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Douglas Houck | all galleries >> europe >> scotland >> kelvingrove_museum > Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali
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03-APR-2008 DHouck

Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali

Glasgow, Scotland

The Salvador Dali masterpiece Christ of St John of the Cross first
went on show at Kelvingrove on 23 June 1952, and has ever since aroused
admiration, criticism and controversy. The striking angle of the
crucified Christ on the Cross, the eerie contrast of light and dark,
and the magical and effortless surface effects all make an
unforgettable impression on the viewer.

The strange title refers to Dali's principal inspiration for the painting
- a pen and ink drawing made by the Spanish Carmelite friar who was
canonised as St John of The Cross (1542–1591). The drawing intrigued Dali
when he saw it preserved in the Convent at Avila, as it was made after
the Saint had a vision in which he saw the Crucifixion as from above, looking down.

Dali proceeded to paint the Crucifixion set above the rocky harbour of his
home village of Port Lligat in Spain, with the enigmatic addition of boats
and figures copied from pictures by Velazquez and Le Nain.

The painting caused controversy for a variety of reasons. Modern art critics
felt it was a backward step, as it was painted in such a traditional style
and thought it was another notorious stunt by the artist.

from: glasgowmuseums.com

the green lights are a reflection from the adjacent hallway lights.

Pentax K10D ,Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited
1/15s f/3.5 at 21.0mm iso800 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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