William Bennett Gallery

To create the Mythology portfolio, Dali drew closely upon the symbolism of ancient Greek legends. To illustrate these works, Dali used his own technique called ‘hazard objectif’ or the meaningful manifestation of chance. He would begin with an abstract smudge, and from this smudge develop the overlying theme of the work. Dali considered this mark his sign of Fate, much like the Pythia of Delphi interpreting the Oracle from a smoke filled cave. This is particularly noticeable in his etchings entitled: Oedipus and Sphinx, Theseus and Minotaurus, Jupiter, Pegasus, and The Milky Way. In the creation process of this suite, Dali experimented with a variety of unusual tools such as chisels, nails, wheels and even a real octopus immersed in acid, which left its imprint on the Medusa image. The suite was published between 1963 and 1965 and contains 16 mixed media prints with engraving, drypoint and hand coloring; each measuring 22” x 30”.

Feb 28

Feb 20

Feb 19

We might have room for 1 or 2 more people…

The gallery is now accepting 1, possibly 2 more interns for the next 3 months. If you are smart, cool, appreciate art, look professional and ready to hang at the gallery for 3-6 hours per week - get in touch with us! email John your availability and resume.

Feb 14

Les Bêtes Sauvages Dans Le Desert (The Savage Beasts of the Desert) depicts a surreal desert scene. Throughout the composition, several diverse geographic elements that are typically unseen in a traditional desert are present, including mountain ranges, grassy plains, and even snowfall. The animal life, which includes a cheetah, snow fox, skunk, and desert fox, are scattered within the setting, thus enhancing the inconceivability of the desert setting they seem to naturally inhabit. Towards the background on either side of the painting, two equestrian figures are similarly posed; one colorfully detailed while the opposing is sketched in black. A heavenly glow radiates from the clouds and places focus on an abstractly formed rock with qualities similar to Dali’s classic gestural figures.

This artist proof was dedicated on April 30^th, 1976 to Dr. Edmund Klein, a skin doctor who treated Dali for a skin ailment in 1972. Enrique Sabater, Dali’s secretary from 1968-1981, wrote a message to Klein on the lower left-hand border that reads, “Mi mayor affecto y admiracíon (My greatest affection and admiration)”.

Feb 13

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Feb 03