Some of you may know that earlier this year, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery launched it’s very first North American tour. The Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery national and international exhibition will display all of its permanently owned pieces featuring artists such as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Constable, Delacroix, Sargent, Sickert, Sisley, Sutherland, Turner, and Freud.
I was absolutely ecstatic when this bit of information came out. I couldn’t possibly imagine the gems to be discovered in such an impressive collection.
Well, I have waited ever so patiently, and it was definitely rewarding because the Dali portion of the exhibition has made its way to Florida’s new and improved Dali Museum. And I, at long last, have had the opportunity to scope out the scene, and see what all the buzz was about.
I went. I explored. And what did I find? Santiago El Grande. One of the most famous paintings Dali ever rendered. One which makes the art enthusiasts mouth water at the mere mention of its name. For years now, you would have had to travel miles out of your way in order to view this great work at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Depending on where some of you are, that could be quite a stretch. Among other pieces, this prized possession has generously been added to the national tour. Allowing us all an opportunity to revel in its presence.
My trouble is, how do I even begin to define such a painting? Or put in words the feeling it conjures inside of you?
When stumbling upon something of such grandeur such as Santiago El Grande, you become paralyzed with admiration. Initially, you stand gaping in awe at its majesty, and then you are overcome with the urge to fall before it and weep. I know it would be a bold statement to call a singular piece of art one of the greatest paintings birthed out of the 20th century. However, when it comes to this piece in particular, I feel that few would argue with me on that notion. Very rarely does a painting of such majesty make its entrance into the cultural world, and even rarer is the impact it can have on the soul.
When studying the piece, eyes flit from one corner of the canvas to the other, attempting to take in the full spectrum of the work. However, the piece is so vast- so purely Dali-that it is almost impossible to take it in as a whole. The canvas, itself, stands at 13 feet high (so big the banner can barely fit in the museums’ display rooms!). Instead, one has to pick it apart, and enjoy each separate panel as they meld together to form the full scope of the picture.
It was tradition for Dali to cram his works full of little symbols and images all representing some deeper, hidden meaning. Symbolism was always a cornerstone in Dali’s paintings, and Santiago El Grande was no exception to this fact. It is through this painting that we get a glimpse into the bowels of the artist’s stream of consciousness, and can see how Dali used this opportunity to explore his idea of man’s search for cosmic unity.
Initially painted as an altarpiece, Santiago El Grande, or Saint James the Great, depicts the patron Saint of Spain sitting astride an enormous white stallion, and emerging from the depths of the sea. Together, man and horse rear up towards the heavens, catapulted by a nuclear explosion which blooms just behind the steed. Above the head of the masculine form, are magnificent cathedral-esque arches opening up into the sky. As is tradition, St. James is depicted as wielding a sword. However, Dali found it appropriate to replace the sword with a rather large crucifix bearing the body of Christ and spurting beams of light. His choice to do this not only emphasizes the theme of the painting, but it displays Dali’s growing curiosity towards nuclear mysticism-a combination in which Catholicism and nuclear physics collide.
Even more spectacular is Dali’s capability to combine visual technique with symbolic gestures. When viewing the painting, notice that it has an unmistakable three-dimensional quality. Dali accentuated this detail though the Saint’s outstretched, and dirty foot-a tribute to the Apostle’s formidable pilgrimage’s made in the Bible. Standing face to face with the painting, you can’t help but strain your neck backwards and feel as though Saint James is right before you. Dali also took careful steps and brushstrokes to create the theme of an upward motion. In fact, I found the saying to be true, that this painting is best viewed facing up. If you have the time, try laying on your back and notice that the painting gives off the feeling of ascension. This was Dali’s way of emphasizing the greater theme, and ultimately stands for man’s rise into the heaven.
When you finally force your eyes to leave the central figure, you will find that we get another inside look into Dali’s head. Or at least what was on his mind at the time. On the shore is a partially cloaked woman, yet another appearance of his wife, Gala, with whom he was a tad obsessed. Gala pops up in many of his other works, so keep your eye out for her! Other symbols included are a little tribute to his Spanish countryside, along with a jasmine flower, symbolizing purity and unity, which seems to sum up the painting’s overall message.
I believe Santiago El Grande is the perfect representation on displaying another side to the artist. Normally, when we think Salvador Dali our minds instantly click through a list of bizarre and surreal images. We instantly think erotic, Freudian scenes, melting clocks, and bare, desolate landscapes which disturb us on unknown levels. However, Dali often veered away from the realm of abnormality. And, instead, painted scenes which evoke different emotions-strike another chord inside of us. Santiago El Grande is an important piece that needs to be closely examined in order to fully understand the seemingly troubled artist. Through this work of art, we meet a Dali who is exploring the different worlds of his own spirituality and, ultimately, attempting to find himself in the strange world around him.
Currently, Santiago El Grande stands alone on display in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the Dali Museum. The other pieces included in The Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery tour are concurrently being exhibited in Mobile, Alabama at the Mobile Museum of Art. After that, it heads back to Canada where it will appear at the Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Alberta. the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery, Sarnia, Ontario. And the Rooms Provincial Art Gallery, St. John’s, Newfoundland.
For more information on Salvador Dali’s, Santiago El Grande, and the Masterworks from Beaverbrook Art Museum visit:
