The artwork “Untitled – Design for the ball in the dream sequence in ‘Spellbound'” was created by Salvador Dali in 1944. Belonging to the Surrealism art movement, the genre of this piece is design, specifically conceptualized for the dream sequence in Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Spellbound”. The artwork epitomizes the surrealist ethos with its dreamlike and illogical scene that challenges conventional perception.
In the artwork, the central feature is a floating figure that is disproportionately formed, with a large head and truncated lower body. This central figure’s head is turned upside down and adorned with what appears to be a melting crown or headdress, a motif recurrent in Dali’s works. The face is characterized by closed eyes and a serene, almost meditative expression. From the mouth of the figure hangs a series of droplets or perhaps jewels, adding to the otherworldly sensation.
Surrounding the central figure is what seems to be a darkened room or a stage with a checkerboard floor that recedes into the distance, creating a sense of depth. Along the perimeter, smaller silhouetted figures are positioned, which bear resemblance to classical statues or mannequins. Some of these figures are also upside down, while others stand right-side up, and a few carry undefined objects.
The entire composition of the artwork is dominated by a dark, almost monochromatic color palette. The play of light and shadow allows the figures to emerge from the darkness, establishing both focus and contributing to the mysterious, dreamlike quality of the scene. This deeply psychological and symbolic work reflects Dali’s fascination with the subconscious and the methods by which hidden emotions and thoughts might manifest in dreams.
