Dalí: Disruption and Devotion


Salvador Dalí, The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (detail), 1952–54. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.


Salvador Dalí, The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (detail), 1952–54. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.
The outlandish and iconoclastic artist Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) is famous for his bizarre imagery and distinctive Surrealist vision. He was, however, also deeply rooted in tradition. Dalí studied, emulated, and indeed revered his European predecessors from centuries past, embracing influences from Spain, the Low Countries, and Italy throughout his long career.
“Dalí: Disruption and Devotion” juxtaposes nearly 30 paintings and prints on loan from the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, with European masterpieces from the MFA’s collection, including portraits, religious scenes, and still-lifes by El Greco, Orazio Gentileschi, and Velázquez, among others. In addition to these illuminating pairings, the exhibition features some of Dalí’s best-known works, such as Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (1952–54). Other examples reveal optical illusions and double images—hallmarks of Surrealism—while the monumental Ecumenical Council (1960) highlights Dalí’s technical mastery. By seeing him in dialogue with great painters and printmakers who came before him, visitors can experience a unique take on one of the most celebrated avant-garde artists of the 20th century.
- Lois B. and Michael K. Torf Gallery (Gallery 184)

Salvador Dalí, The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory, 1952–54
Oil on canvas. Collection of the Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.

Salvador Dalí, Old Age, Adolescence, Infancy (The Three Ages), 1940
Oil on canvas. Collection of The Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.

Salvador Dalí, The Ecumenical Council, 1960
Oil on canvas. Collection of The Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society. Photo © David Deranian, 2021.

Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez and workshop, Infanta Maria Theresa, 1653
Oil on canvas. Gift of Charlotte Nichols Greene in memory of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Nichols.

Salvador Dalí, Velázquez Painting the Infanta Marguerita with the Lights and Shadows of His Own Glory, 1958
Oil on canvas. Collection of The Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.

Salvador Dalí, Morphological Echo, 1936
Oil on wood panel. Collection of The Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.

Salvador Dalí, Nature Morte Vivante (Still Life-Fast Moving), 1956
Oil on canvas. Collection of The Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society. Photo © Daniel Portnoy, 2023.

Salvador Dalí, Oeufs sur le Plat sans le Plat (Eggs on the plate without the plate), 1932
Oil on canvas. Collection of The Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society. Photo © David Deranian, 2021.

Salvador Dalí, Shades of Night Descending, 1931
Oil on canvas. Collection of The Dalí Museum. Gift of A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. © 2024 Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Artists Rights Society.