Dali Atomicus, 1948

To achieve spectacular results from this sitting, Dali first suggested inserting dynamite into live ducks. Halsman demurred and instead they devised a scenario to suspend furniture on wires, throw cats and water into the air while Dali jumped into the mix. The shot required 26 'takes' before Halsman was satisfied with the result. The wires were then retouched out and Dali painted cats legs and water onto the canvas to match the composition of the photograph.