Sigmund Freud's Influence upon Salvador Dali

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The beginning of the twentieth century was a fascinating time for modern man. Artists, musicians, novelists, inventors, and scientists were reveling on new ways of experiencing life. The shadows of the past and the dawn of the new era opened the minds of many who relished constant change. Science and medicine were evolving, and one man in particular sought to expand knowledge and understanding. Sigmund Freud, the most renowned, thought provoking psychologist to have ever lived, opened an exciting chapter in the study of the mind. Without a doubt, Freud had influenced, and inspired artists searching for something new. The world of psychology and art were interweaving and promising a bold new path. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) studied medicine, science, and philosophy as an introduction to the study of the human mind. Freud desired to have a thorough understanding of the inner workings of the conscious and subconscious condition. It was noted, “Sigmund would become thoroughly absorbed in his research, so much so…he couldn’t stop wanting to study”. (Masson, The Life of Simund Freud) He graduated high school in 1873, and received a doctorate degree in 1881. Freud was enamored with all specialties of science, and conducted research and experiments with notable scientists of the late nineteenth century. Freud’s first foray into psychiatric medicine was in 1883 studying neuropathy. Soon afterwards, he studied hypnosis. Freud’s enthusiasm to decipher the mysteries within the mind was unmatched, and psychology was being rejuvenated. Known today as the founder of psychoanalysis, Freud wrote a monumental and highly criticized book, The Interpretation of Dreams. Started eight years prior to its publication in 1900, the study was part autob... ... middle of paper ... ...was exponentially successful at painting the mind Freud intellectualized. Works Cited Bradbury, Kirsten. Essential Dali. Bath: Parragon, 2000. —. Essential Dali. Bath: Parragon, 2000. Freud, Sigmund. Beyond the Pleasure Principle. New York: Norton, 1989. Masson, Jeffrey Moussaieff. "The Life of Sigmund Freud." Freud, Sigmund. The Interpretation of Dreams, The Illustrated Edition. New York: Sterling, 2010. 168. Masson, Jeffrey Moussaieff. "The Life of Simund Freud." Freud, Sigmund. The Interpretation of Dreams, The Illustrated Edition. New York: Sterling, 2010. 65. Robert Descharnes, Gilles Neret. "Art of the 20th Century: Salvador Dali." n.d. A World History of Art. 21 4 2012 . Wood, Dr. Jonathan. "Introduction: The Essential Dali." Bradbury, Kirsten. The Essential Dali. Bath: Parragon, 2000. 11.

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