Rethinking Art History with Dalí

Dalí was interested in various European art movements and artists who had preceded him, ranging from the British Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century to the Dutch Golden Age artist Vermeer and the 15th century Florentine painter Paolo Uccello. This interest also influenced his technique, leading to a phase of meticulous painting reminiscent of the Renaissance. His works had a considerable impact on the Surrealist movement and continue to have a very significant influence on contemporary art worldwide. This lecture will touch upon the presence of historical art in Dalí and art history as seen through his eyes, as well as a conventional art historical perspective of Dalí and his place in the pantheon of global contemporary Surrealists, among other topics.

This lecture is part of the course Reformulating Dalí. Thought, science and  creation, co-organised by the Institut d’Humanitats de Barcelona and Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation.