Mistress of the keys

A stealthy presence, a mysterious being looms out of the darkness. Suddenly she is there. Dali has made her reappear, like Alfred Hitchcock did in "Rebecca", after having been hidden in secret corridors, travelling through time.

She is the "Mistress of the Keys", guardian of the coffers that contain mysteries. She stands erect, her ancient bodice and tunic restricting her movements, mistress of doors and magic. "Mistress of the Keys" of distant rooms where strange airs linger, where, if she wishes, she can unlock hidden mirrors.

Dali worked with Alfred Hitchcock on some of his films, such as "Spellbound", made in 1944, for which he made the sets. This image of the "Mistress of the Keys" doubtless derives from his experience in film-making.