“Untitled (Michelangelo Head with Drawers)” is an artwork created by Salvador Dali in 1970. This piece is a notable example of the Expressionism and Surrealism art movements and classifies as a portrait genre. The artwork is emblematic of Dali’s renowned capacity for blending dream-like images with traditional representations to challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.
The artwork in question depicts a striking portrait of a figure reminiscent of Michelangelo’s works, notable for its intense facial expression and the classical features that suggest wisdom and strength. The visage is rendered with attention to chiaroscuro, enhancing the volume and depth of the facial features. Where it diverges into the surreal is the incorporation of drawers within the head of the figure, an iconic Dalinian motif which serves to symbolize the compartments of the subconscious. Locks and keys may also be observed, implying the notions of secrecy and the unlocking of thoughts or memories.
The head is engulfed in what appears to be flames or wisps, perhaps a representation of thought or inspiration, emerging energetically from the figure. The composition juxtaposes the inanimate with the animate, the rigid form of a statue-like face with the fluidity of the locks, and the psychological connotations of the drawers, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking tableau that invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of the human mind.
Textures are also a relevant aspect of this artwork. The roughness of the brick wall against which the portrait seemingly leans provides a contrast to the smoothness of the flesh and the metallic sheen of the drawers. Such textural contrasts contribute to the tension and harmony within the piece, making it a quintessential reflection of the innovative spirit of Salvador Dali’s surrealist vision.
