In 1755, Charles Fredrick Wiesenthal created the first sewing machine. He was a carpenter so it was likely made out of necessity rather than innovative genius. It was made for canvas and leather and used the chain stitch. Dali’s painting seems to resemble mechanical parts of the sewing machine along with the fluidity of fabric and the feminine of the woman.
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.