The artwork titled “Uxnor Lot in satuam salis conversa (Genesis 19:24)” was created by renowned artist Salvador Dali between the years 1964 and 1967. Executed with gouache, the artwork lies within the realms of Expressionism and Symbolism, and it constitutes a religious painting genre. This particular piece is part of the “The Biblia Sacra” series by Dali.
The artwork presents a profoundly symbolic and emotionally evocative scene. A central figure dominates the composition, potentially representing Lot’s wife who was turned into a pillar of salt, as recounted in the biblical narrative of Genesis 19:24. The figure exhibits classic Dalian features—elongated limbs and a sense of fluidity in form alongside meticulous detail in certain areas, contrasting with expansive, less defined spaces.
To the right of the figure, a stark black and red formation looms, perhaps evoking the divine wrath that befell Sodom and Gomorrah, or symbolizing the abrupt and irreversible transformation of Lot’s wife. The use of vague shapes and shadowing may allude to the presence of other figures or a broader landscape, giving viewers a hint of the story’s wider context.
Unmistakable in the depiction is Dali’s unique ability to infuse his works with layers of meaning, inviting interpretation through a fusion of the surreal and the scriptural. The colors shift from soft blues and purples to more aggressive red and black hues, underscoring the narrative’s transition from normalcy to catastrophe—mirroring the swift biblical divine judgment.
In its entirety, the work embodies the expressionistic power to convey deep emotion and the symbolic depth that pushes viewers to seek meanings beyond the immediate visual representation. A testament to Dali’s prowess in religious interpretation, the artwork remains an enduring piece of his exploration into faith and scripture through art.
