In 1933, Dali painted a painting that caused his break with the surrealists – “The Mystery of William Tell”. Tell in the art world of Dali symbolizes his father, who deprived his son of an inheritance. However, it is clearly visible on the canvas that Lenin is holding the child in his arms!
The artist used to write to Vladimir Ilyich, but here his appearance seems completely incomprehensible. In fact, everything is simple. Surrealists were supporters of communist ideas and Vladimir Ilyich, respectively, very respected. Dali simply wanted to provoke their fury. But crutches, supporting the ambiguously depicted buttock of the leader of the world proletariat and the peak of his cap, are a much more complex symbol. Usually it means death and ascension.
“The mystery of William Tell”, as expected, led the Surrealists into a rage. This was the last straw in the cup of patience: Dali and so extremely annoyed them with his enthusiasm for Hitler.
Exhibited in the Salon of Independent in 1934, they tried to break the picture, but they failed to carry out their plans only because the canvas hung too high. Then a friendly court was appointed against Dali, after which the masters were expelled from the group. However, he was not too upset. The genius who did not suffer from excessive shyness proclaimed: “Surrealism is me, and I really think so, for I am the only one who is able to develop it further.” By that time he was already convinced of his destiny – to save art.
El enigma de William Tell – Salvador Dalí 
The old age of William Tell by Salvador Dali 
Islands of the Dead by Salvador Dali 
Madame Reese by Salvador Dali 
Soft construction with boiled beans: Premonition of the Civil War by Salvador Dali 
Sleep (Sleeping) by Salvador Dali 
Self-portrait with “Yumanite” by Salvador Dali 
Skull of Zurbaran by Salvador Dali