Salvador Dali Spanish, 1904-1989

Salvador Dalí is commonly regarded as one of the greatest Surrealist artists, whose personality was often displayed within his magnificent works of art. He practiced sculpting, advertising, printmaking, fashion, filmmaking, and more Dalí’s mischievousness and peculiar personality contributed to his status of an international celebrity, but he is better known for his most distinct attribute: his mastery of art. Dalí’s significance and talent rank him among the most versatile and prolific artists of the 20th century.


“Zebulon” is part of a religion-based series of prints that depict the “Twelves Tribes of Israel”. Each etching represents one of the tribes. Levi, Dan, Joseph, and more are included in this series. The Twelve Tribes of Israel, in the Bible, are the Hebrew tribes which were named after sons or grandsons of Jacob. His name was later changed to Israel, and the Hebrew people became known as Israelites. Biblical scholars believe his name comes from the word zabal, which means to dwell. The Tribe of Zebulon’s territory bordered the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Zebulon and his tribe prospered from importing and exporting goods. The Tribe of Zebulon’s symbol was a boat.


“Zebulon” is one example of how Dalí’s work was influenced by religious themes. This image depicts Zebulon’s crew aboard one of their massive and elegant ships. There are three men on the ship, each working hard to sail the ship. Perhaps they are transporting goods from one territory to another. The sea’s waves are splashing high against the sides of the ship, indicating rough waters. Part of this roughness could be due to the large mammal swimming near the ship. The sails of the ship seem as they are being pulled heavily by the wind, causing the flags to ripple in the air. Many birds are flying high behind the ship’s sails.