Hollywood stuntman Russell Saunders was the model for Christ.
He was strapped to a gantry to help Dali envisage the pull of gravity on the body.
Dali had been in touch with Jack Warner of Warner Brothers studio in New York. He said he was looking for someone to pose who didn’t look too muscular, ‘Someone like a sailor or a diver or a gymnast’.
Saunders was introduced to Dali in Jack Warner’s office and found suitable for the role.
The next morning Saunders saw a big cross on the ground outside his dressing room, with Dali supervising workers with pulleys and lights.
It took four or five days to get the right angle so that Saunders was the crucified Christ going up to heaven.
Saunders posed for three weeks in preparation and another five weeks in Spain.