Salvador Dali: The King and Queen

Alchemy is primarily concerned with the joining of opposites-in particular, the substances called Philosophic Mercury and Sulphur, which alchemists considered to be the ultimate opposite principles. Because these two substances were so vital, alchemists represented them with symbols of power and majesty. Sulphur was represented as the King: hot, dry, masculine, and active. Mercury was represented as the Queen: cool, moist, feminine, and passive. Alchemical images frequently portray the King and Queen undergoing the alchemical process. The most important stage of the process is called conjunctio, when the King and Queen engage in sexual intercourse. The result of this intercourse is the combination of the King and Queen into one being containing both of their attributes: the hermaphrodite. 

Dalí's King and Queen have not yet undergone the alchemical process and remain distinct individuals. Unlike nearly all of the other figures in Alchimie des Philosophes, The King and Queen have faces, indicating their vast importance in the alchemical process. Their bodies are almost nonexistent, with the highest concentration of color and detail in their faces. Thick drips of liquid gold cover the print and the figures, especially dripping from the faceted jewel at the top of the print. Like the jewels in the other prints, the facets of this jewel contain a variety of figures and symbols. There are several geological structures, including a volcano and some rock formations. The head of a giraffe is in one corner, wearing a crown. A swan-woman, a symbol recurring in some of the other prints, emerges from the mouth of a fish. In the center of the faceted jewel is a physical green gem attached to the print.