“The Rotting Donkey” is a notable artwork by Salvador Dali, created in 1928. This surrealistic piece is crafted using a combination of collage, oil, and panel, and measures 61 x 50 cm in its dimensions. The piece falls within the genre of animal painting and reflects the unconventional and dream-like qualities typical of the Surrealism movement. Currently, this artwork is housed in the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a disconcerting scene set against a desert-like background washed in a palette of soft pinks and purples. Dominating the composition is the disjointed figure of a donkey, which appears to be decomposing; its flesh and bones rendered in unsettling detail. The donkey’s form is an amalgamation of various elements and textures, giving it a fragmented appearance that is both fascinating and disturbing. A sublime moon hangs in the twilight sky, providing a celestial counterpoint to the decaying figure. On the right, a secondary, less defined figure echoes the theme of corruption and mortality. Across the scene, barren trees add to the sense of desolation. The artwork creates an evocative narrative, inviting contemplation on the transient nature of existence and the surreal aspects of decay and transformation.
