Do You See What I See?

Salvador Dali's "The Metamorphosis of Narcissus" is a surrealist painting inspired by Ovid's rendition of the Narcissus myth in "The Metamorphoses". Using vivid colors and representations, this painting contrasts two images of Narcissus before and after his transformation. The first image on the left represents Narcissus' vanity and selfishness. The second image (on the right) represents Narcissus after transforming into a flower. This painting is fairly self-explanatory. However, there are certain aspects that you probably wouldn’t catch at first glance. One author, Milly Heyd, wrote her opinions of this piece in the article “Dali’s Metamorphosis of Narcissus Reconsidered”.

For the most part I tend to agree with her associations of Dali’s symbols and meanings. For instance, she believes that the colors used in the painting are significant to each side. The left side features warmer colors, like yellow and orange, while the right side is painted in whites and blues. She associates the warmer colors with blood, and the whites and blues represent innocence. I agree with her perspective. The warmer colors represent Narcissus before his transformation when his vanity consumed him. His transformation to a flower is a metamorphosis to innocence. Heyd also believes that the geometrical shape of the “head” is significant in that it represents an egg. The “egg” on the left is cracked and withered, representing death. The “egg” on the right is renewed, and a flower is growing out of it. According to Heyd, Dali uses the “egg” head to represent a new beginning, and the cycle of metamorphosis. Again I agree with her in that the egg symbolizes a new beginning. However, when I look at the picture I don’t see a body with an “egg” head. If you look closely you can see the “body” actually forms the shape of a hand. Each hand is holding its respective egg. In my opinion, Dali painted hands to emphasize that each person controls his own destiny. Narcissus’ transformation was due to his immense vanity. In the same way, each person is responsible for the transformations they undergo throughout their own life.

Ultimately, this is just my opinion of the painting. Of course, the author of the article is much more researched and knowledgeable about the art field. I do agree with her interpretation of the meaning of colors and the symbol of the egg. However, our opinions differ in that I believe the “body” is actually a hand. Don’t let our opinions sway you! Even though you also may be an art newbie, take a look at the painting and interpret it for yourself. That’s the great thing about art. There never is just one right answer!