The artwork titled “Untitled (Female Bust with Draped Cloth)” is a portrait by Salvador Dali, created in 1981. As a piece situated within the surrealism art movement, Dali’s portrait demonstrates his continued exploration of dream-like imagery and outstanding creativity past the peak period of surrealism. Known for his technical skill and precise craftsmanship, Dali’s artwork imbues the canvas with a mixture of reality and fantasy, a hallmark of his extensive oeuvre.
The artwork depicts a bust of a female figure, the upper torso and the head. Her head is tilted slightly upwards, and her face is not visible, giving a sense of anonymity and universality. Draped across her form is a flowing cloth, perhaps silk, considering its lightness and the way it captures the light. The rendering of the folds of the cloth is detailed and delicate, suggesting movement and softness. The background is abstract and undefined, a mass of darker tones that contrast sharply with the white of the cloth, creating a sense of depth. The artwork embodies the surrealists’ affinity for dreamlike scenes and evokes a sense of mystery and introspection. The brushwork is consistent with Dali’s known meticulous technique, contributing to the overall ethereal quality of the piece.
