lithograph, paper, 52 x 38 cm
Lithograph, velin paper BFK RIVES France (watermark), dimensions: 52 x 38 cm in light passe-partout, 74 x 58
cm in a passe-partout frame, limited edition, numbered in pencil DCXXXIII/MM, dry seal
of the certified publisher DALI, facsimile of the signature under the composition; on the back stamp "Fundatio Gala-Salvador
Dali along with the logo of the Foundation in the shape of a sailboat with the letter G on the sail. Original publisher's certificate.
Looking at Salvador Dalí's famous paintings, it was suspected that they were the result of visions after taking strong substances
psychotropic drugs. Dalí maintained, however, that "I do not take drugs, I am a drug."
"Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening" ("Dream Caused by the Flight of a
Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening") is a work considered pivotal in the career of Salvador
Dali, created in 1944. The painting perfectly reflects his interest in dream theory and the subconscious. It is
also a manifesto of Surrealism, in which everyday life is transformed into a fantastic spectacle full of symbols.
The painting remains one of the most important works of art of the 20th century and continues to inspire viewers with its mystery and
depth.
The painting depicts a naked woman - she is Gala, Dali's wife and muse - hovering in a reclining position over a rocky
landscape and a sheet of calm water. The figure appears suspended in a void, plunged into the snow. Next to her floats a
pomegranate, from which a bee flies out, appearing in the symbolism of the painting. The structural events in the painting are meant to
suggest the application of the dreaming woman to an external stimulus - the sound of the bee.
In the background, there are unrealistic elements, such as two wild tigers, a fish, a bayonet aiming at Gali's body, and
surreal clouds. Security tigers emerge from the fish, and the whole scene has a dynamic reminiscent of a
the frozen frame of a dream.
In this work, Dali attempted to represent the idea that even a small external stimulus (the buzzing of a bee) can
trigger a dramatic, complex dream in a split second. One can see here the inspiration of Freud's psychoanalysis, which
explored the relationship between the subconscious, dreams and reality. The painting depicts the conflict between
the tranquility of dreams and the anxiety of subconscious visions.
Dali used his characteristic style - a precise, almost photographic painting technique, which contrasts with the
the unreality of the scenes depicted. Each element of the painting is rendered with extraordinary attention to detail, which
enhances the impression that we are entering a dream world.