The artwork titled “Punta es Baluard de la Riba d’en Pitxot” is an early work of Salvador Dalí, created between the years 1918 and 1919. It is indicative of the Post-Impressionism movement, where the artist was exploring the nuances and styles beyond the immediate scope of Impressionism. Dalí, who is more famously known for his later Surrealist works, in this landscape painting, offers a glimpse into his formative years as an artist. The genre of the artwork is landscape, showcasing the inherent beauty of geographic serenity and man’s interaction with nature.
In the artwork, we are presented with a coastal scene dominated by warm hues that seem to suggest the glow of either early morning or late afternoon light. A solitary red boat is moored in the shaded foreground, delivering a strong color contrast against the brown tones of the wharf. The background consists of a cluster of houses painted in a mosaic of reddish, orange, and white tones. These buildings are built into a hillside, imbued with luminous quality that reflects the light of the sun. The brushwork is loose and expressive, a characteristic trait of Post-Impressionist techniques aimed at capturing the essence of the scene rather than the minute details. The atmosphere created is one of calm and quietude. Salvador Dalí, at this time, demonstrated his skills and interests in traditional landscape painting before veering into the world of Surrealism for which he became prominently known.
