The artwork “Sedet sola civitas plena populo (Lamentations 1:1)” was created by Salvador Dali, a renowned artist known for his surrealist works, though this piece is categorized under Expressionism and Symbolism. Executed between the years 1964 and 1967, the artwork employs the medium of gouache, a type of opaque watercolor. It is a religious painting and forms part of “The Biblia Sacra” series, which is Dali’s visual interpretation of the Holy Scriptures.
Within the artwork, we observe a complex interplay of forms and colors that evoke a sense of spiritual contemplation and somber reflection, fitting the lamenting mood suggested by the title, referencing a verse from the Book of Lamentations. The central figure, shrouded in darkness, is portrayed with a sense of weight and emotional burden. The expressive use of line and strong contrast between light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, encouraging viewers to engage with the religious and symbolic themes on a deeper level. The surrounding environment, though subdued, seems to echo the central figure’s solitude and desolation, effectively capturing the essence of the biblical passage in an artistic context. The year ‘1964’ is prominently inscribed at the base of the artwork, serving as a testament to the period during which Dali engaged with this evocative interpretation of scripture.
