Salvador Dali (1904-1989) - Relief, The Menorah of Israel - 7.5 cm - Bronze

Salvador Dalí
Bronze
weight: 155 grams

Very good condition



This bronze medallion, designed by Salvador Dalí, features a highly symbolic composition highlighted by a large seven-branched candelabrum, or menorah, whose organic shapes resemble the branches of a tree. At the base, a group of human figures holding hands appear to perform a ceremonial dance upon a mound, adding dynamism to the piece. In addition to the textured reliefs characteristic of his work, the lower section includes an inscription engraved in Hebrew characters—a recurring element in the creations the artist dedicated to commemorating the history and mysticism of the Jewish people.


In Israel, the seven-branched candelabrum (the menorah) is one of the oldest and most sacred symbols, representing several fundamental concepts:

The State of Israel: It is the country's official emblem. Its design on the national coat of arms is inspired by the relief on the Arch of Titus in Rome, which commemorates the destruction of Jerusalem. Thus, adopting it as a national symbol represents the return of the Jewish people to their land and the rebirth of the State after centuries of exile.

Spiritual Light and Wisdom: Traditionally, it symbolizes divine guidance, enlightenment, and the pursuit of knowledge. In the ancient Temple of Jerusalem, its branches were kept continuously lit to represent the eternal presence of God and to radiate light from the Temple to the rest of the world.

Creation and the Cosmos: Its seven branches allude to the seven days of the creation of the world, with the central branch representing Shabbat (the day of rest and spirituality). It is also frequently associated with the "Tree of Life" due to its organic, branch-like shapes—a detail that is clearly visible in Dalí's stylized design on your medallion.