This work is an idea for a set design for the opera Carmen act IV "Lillias Pastia's Tavern".

The central figure in each work is the same as depicted in the Velasquez work, the Queen's Chamberlain Don Jose Nieto, with knee bent neither coming nor going. It is meant to draw the viewer into the center of the work. (See illustration)

Salvador Dali venerated Spanish master Diego Velázquez (1599-1660) was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV. He is considered the most important painter of the Spanish Golden Age. Dali stated "I [Dali] am not a good painter, because I am too intelligent to be a good painter. To be a good painter you've got to be a bit stupid, with the exception of Velasquez, who is a genius whose talent surpasses the art of painting and to life."

Accompanied by a copy of the certificate from Robert Descharnes, Gold-standard of Dali certification. Original frame with some nicks and original exhibition stickers.