Salvador Dali

Portrait of Carmen

One of 25 works from Dali's Carmen Suite, inspired by Georges Bizet's Spanish-set opera of the same name. 

This piece captures the likeness of Carmen, the opera's female lead, a described "fiery gypsy" who's seductions are blame for protagonist - Don Jose's - tragic downward spiral.

Dali attempts to capture the energy of Carmen through splattering paint trails and fluid linework - imitating loose jewellery and fabrics across her silhouette.