Nostalgic Echo is a less popular work of art created by Salvador Dali in 1935, which was about 76 years ago. Many versions I saw of the artwork were in black in white, but I came across a colored print.
Salvador was known for his extreme use of symbolism, as said on wahooart.com. This art was created using oils.
This work seems to have a sad feel to it. The clouds up above, but seemingly clear over the center of the town. The circle above the entryway; the high, solid walls. The church bell of some sort in the far distance. A man, or rather a shadow, sits in the entry way. Almost as if he is not in, or out, of the town. Like he could be stuck. He also appears to have a fishing pole, or a stick of some sort. It seems as if he would be traveling. The shadow archetype stands for one's unconscious mind, repressed ideas, weaknesses, or desires. Though this is typically negative. (psychology.about.com)
On the center ground is a girl in all white, jump roping. The white could be representing the innocence and pureness of the child. The child playing can also mean a fear of losing your connection with your childhood. (wikipedia.com) Around the corner, next to a girl, is also a shadow of a figure you cannot see. Someone hiding, looking over. Half of the town has a shadow over it, especially as you would get further in. There also appears to be a trash can or maybe a mailbox in the city, but it is difficult to tell. This could be a symbol for the mystery of the town; maybe he wasn't always 100% comfortable.
Looking into what the town may have been a representation of, I stumbled upon a building called “La barraca d’en Dali,” which translates into “The hut of Dali.” Information about it is vague, but it is interesting nonetheless. They both have an arched type of doorway, and that circle in the center. The cottage is located in Palamos, Spain, and Dali was also Spanish. Circles can be a symbol for wholeness or unity, for what Dali may feel when he is back "home." (docstoc.com)
The name of the art, Nostalgic Echo, proves for a longing of something familiar. I would believe for it to be his childhood. The little girl in all white, can also be a meaning for an inexperienced adult.
The tunnel, which has a triangular arch, not rounded; can represent love, or something unattainable. (astro.com) Perhaps Dali's childhood brings back love and longing to him, though he cannot relive the days. This artwork, to me, is about a person desperately missing their childhood, and their home.
You can find "La barraca d’en Dali here:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5299747595_6be40602da.jpg
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