Salvador Dalí Timeline
Salvador Dalí by People
Salvador Dalí was a famous Spanish artist known for his surrealistic paintings, which means they were filled with strange, dreamlike images. Born in 1904, he became one of the most iconic figures in the art world with works like "The Persistence of Memory," featuring melting clocks. Dalí also dabbled in film, sculpture, and photography, collaborating with many other artists to create unique pieces. His distinctive style and eccentric public behavior brought art into the popular culture, making him a cultural icon. Dalí's work continues to inspire and influence artists and creatives around the world today.
May 11, 1904
Birth of Salvador Dalí in Figueres, Spain
The artist was born in a small agricultural town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just sixteen miles from the French border. His father was a notary, a public official who deals with legal matters, and his mother encouraged his artistic pursuits. His birthplace would later become a significant influence on his work.
October 1, 1922
Dalí begins studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid
At the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the artist was exposed to a variety of styles and techniques, which greatly influenced his own work. He was expelled from the academy before graduating due to his rebellious behavior. Despite this, the education he received there played a significant role in his development as a leading figure in the Surrealist movement.
February 1, 1925
First public exhibition of Dalí's charcoal drawings in Figueres
This exhibition marked the beginning of Dalí's public recognition as an artist. The charcoal drawings displayed were primarily portraits and landscapes. The event took place in his hometown, Figueres, Spain, which later became the site of his own museum.
April 1, 1926
Dalí makes his first visit to Paris and meets Picasso
During this visit, the young artist was greatly influenced by Picasso's work, which had a profound impact on his own artistic style. This encounter also marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship and mutual respect between the two artists. Picasso had already heard positive things about Dalí from Joan Miró, another renowned Spanish artist.
August 1, 1929
Dalí joins the Surrealist group in Montparnasse, Paris
This Spanish artist became part of a group in Paris known for their unconventional, dreamlike art. Montparnasse was a hub for artists and intellectuals, making it the perfect place for the Surrealists. This move marked a significant period in his career, as his work started to feature the bizarre and dreamlike elements that Surrealism is known for.
Year 1934
Dalí's first solo exhibition in the United States at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York
This exhibition marked a significant point in the artist's career, introducing his unique style to the American public. The Julien Levy Gallery, known for promoting avant-garde art, was an ideal venue for his surrealistic works. The show included a variety of his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
June 14, 1936
Dalí's work, 'Soft Construction with Boiled Beans (Premonition of Civil War)', anticipates the Spanish Civil War
This artwork is a visual prediction of the violent conflict that would soon engulf Spain. It depicts a grotesque figure, torn apart and yet still struggling, symbolizing the self-destructive nature of civil war. The boiled beans, a traditional Spanish dish, represent the everyday life that is disrupted by such conflict.
April 1, 1939
Dalí is expelled from the Surrealist group
The Surrealist group, led by Andre Breton, ousted the artist due to his controversial political views and behavior. This expulsion was a significant turning point in his career, leading him to adopt the term "classic" to describe his work, moving away from the Surrealist style. Despite this, his eccentric and imaginative style continued to influence the art world.
August 15, 1940
Dalí and his wife Gala move to the United States during World War II
The couple settled in Virginia, at a place called Delaplane where Dalí painted some of his most famous works. They lived in the US for eight years, until the end of the war. During this period, Dalí developed his "nuclear mysticism" style of art.
November 1, 1942
Publication of Dalí's autobiography, 'The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí'
The autobiography, 'The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí', provides an in-depth look into the artist's mind and life. It includes his childhood experiences, his inspirations, and his thoughts on art. The book is known for its eccentric and imaginative content, much like Dalí's artwork.
March 10, 1955
Dalí returns to Spain and begins his 'nuclear mysticism' period
The artist returned to his homeland after living in the United States for eight years. This marked the start of a new phase in his work, where he combined Catholicism, mathematics, and nuclear science in his art. This period was characterized by his fascination with the atom and his belief in the spiritual nature of all matter.
September 28, 1974
Opening of the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain
The Dalí Theatre-Museum, located in his hometown, was a project the artist personally oversaw. It was designed to be a surreal experience, housing the largest collection of his works, including those from his personal collection. The museum's architecture and exhibits reflect Dalí's eccentric and imaginative style.
