The artwork entitled “They Were There” was created by the illustrious artist Salvador Dali in the year 1931. This portrait is a demonstration of Dali’s range, encompassing both Realism and Surrealism within its composition. Although known for his surrealist works, this particular piece exhibits a realistic portrayal of a figure set against a dreamlike backdrop typical of Surrealism. The artwork was not a mainstream piece, for it belongs to a private collection and thus may not be as widely recognized or accessible as some of Dali’s other work.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately drawn to the central figure, a man dressed in a somber yet refined suit that suggests a sense of formality and composure. The rendering of the suit and the man’s features demonstrates a high degree of realism, which is heightened by the precise depiction of his engaged and forthright gaze, as well as the naturalistic skin tones and textures. The contrast between this realistic portrayal and the background is quite stark; the barren landscape accompanied by a distorted, rearing horse and what appear to be abstract elements suggest a realm beyond everyday reality. The horse, partially transparent and seemingly in motion, introduces a surreal element, which is Dali’s hallmark. Meanwhile, the wide expanse of the sky provides an atmospheric quality, contributing to an overall sense of enigma. This duality captures the essence of the Surrealist movement, where the juxtaposition of the ordinary with the fantastical invites the viewer to explore deeper meanings and question the nature of perception and reality.
