The Persistence of Memory, painted in 1931, has become a well-known symbol of Surrealism. Painted during the Dada-inspired movement, the melting-clocks-masterpiece embodies the sensibilities that define the experimental and eccentric genre.

To contextualize the iconic piece’s place in art history, one must understand its unique influences, examine its symbolic content, and appreciate the artist’s avant-garde approach to its creation.

Melting clocks—or “soft watches,” as many Surrealists have called them—are scattered across the composition. These fascinating timepieces appear to have lost their integrity, as they’re limply draped over a tree branch or sliding off of an ambiguous platform. 

Original Lithograph , signed and numbered 298/330.

Signed and dated in the back from Frank Hunter of the Salvador Dali archives.