Salvador Dali And The Persistence Of Memory

The Persistence of Memory is one of the most widely recognized paintings in the world. Even if you aren’t familiar with its name, you have more than likely seen images of this evocative masterpiece by Salvador Dalí, with its elaborately rendered melting clocks and barren landscape. In this article, we will discuss the history of The Persistence of Memory and discuss possible interpretations of this influential and enduring work of art.

What is “The Persistence of Memory” by surrealist Salvador Dalí?

The Persistence of Memory is a painting by the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí that was completed in 1931 and is widely considered one of the most important works of the 20th century. The painting depicts a dream-like landscape on which three clocks are melting and a variety of other objects, landmarks, and figures are placed. Often called Melting Clocks, it was first revealed in 1932, at the Julien Levy Gallery, and then moved to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, where it has resided since. In addition to the original painting, Dalí created several companion pieces, including sculptural representations and another painting. 

The surrealism of “The Persistence of Memory”

The medium Dalí used for The Persistence of Memory was oil on canvas, which allowed for the depth and flexibility in color Dalí needed to produce such a richly detailed image. The painting, which measures 24.1 x 33 cm, contains a sky depicted by a blue-to-yellow gradient. Under the skyline sits a body of water and barren bluffs. A single branch from a lifeless tree holds a melting clock. In the foreground, there are two more clocks on a brown object that looks like a desk. On the left, close to the water, Dalí placed an elevated rectangular platform with a reflective surface. Centered in the painting is an amorphous figure with another melting clock draped over it.

Subject matter of The Persistence of Memory

In The Persistence of Memory, Dalí explores the relationship between the past, present, and future. Time is relative and can be said to have different meanings to different people, depending on an individual’s life journey. This painting reflects these varying perspectives on time and memory. Below are the primary elements of The Persistence of Memory and what they are thought to represent.

The clocks in Salvador Dali’s painting

There are a few theories on what melting clocks mean in The Persistence of Memory. Many believe that they represent the relative way we experience time. We often perceive the passing of time differently depending on the circumstances. For example, as we age time seems to pass more quickly. 

Technology was also advancing rapidly during Dalí's lifetime. The painter saw the rise of the automobile, movies, radio, advanced warfare, and more inventions that would shape modern life. The melting clocks can represent the destruction or transfiguration of old forms of technology.

Additionally, the orange pocket watch in the bottom left corner of the painting is covered with ants. In Dalí's paintings, he would use ants as a way to show deterioration. Here, he may have been depicting the way time often causes things to break down. 

The fact that there are three melting clocks may also hint at Dalí intentions—some say that they symbolize the past, the present, and the future. Another interpretation of the clocks is less complex: Dalí himself said that the appearance of the clocks was inspired by camembert cheese. 

The surrealist face

One of the watches is melting over a nebulous white object. Upon closer examination, it has the appearance of a face—the eyelashes of a closed eye, a nose, and a mustache. This face is used in other paintings by Dalí and is thought to be his self-portrait. The figure almost looks like it's fading, and you could interpret its presence in many ways.

Some believe the painting portrays a dream, and the face is the dreamer. In this interpretation, the clocks may depict the differing perceptions of time we often experience when we’re sleeping. In dreams, time may feel as though it is passing by more slowly than it does while we are awake.

To some, the face appears to be an embryo and may be an interpretation of birth itself. In this case, the clock over the figure might represent the way humans lack a sense of time while in an embryonic state.

The face may also symbolize metamorphosis. Along with the melting clocks, it could be the focal point of a change that’s occurring. Many of us will go through complicated transformations in our lives, and the melting sensation can symbolize the uncomfortable transitions that often occur during these stages. 

The landscape in this Museum of Modern Art piece

Branches, rocks, and other natural features contribute to the stark and barren feel of The Persistence of Memory. If you look to the right, you will see a craggy cliff. This is representative of a peninsula known as the Cap de Creus, located in the northeastern part of California. The shadow that looms over the foreground—which could be from an unseen mountain—is thought to help represent the movement of the sun, simulating the transition from day to night. The ground appears to be sand, further evoking the passage of time.

In the distance, you can just make out a white object on the ground, near the shore. Many believe this is an egg, yet another symbol of the beginning of life. 

The olive tree

One of the clocks is hanging by a broken branch, which might be from an olive tree. Because the olive tree is often used as a symbol of wisdom, it can represent a departure from the wisdom of past generations; or it may illustrate the loss of wisdom and memory that people sometimes experience over time. Also, the broken olive branch could be a symbol of war. The geopolitical climate of the 1930s was tense, and a second world war was coming shortly.

The water

Many people believe that the water in the painting is the ocean, which is considered timeless and steadfast. Most things in life change, but some persist regardless of time. The steady, changeless nature of the ocean can be contrasted against the fluctuating state of the clocks.

The “Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory” of Salvador Dali

In 1954, Dalí painted a reimagining of The Persistence of Memory, which he called The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory. The painting is filled with imagery that more vividly depicts themes of war and technology, which could bring credence to the idea that those are central motifs in the original. The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory is found in the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Improved memory through online therapy

There are many theories as to what The Persistence of Memory means.

If you’re struggling with challenges related to memory or similar aspects of your mental health, consider working with a licensed therapist. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

There is a large amount of research showing that online therapy can help those with challenges related to memory loss. In a study published in Brain Injury—a peer-reviewed journal—researchers examined the effectiveness of online therapy in treating individuals with cognitive impairment, finding that this form of care successfully improved memory in participants. These findings can be added to those of numerous studies on the benefits of online therapy for a range of mental health-related challenges.

Benefits of online therapy

As mentioned above, if you’re concerned about possible memory loss, online therapy can help. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can easily schedule sessions and receive frequent reminders of upcoming appointments, which can be helpful if you’re experiencing memory impairment. BetterHelp works with thousands of mental health professionals—who have a range of specialties—so you’ll have a good chance of matching with someone who knows how to help you with your specific concerns regarding cognitive function or similar mental health-related concerns. A licensed therapist can help you work through mental health concerns that may be related to memory or similar challenges.