More than three decades after his death, Salvador Dali, a pioneer of surrealism, remains one of the most bitterly contested figures in the international art world. His famous painting, “The Persistence of Memory,” is said to represent some of modern art‘s signature traits as well as insights into the artist himself.

Despite its high level of detail, the actual painting is only about the size of a standard sheet of paper. Dali is playing with the perception of scale, making it seem as if the viewer is looking down on the art through the wrong end of a telescope.

Learn more about Salvador Dali’s fascinating life and work at his house and museum’s website. And check out the Great Art Explained YouTube channel for more information about history’s masterpieces.