June 10, 1982
Death of Dalí's wife and muse, Gala
Gala, born as Elena Ivanovna Diakonova, was a significant influence on Dalí's work. She was not only his wife but also his business manager, and her death greatly affected him. The loss of his muse led to a decline in his mental health and his artistic
August 5, 1984
Dalí's last painting, 'The Swallow's Tail', is completed
'The Swallow's Tail' was the final piece of art created by this renowned Spanish surrealist. The painting was inspired by the Catastrophe Theory of French mathematician René Thom. It is a complex piece, filled with geometric shapes and patterns, reflecting the artist's interest in science and mathematics.
January 23, 1989
Death of Salvador Dalí in Figueres, Spain
The renowned artist passed away in his hometown, Figueres, at the age of 84. His death marked the end of an era of surrealism, a movement he had greatly influenced. He was buried in the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a place he had designed himself.
Salvador Dalí was a famous Spanish artist known for his surrealistic paintings, which means they were filled with strange, dreamlike images. Born in 1904, he became one of the most iconic figures in the art world with works like "The Persistence of Memory," featuring melting clocks. Dalí also dabbled in film, sculpture, and photography, collaborating with many other artists to create unique pieces. His distinctive style and eccentric public behavior brought art into the popular culture, making him a cultural icon. Dalí's work continues to inspire and influence artists and creatives around the world today.
The artist was born in a small agricultural town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just sixteen miles from the French border. His father was a notary, a public official who deals with legal matters, and his mother encouraged his artistic pursuits. His birthplace would later become a significant influence on his work.
At the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the artist was exposed to a variety of styles and techniques, which greatly influenced his own work. He was expelled from the academy before graduating due to his rebellious behavior. Despite this, the education he received there played a significant role in his development as a leading figure in the Surrealist movement.
This exhibition marked the beginning of Dalí's public recognition as an artist. The charcoal drawings displayed were primarily portraits and landscapes. The event took place in his hometown, Figueres, Spain, which later became the site of his own museum.
During this visit, the young artist was greatly influenced by Picasso's work, which had a profound impact on his own artistic style. This encounter also marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship and mutual respect between the two artists. Picasso had already heard positive things about Dalí from Joan Miró, another renowned Spanish artist.
This Spanish artist became part of a group in Paris known for their unconventional, dreamlike art. Montparnasse was a hub for artists and intellectuals, making it the perfect place for the Surrealists. This move marked a significant period in his career, as his work started to feature the bizarre and dreamlike elements that Surrealism is known for.
This exhibition marked a significant point in the artist's career, introducing his unique style to the American public. The Julien Levy Gallery, known for promoting avant-garde art, was an ideal venue for his surrealistic works. The show included a variety of his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
This artwork is a visual prediction of the violent conflict that would soon engulf Spain. It depicts a grotesque figure, torn apart and yet still struggling, symbolizing the self-destructive nature of civil war. The boiled beans, a traditional Spanish dish, represent the everyday life that is disrupted by such conflict.
The Surrealist group, led by Andre Breton, ousted the artist due to his controversial political views and behavior. This expulsion was a significant turning point in his career, leading him to adopt the term "classic" to describe his work, moving away from the Surrealist style. Despite this, his eccentric and imaginative style continued to influence the art world.
The couple settled in Virginia, at a place called Delaplane where Dalí painted some of his most famous works. They lived in the US for eight years, until the end of the war. During this period, Dalí developed his "nuclear mysticism" style of art.
The autobiography, 'The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí', provides an in-depth look into the artist's mind and life. It includes his childhood experiences, his inspirations, and his thoughts on art. The book is known for its eccentric and imaginative content, much like Dalí's artwork.
The artist returned to his homeland after living in the United States for eight years. This marked the start of a new phase in his work, where he combined Catholicism, mathematics, and nuclear science in his art. This period was characterized by his fascination with the atom and his belief in the spiritual nature of all matter.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum, located in his hometown, was a project the artist personally oversaw. It was designed to be a surreal experience, housing the largest collection of his works, including those from his personal collection. The museum's architecture and exhibits reflect Dalí's eccentric and imaginative style.
Gala, born as Elena Ivanovna Diakonova, was a significant influence on Dalí's work. She was not only his wife but also his business manager, and her death greatly affected him. The loss of his muse led to a decline in his mental health and his artistic
'The Swallow's Tail' was the final piece of art created by this renowned Spanish surrealist. The painting was inspired by the Catastrophe Theory of French mathematician René Thom. It is a complex piece, filled with geometric shapes and patterns, reflecting the artist's interest in science and mathematics.
The renowned artist passed away in his hometown, Figueres, at the age of 84. His death marked the end of an era of surrealism, a movement he had greatly influenced. He was buried in the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a place he had designed himself.