“The Enigma of Hitler” is a symbolic painting by Salvador Dali, created in 1938. This work is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 51.2 x 79.3 cm. As a prime example of the Surrealist movement, the artwork delves into the psychological and enigmatic representation of the historical figure, Adolf Hitler.
The artwork presents a desolate, almost apocalyptic landscape that is typical of Dali’s surrealistic dreamscapes. Dominating the foreground is a large, expansive, flat circular shape that resembles a dish or an arena. At the center of this shape, there is a torn photograph of Hitler, from which a flowing tear-like substance appears to spill. Surrounding the photograph are brown beans scattered upon the surface. Hovering above the central dish is an umbrella, from which another similar tear-like droplet is suspended, seemingly ready to fall. The umbrella’s handle morphs into a dark figure that resembles a limp, elongated creature. To the right, a flaccid, partially melted figure is attached to the umbrella by a thin line, evoking feelings of connectedness and influence.
The background features a gray, overcast sky with soft, undefined clouds punctuating the horizon. Faint silhouettes of characters are scattered in the distance, contributing to a sense of desolation and abandonment. The overall composition is laden with a sense of foreboding and ominous symbolism, reflecting the complex and troubling historical context in which Dali created the artwork.
