The Swallow's Tail — Series on Catastrophes

"The Swallow's Tail — Series of Catastrophes" is the final magnum opus by Salvador Dalí, completed in May 1983. This artwork is part of a series inspired by mathematician René Thom's catastrophe theory, which explores seven potential equilibrium surfaces and fundamental catastrophes within four-dimensional phenomena.

In this painting, Dalí directly incorporates Thom's four-dimensional graph of the swallow's tail and the cusp, seamlessly intertwining these mathematical concepts with a cello and its f-holes, reminiscent of the integral symbol in calculus.

In 1979, during an address titled "Gala, Velázquez, and the Golden Fleece" Dalí voiced his profound admiration for Thom's theory, describing it as the most beautiful aesthetic theory he had ever encountered. He recalled meeting Thom, who mentioned his research on tectonic plates, which piqued Dalí's curiosity. This led Dalí to inquire about the significance of the Perpignan railway station. Thom's answer, which connected Spain's strategic importance to the station, ignited the inspiration for Dalí's painting "Topological Abduction of Europe — Homage to René Thom." This work features an equation related to the swallow's tail and the term "queue d'aronde." The seismic fracture depicted in that piece also reappears in "The Swallow's Tail" where the graphs intersect.

Dalí's final painting is a testament to his profound engagement with mathematics, aesthetics, and the enigmas of the universe, vividly brought to life through his intricate connections to Thom's theory and their personal interactions.