"The Harbinger" (Mystische Hochzeit)
The Harbinger, (Mystische Hochzeit)" is an intricate artwork by Salvador Dalí, created as a preparatory drawing for the lithographic series "New Jerusalem," published by Levine and Levine in 1980. This piece, dating from around 1976, showcases Dalí's unique ability to blend surrealism with mysticism, offering viewers a glimpse into the symbolic and dreamlike realms he is renowned for.
Crafted using ink, gouache, and watercolor on cardboard, the artwork measures approximately 27.2 x 21 cm. The choice of mediums allows for a rich interplay of textures and depth, with the ink providing sharp, defined lines that contrast with the more fluid and ethereal qualities of the watercolor and gouache. This combination creates a dynamic and visually captivating scene, filled with symbolic elements and surreal figures that invite interpretation.
The composition is centered around the theme of "Mystische Hochzeit" or "Mystical Marriage," which could refer to the union of spiritual and earthly realms, a common motif in Dalí's later works. This theme is likely depicted through an array of symbolic imagery, including ethereal figures, abstract forms, and possibly religious symbols, each meticulously detailed and arranged to lead the viewer's eye through the mystical narrative being conveyed.