Salvador Dali’s Civil War Memory

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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4 comments… add one
  • doug didier Dec 9, 2012 @ 13:52

    Fascinating read…

    Pretty interesting painting..

    Slave Market with the Disappearing Bust of Voltaire

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slave_Market_with_the_Disappearing_Bust_of_Voltaire

  • john hennessy Dec 18, 2010 @ 12:30

    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.

    • Kevin Levin Dec 18, 2010 @ 12:33

      Hi John,

      Dali sent one of his representatives to scout out possible sites and apparently he showed up with two spotted ocelots on leashes.

      • Mike Gorman Dec 18, 2010 @ 13:15

        Hey John, can we put in a DI-1 for some spotted ocelots? THAT would command attention.

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