| 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 87
$4,750.00Price
This refers to the moment in the Gospel of Mark 6:21-29 and Matthew 14:6-11, where Salome, the daughter of Herodias, performs a dance for King Herod. Her performance pleases the king so much that he promises to give her whatever she asks for, even up to half his kingdom. At her mother's urging, Salome requests the head of John the Baptist, which ultimately leads to his execution.
This event is a significant moment of betrayal, manipulation, and tragedy. It shows the power dynamics at play in Herod's court and the tragic end of John the Baptist, a prophet who stood for righteousness and truth.
Biblical Verse: Mark 6:21-29 (KJV):
"And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: And he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb."
Dalí’s Interpretation in Sacra Biblia
Dalí’s interpretation would emphasize the tragic manipulation and moral corruption of the event. The feast would be depicted as a surreal, distorted environment filled with decadence and empty power. Salome’s dance would be represented as both elusive and intoxicating, while the beheading of John the Baptist would be a symbolic and surreal moment, showing the sacredness of John’s death contrasted with the decay of Herod’s court. The light and shadow play would highlight the spiritual and earthly realms at odds, reflecting the moral consequences of the actions that led to John’s tragic death.