Discovery of a Rare Salvador Dali Painting
A remarkable painting by the renowned Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali has been discovered in a home in Cambridge. The artwork, which was purchased for a mere £150, is expected to fetch up to £30,000 at an auction in October. The mixed-media piece has been authenticated and is considered a significant rediscovery in the art world.
The Painting’s History
The painting, titled Vecchio Sultano, was created as part of a series of 500 pieces inspired by the Arab Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales. Dali was commissioned by the wealthy Italian couple Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto to illustrate a Bible in 1963, but instead, he chose to illustrate scenes from the Arab Nights. It is believed that Dali only completed 100 of the intended 500 works before the project was abandoned.
Authentication and Provenance
The painting has been certified as authentic by Dali expert Nicolas and Dannes. According to Gabrielle Downie, an employee of the auctioneers Cheffins, the painting was previously offered for sale at Sotheby’s in the 1990s and was fully attributed to Dali. However, the attribution was lost over time, making this rediscovery a rare and exciting event in the art world.
The Artwork’s Significance
The painting is an unusual piece that showcases a different side of Dali’s practice, as it is created using watercolor and felt-tip pen. Downie notes that while Dali is often well-known, this piece is a unique example of his work in a different medium. The painting is expected to attract significant attention from art collectors and enthusiasts when it goes up for sale in October.
The Auction
The painting will be offered for sale by Cheffins on October 23, with a pre-sale estimate of £20,000 to £30,000. The sale is expected to generate significant interest, given the painting’s rarity and significance in the art world. As Downie notes, it is a real honor to be involved in the sale of a genuine rediscovery by one of the most famous artists in the world.
