The artwork titled “Still Life – Fish,” painted by Salvador Dali in 1922, is an oil on canvas representation encapsulating the Expressionist art movement. The dimensions of the artwork measure 30.5 x 34.6 cm and its genre is classified as still life. This piece exemplifies Dali’s exploration of this classical genre through the Expressionist lens.
The artwork captures a fish resting on a slightly reflective dish, with subtle highlights indicating its moist surface. The fish, portrayed with intricate scales and detailed features, is placed centrally on the canvas, drawing the viewer’s focus. The use of light and shadow on the fish’s body showcases Dali’s skill in rendering textures and forms, reflecting a moment captured in time.
To the left of the fish, Dali has painted figs, a motif occasionally found in still life compositions. The representation of the figs, with attention to their ripeness and color variations, adds a contrasting biological texture to the composition. The background consists of muted, earthy tones that contribute to an overall sense of warmth and simplicity, allowing the subject matter to stand out. This early work of Dali, although missing the surreal elements for which he is later renowned, already hints at his fascination with meticulous detail and the exploration of texture.
