Royal Insect is part of Salvador Dalí’s Vitraux in Four Sheets series of prints. Vitraux translated from French to English is stained glass. This term signifies the use of glass panels to create decorative coloured windows. Looking at the composition of lithograph panels, one might imagine looking at a stained glass window.
Imagery representing Dalí’s dreams are present in the window. A royal insect with grasshopper legs uses a crutch to support its wings. Dalí was preoccupied by and fearful of the concepts of time and death. This is characterised by the appearance of the melting clock. He used crutches in his artworks to suggest that to overcome fear, one must seek aid to remain strong.