Hand water coloured by Dali with written instructions to printmakers as notes for what he wishes to change in the pieces.
Da Vinci’s greatest scientific endeavour was his pursuit of flight, reaching over 500 works and writing over 35,000 words about his goal. He studied this often through the bird and the transformation of the human to flight. In Dali’s representation, he has the symbol of the bird and the hybridized human, likely a reference to this endeavour. Mathematical drawings border these two figures as a reference to Da Vinci’s explorations.
This work is part of the "Hommage a Leonardo da Vinci" portfolio (Great Inventions), which is full of Dalí's fantastical creations made as a sincere and very personal tribute to the artists Renaissance idol, Leonardo da Vinci. The suite of 12 original engravings, combined with colour by pochoir and etchings, compels art-lovers across the globe to reflect on the many achievements of both masters. The two artists shared many interests including their passion for not only fine art, but a variety of scientific topics, including physics, engineering, and arithmetic. Their dynamic, multi-faceted personalities pushed them to undertake an abundance of creative projects, many of which diverge from artist inquiry and instead centre around invention and innovation.