“The Infant Jesus” is an artwork by Salvador Dali, created in 1956 that belongs to the realms of Realism and Surrealism, and can be categorized within the genre of religious painting. The artwork presents an enigmatic and thought-provoking representation that combines realistic elements with surrealistic imagination, characteristic of Dali’s renowned style.
The artwork depicts a young child with angelic attributes, suspended in midair and surrounded by clouds that seem to both support and envelop the figure. The child, who is most likely representing the Infant Jesus, appears serene and contemplative, with a golden halo discreetly present around the head, signifying sanctity and divine connection. In each hand, the child holds symbolic objects—a sphere, possibly representing the world, and a cruciform object, which may allude to the crucifixion—evoking the duality of earthly existence and spiritual destiny. The color palette is soft, dominated by muted tones that give the painting a dreamlike quality. The fine details and technical proficiency in rendering the infant’s body exhibit elements of realism, while the extraordinary scene and arrangement reflect Dali’s affinity for surreal juxtapositions. The overall effect is one that invites the viewer to ponder the deeper meanings and religious connotations embedded within the artwork.
