L'Automne (Autumn) from the series 'The Four Seasons'
Print, specifically a drypoint etching or lithograph after a drawing • Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904-1989)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Neo-Classical phase of late Dalí
Medium & Technique
Sepia ink or sanguine-toned printing on paper, utilizing fluid, calligraphic line-work typical of drypoint or heliogravure techniques
Creation Period
Circa 1970-1972
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 inches (76 x 56 cm), portrait orientation
Subject Description
An allegorical representation of Autumn featuring a central female figure carrying a basket of fruit on her head, flanked by cherubic putti. The composition uses explosive, radiating lines emanating from the upper right, merging classical mythology with Dalinian 'atomic' fragmentation and paranoiac-critical line-work.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The paper appears relatively bright, though there is potential for minor light-strike/mat burn typical of vintage prints.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 (assuming a hand-signed, numbered edition)
Auction Estimate
$800 - $2,000
Provenance History
Commonly distributed through high-end art publishers like Pierre Argillet or Leon Amiel. These works were frequently sold in limited editions signed and numbered in pencil (though the signature and numbering are not visible in this cropped view).
Art Historical Significance
Represents Dalí’s later graphic period where he combined Renaissance and Baroque influences with his own surrealist vocabulary. The Four Seasons suite is a well-documented part of his prolific print production, reflecting his obsession with natural cycles and classical beauty reimagined through energetic draftsmanship.
Notable Features
The piece features the characteristic 'Dalinian' signature at the bottom center/left within the plate and fluid, looping hair and fabric lines that are hallmarks of his mature drawing style.
Condition Issues
Possible minor yellowing or oxidation of the paper consistent with age; minor buckling or undulations from the mounting process; potential acid transfer from non-archival matting.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is framed under UV-protective glass. Recommend acid-free, 100% cotton rag matting and archival mounting to prevent foxing and discoloration.