Young Woman at a Window Dalí’s Surrealistic Glimpse into Youth

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Salvador Dalí, the surrealist genius, left an indelible mark on the art world with his masterpiece «Young Woman at a Window». This oil on paper, created in 1925 during the artist’s youth, offers a unique vision of Dalí’s sister, Anna María, contemplating the sea from a window in Cadaqués. In this article, we will explain the details, the historical context and the personal connection that defines this unique piece.

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Tabla de contenidos

• Young Woman at a Window by Salvador Dali – 1925
  • The focal point
  • Breaking point with her sister
• Dream scenarios for «Young Woman at a Window»
  • The Portrait of Youth in Cadaqués
  • The Picturesque Scenery
• Reflection and poetry of Dali at the window
• Dalí’s Triumphant Debut with «Young Woman at a Window»

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Young Woman at a Window by Salvador Dali – 1925

Salvador Dalí surprises at first glance by deviating from his characteristic style. This painting adopts a figurative approach that exhibits a sense of classical realism, reminiscent of Andrew Wyeth’s style of American realism, characterized by its expression through monochromatic colors. The window, with its stark contrasts and the solitary looming figure, plays intriguingly with the elements, defying expectations commonly associated with Dalí’s works.

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The focal point

The focus of attention in this image is on the woman’s back, not on the direction in which she is looking. The figure’s clothing is presented in a discreet and pure manner, exhibiting a simplicity devoid of pretension and a relaxed atmosphere. The window, for its part, acquires a striking presence, appearing larger than life itself and occupying a significant portion of the canvas.

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An interesting article to read: The Basket of Apples by Paul Cézanne【Balancing】

Breaking point with her sister

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Dream scenarios for «Young Woman at a Window»

The Portrait of Youth in Cadaqués

«Young Woman at a Window» is a work that encapsulates the artist’s youth and his evolution towards surrealism. The protagonist, Anna Maria, Dalí’s sister, is presented with her back turned, looking through an open window towards the sea of Cadaqués. This landscape, a recurring element in Dalí’s work, becomes the backdrop for an image that captures the essence of the Dalí family’s coastal life.

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The Picturesque Scenery

Dalí chose Cadaqués as the perfect setting for this work. Through the window, the white houses of Es Llaner are glimpsed, a landscape that has endured over time. The painting becomes a window to the past, showing the environment that inspired Dalí during his formative years. Cadaqués becomes another character in the work, revealing the connection between the artist and this picturesque corner of Catalonia.

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Reflection and poetry of Dali at the window

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With a poetic perspective of «Young Woman at a Window». He depicts the scene with a focus on the family connection between Dalí and his sister, highlighting the softness and liquidity that defines the work. The surreal atmosphere blends with the serenity of the sea.

At the open window, Ana looks out,
where the blue light, surreal promise flashes.

The port whispers secrets, the breeze caresses,
sea and curtains dance, in a dance of tranquility.

The sea sneaks between curtains, like a dream,
gently caressing, in a laughing dance.

The distance disappears, between her and the waves,
fine outline of silhouette, in a game without lineage.

The shades of sky and dress, blend together,
like curls that glide, in the sea they sink.

Extensions of the swell, from her head fall,
softly sliding, like verses that attract.

The dress falls loosely, like her longings,
softly in the frame, by the breeze that is flight.

Window open to art, which the room illuminates,
looseness and softness, like a wave that fascinates.

The liquidity of the painting, a play of reflections,
sea embracing the sky, in magical mirrors.

Precise edges delineate, reclining woman,
discreet realism, vaporous, in her yearning soul.

Innocent and simple, like the sea he embraces,
figure in front of the window, in sighs of salt, he embraces.

Anonymous....

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Dalí’s Triumphant Debut with «Young Woman at a Window»

The painting was presented to the world at Dalí’s first solo exhibition in November 14 to 28, 1925, at the Dalmau Galleries. Critics acclaimed the work, highlighting Dalí’s mastery in the representation of the human figure and the captivating atmosphere surrounding «Young Woman at a Window». This debut marked a milestone in the artist’s career, establishing him as a leading figure in the art scene of the time.

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«Young Woman at a Window» is not just a painting; it is a visual testament to Salvador Dalí’s artistic journey and his unique connection to Cadaqués. From the artist’s youth to official recognition, this work captures the essence of a formative period. We peer into a world where reality and the surreal intertwine, and where a woman’s youth becomes an eternal symbol of artistic genius.

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