The artwork “Sick Boy (Self-portrait in Cadaqués)” is a creation by the Surrealist artist Salvador Dali, dating from around 1923. Employing a blend of mediums including oil, cardboard, and tempera, Dali executes this piece in a style that merges elements of Expressionism with the dotted technique characteristic of Pointillism. As a self-portrait, the work offers an intimate glimpse into the artist’s self-representation during his formative years.
In the artwork, one observes the artist depicted with a pallid complexion, seated at a table with a set of dining implements before him, including a bottle, a cup, and cutlery. His attire consists of a dark cloak, and he appears to gaze directly at the observer with an enigmatic expression. Behind him, the vibrant blues and yellows of three sailboats are rendered in the pointillist fashion, contrasting with the darker tones of the figure. The background of the scene gives the impression of a coastal setting, presumably Cadaqués, where Dali spent much of his youth. Also noteworthy in the backdrop is the stylized representation of the sea and sky, which showcases the artist’s early experimentation with color and form, before the full-fledged advent of his surrealist works.
The painting possesses a certain melancholic atmosphere, suggested by the title and Dali’s expression in the piece, which might hint at a period of illness or emotional introspection. The synthesis of artistic techniques coupled with the personal depth of the subject matter makes this self-portrait a fascinating study within Dali’s oeuvre.
