The artwork titled “Velazquez Dying Behind the Window on the Left Side Out of Which a Spoon Projects,” created by Salvador Dalí in 1982, is an oil on canvas that amalgamates elements characteristic of Expressionism and Surrealism. This portrait is part of the collection housed at the Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres, Spain, which serves as a repository for many of Dalí’s significant works.
Examining the artwork presents a haunting portrayal, likely depicting the figure of Diego Velázquez, the renowned Spanish painter whom Dalí held in high esteem. A central figure looms forward, his somber expression and dark clothing dominating the composition. Notable are the peculiarities such as fried eggs adorning his head and shoulders, which are motifs sometimes found in Dalí’s oeuvre, likely symbolizing the ephemeral nature of life and the blending of dream-reality themes quintessential to Surrealism.
The background appears incongruous, adding to the surreal atmosphere. There are smaller figures that seem to engage in inexplicable actions and a spoon that inexplicably projects from a window, defying conventional logic and further accentuating the dreamlike quality of the piece.
Dalí’s technique here veers towards a rougher, more expressive application of paint compared to his earlier, more precise works, possibly reflecting his state of mind and artistic evolution during the latter years of his life. The apparent contrast between the realistic representation of Velázquez and the absurd or dream-like embellishments are characteristic of Dalí’s continued exploration of the subconscious and the irrational.
