Artwork information

The Spanish Catalan painter Salvador Dali was a draughtsman, illustrator, sculptor, writer and film maker, and one of the most prolific artists of 20th century. Famous for his fantastic imagery and flamboyant personality, Dalí was a major figure in the Surrealist movement, led by André Breton. Instrument masochiste has appeared in a number of major international exhibitions. It contains motifs that reappear throughout Dalí’s career, including the human body and the ‘melting’ violin. The painting refers to his ongoing obsessions regarding desire and the dark nature of dreams. The Auckland Art Gallery has one etching and associated materials by Dalí.