| The Biblia Sacra was published in 1969 by Rizzoli of Rome. - SIGNATURE : printed in the image - SIZE : 19 x 13 3/4" or 48.26x34.93cm - REFERENCES : Michler and Lopsinger 1600, Field 69-3 - CONDITION : Excellent. New. Original. This is an illustrated book of the Bible in Vulgate. The Biblia Sacra was published in 1969 by Rizzoli of Rome. The lithographs are on a heavy paper and are signed in the plate. The Biblia Sacra lithographs were produced as illustrations for a new edition of the Bible. The Biblia Sacra suite consists of 105 color mixed-technique lithographs after 105 watercolor paintings created by Dali between 1963 and 1964. The Biblia Sacra works are a combination of offset lithography, continuous tone lithography, serigraphy (silkscreening) with application of varnishes and metallic inks. The works were “printed” on a heavy stock designed specifically to hold up to the various techniques used. Quality craftsmanship and artistry are evident in every Biblia Sacra work. The unique combination of multiple printing techniques gives these illustrations a richness and depth that resulted in works that are exceptionally true to the original paintings. Creator: Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989, Spanish) |
BIBLIA SACRA 80
$4,750.00Prix
It comes from the New Testament, specifically from Matthew 11:14 and Matthew 17:12-13, where Jesus refers to John the Baptist as the prophet Elijah who was to come. This statement holds significant theological meaning, relating to prophecy and the reincarnation or return of a prophet as foretold in the Old Testament.
Biblical Context:
Matthew 11:14 (KJV):
"And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come."
In this verse, Jesus is speaking about John the Baptist, implying that John fulfills the role of Elijah in a spiritual sense. Jesus indicates that John is the one who prepared the way for the Messiah, as Elijah was prophesied to do in the Old Testament.
Matthew 17:12-13 (KJV):
"But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed: likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them." Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
This passage occurs after the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Jesus speaks of Elijah’s return. Jesus confirms that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah’s return, even though the people did not recognize him as such.
Old Testament Prophecy:
Malachi 4:5-6 (KJV) says:
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse."
The prophet Malachi foretold that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah. Many believed that Elijah would literally return before the arrival of the Savior. However, Jesus reveals that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of this prophecy, though not in the literal sense.
Dalí’s Interpretation in Sacra Biblia
In Dalí’s surrealist style, "He Himself Was Elijah" would focus on the prophetic nature of John the Baptist as the spiritual Elijah, fulfilling the prophecy in a divine and mystical way. Dalí would employ surreal imagery like elongated figures, fragmented bodies, and abstract landscapes to convey the spiritual mission and continuity of Elijah’s role in preparing the way for the Messiah. Elements like radiant light, flowing water, and distorted time would illustrate the divine revelation and spiritual significance of John’s role as the forerunner to Jesus. Dalí’s work would bring to life the transition between the Old Testament and the New Testament, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy through John the Baptist as the spiritual Elijah.