The Negligent (from the Divine Comedy, Purgatory Canto 4)
Fine art print on paper • Salvador Dalí (1904-1989)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Illustration
Medium & Technique
Woodblock engraving (color) based on an original watercolor. The technique involves multiple carved blocks to layer colors, mimicking the fluidity of watercolor washes and fine pen lines.
Creation Period
Circa 1960-1964
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 x 13 inches (image size) in a portrait format; frame is significantly larger.
Subject Description
Four stylized, ethereal figures with elongated limbs and dream-like coloring representing the Negligent souls from Dante's Purgatorio. The central figure sits in a prayer-like or resting pose while others stand with expressive, fluid gestures typical of Dalí's mid-century religious-surrealist period.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within its frame, with stable colors and no immediate signs of foxing or water damage visible in the photograph.
Estimated Market Value
$1,000 - $2,500 (depending on paper type, i.e., BFK Rives or Japon, and verification of signature)
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500
Provenance History
Likely part of a complete or broken set of the 100 woodcuts commissioned by the Italian government for the 700th anniversary of Dante's birth. Standard luxury gallery framing suggests 20th-century retail acquisition.
Art Historical Significance
This series is considered one of Dalí's most ambitious and successful illustrative projects, showcasing his ability to blend literary classicism with his own 'paranoiac-critical' surrealist method. It represents his thematic shift toward spiritualism and the Divine.
Notable Features
Features two signatures: a block-signed 'Dali' (often with a box around it) which is part of the engraving, and what appears to be a graphite hand-signature in the lower margin. The ornate gilded frame with a linen liner is characteristic of high-end art market presentations from the late 20th century.
Condition Issues
Possible light toning to the paper edges and potential UV fading if displayed in direct sunlight; the matting appears contemporary which may or may not be acid-free.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with archival, acid-free matting and UV-protective Museum Glass to prevent future color fading. Ensure it is kept in a climate-controlled environment with low humidity.