Corpus Hypercubus (1954)

Dalí, Salvador (1904-1989)

Corpus Hypercubus (Crucifixion)
1954
Oil on canvas, 194.3 x 123.8 cm
Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York

Dalí utilized his theory of “nuclear mysticism,” a fusion of Catholicism, mathematics, and science, to create this unusual interpretation of Christ’s crucifixion. Levitating before a hypercube—a geometric, multidimensional form—Christ’s body is healthy, athletic, and bears no signs of torture; the crown of thorns and nails are missing. The artist’s wife, Gala, poses as a devotional figure, witnessing Christ’s spiritual triumph over corporeal harm. Several dreamlike elements from Dalí’s earlier Surrealist work feature in this painting: a levitating figure, vast barren landscape, and chessboard. (MET)

See also:

• Dalí, Gala (1894-1982)