Yesterday Mike Gorman left a comment in response to my post on Monument Avenue, which alluded to a a proposal for a monument to Sally Tompkins by Salvador Dali. I don’t know much about this so I did a little searching and found a sketch of the proposed monument as well as an interesting article. Based on the allegory of St. George slaying the dragon, Dali proposed a full-bodied Sallie Tompkins standing in a petri dish — balanced atop a giant finger — taking a swing at a beast symbolizing disease. Apparently this sketch was published in the local newspaper and met with almost universal disapproval. I think it’s amazing. Enjoy.
Dali Sketch of Sally Tompkins - 1966
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If ever there was a mismatch, Dali and Virginians of the 40s, 50s, and 60s would be it. He spent about a year at Hampton Manor in Caroline County–as the Life Magazine spread vividly shows. A local reporter understated that the locals were “bewildered and fascinated” by his presence.
Hi John,
Dali sent one of his representatives to scout out possible sites and apparently he showed up with two spotted ocelots on leashes.
Hey John, can we put in a DI-1 for some spotted ocelots? THAT would command attention.