The artwork titled “Santa Creus Festival in Figueras” is a creation by Salvador Dali, dating back to 1921. Executed in watercolor, the piece is associated with the art movements of Cloisonnism and Expressionism and measures 42 x 65 cm. It is categorized as a genre painting and presently resides in the Salvador Dali Museum located in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States.
This early work by Dali features a vibrant, expressive depiction of festival attendees. The backdrop appears to be a simplistic representation of an urban landscape, possibly portraying the town of Figueras during the Santa Creus Festival. The figures in the foreground are rendered with bold outlines and flat, yet vivid colors—a characteristic of Cloisonnism. The use of color and form imbues the scene with a sense of liveliness and movement, reflective of the Expressionist influence. The group of individuals are portrayed with exaggerated features and gestures, which suggests Dali’s interest in exploring human expressions and interactions at public events. The dominant yellow of the background contrasts with the blue tones of the clothing, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central figures. Despite the simplified style, there is an attention to detail that hints at the peculiar social dynamics of a festive gathering.
