Dali Atomicus, 1948

Halsman had the idea for this photograph in 1948, at a time when Dali had just completed an important painting entitled Leda Atomica (pictured within the image). The painting was a depiction of Mrs. Dali as Leda, floating on the canvas suspended above her pedestal. From this, Halsman dreamt up a concept for a photograph, telephoned Dali, and the idea for Dali Atomica was born. The elaborately curated studio set-up by Halsman and a long standing working friendship between the artists combined to make this photograph a success.