Description
One of the mythology’s most recognized creatures, Pegasus, was a winged stallion and son of Poseidon, born of the Gorgon Medusa. Poseidon is best known as the god of the sea but is also the god of horses. Dalí illustrated Mythology by drawing very closely upon the symbolism of the ancient Greek legends. Using what he called “hazard objectif” (the meaningful manifestation of chance), he would often start with an abstract smudge, created in a single motion. He developed his theme from this sign of Fate, like the Pythia of Delphi who interpreted the Oracle from the smoke coming out of the cave. This is particularly noticeable in his etchings entitled: “Oedipus and Sphinx,” “Theseus and Minotaurus,” “Jupiter,” “Pegasus” and “The Milky Way.” When Dalí worked on these plates, he experimented with all kinds of unusual tools like chisels, nails or wheels.
Sixteen images were made illustrating the symbolism of ancient Greek myths. Furthermore, Dali mixed engraving and drypoint etching with hand coloring. To illustrate this, Dali started each piece with “hazard objectif” (meaning the meaningful manifestations of chance) Dali began each image with an abstract smudge and developed from that. Published between 1963 and 1965, each piece of the editions size 1-150 are signed and numbered by Dali himself.