiction of the historical figure as played by Olivier.
