D Gallery

Dali Atomicus (1948)

Dali Atomicus (1948). This photographic artwork by Latvian-born US photographer Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) shows Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali (1904-1989) in mid-air, with suspended objects, cats and water caught in surreal motion. At right is Dali's work Leda Atomica (1949). This is the unretouched version of Halsman's work, with an assistant (left) and strings (right) still visible. The scene was attempted 28 times before Halsman achieved the desired effect. Halsman and Dali collaborated on a number of works, of which this is the most famous

© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Young hare, by Durer

Durer's Young Hare. Sketch by the German artist Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) of a young hare (1502). Durer did much to introduce the Renaissance style of art to northern Europe. He travelled to Italy in 1494 and 1505 and studied the new art. He was one of the first to study and use perspective, and his mathematical rigour meant his works were among the best of the time

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Humour rain umbrella St. Swithin 19th century cartoon

This is a cartoon etching by the well-known Victorian social caricaturist / cartoonist George Cruikshank (1792 - 1878), dated November 1st, 1829. (1829 is in the reign of William IV, but most of Cruikshank's artistic work was in the long reign of Queen Victoria.) Cruikshank went on to illustrate a number of the books of Charles Dickens. Title: St. Swithin, Patron Saint of Umbrella makers. Singing: Long to Rain over us'. Description: If it rains on St. Swithin's Day (July 15 ), or so the saying goes, then it will rain for forty days and forty nights. Cruikshank sees this as a benefit for business, for the manufacturers of umbrellas. St. Swithin (St. Swithun) is shown showering two watering cans on his victims, while riding a flying dolphin that spouts a deluge from its mouth and nostrils. Under a large umbrella, the people of Britain dance and sing Long to rain over us, combining a homage to the rain and the reign of the king (William IV). The rendering of the dolphin is usual for this time since they were looked upon as fish. Designed Etched & Published by Geo. Cruikshank a?? Novr. 1st 1829

© Whiteway