Dali and Gala met in 1929 and according to Dali, it was love at first sight. They married initially in 1934 in a civil ceremony and then in 1958, in a Catholic ceremony. Gala, who was Russian, had previously been married to Paul Elouard, a poet and founder member of the Surrealist movement.
Dali was fascinated by nuclear physics and when the atom bomb was first dropped he felt it had to be incorporated into art. Dali was probably amongst the first group of artists to depict the nuclear age with his image "Idillio Atomico" in 1945. He described the atom as his favourite food for thought.
Galatea of the Spheres is a wonderful piece. Suspended spheres, depicting the atomic particles, orbit around and also create the face of "Galatea" who is a sea nymph in classical mythology. Her eyes are closed and the viewer is drawn to her mouth where the spheres appear to originate.
The spheres are replicated, they seem to disappear into infinity in places.
They never touch each other, symbolizing the nuclear theory that Dali was aware of. Dali was particularly pleased with the depth of perspective he achieved in this picture according to his friend and fellow painter, Pitxot. Dali also created a sense of movement and pace in this piece, particularly through Galatea's flowing hair.
Dali asked for this piece of art to be displayed on the easel belonging to a French artist named Meissonier.
Fascinating, beautiful and futuristic. Galatea of the Spheres captures the magnificence contained within the mind of Salvador Dali.
