Art: Modern Salamander

Another early hero of Surrealism, Salvador Dali, had been excommunicated for a rankling crime: success. Dali's slick-as-grease craftsmanship and even slicker pressagenting had won him a reputation as a sort of a screwball Benvenuto Cellini in modern dress. Last week a new edition of the real Cellini's famed Autobiography appeared (Doubleday Limited Editions; $10) and it was illustrated by Dali.

Dali had drawn 40 illustrations, and they were enough to make Cellini do a double roll in his grave. For example, Dali had decided to picture an incident when Cellini was five, and saw a lizard among the hot coals in the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!