Swans Reflecting Elephants
Print on paper (reproduction) • Salvador Dalí
Style & Movement
Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Offset lithograph or high-quality photographic print; original work was oil on canvas
Creation Period
Original painting created in 1937; this print is likely late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; approximate print size 24 x 36 inches including margins
Subject Description
A classic example of double imagery where three swans in a pond with leafless trees behind them create a reflection that appears as three elephants. The composition utilizes Paranoiac-Critical method techniques.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; appears to be a framed commercial poster or open-edition print
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (as a decorative reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$20 - $80 (standard for framed commercial prints)
Provenance History
Likely purchased from a museum gift shop, gallery, or retail poster outlet; no individual provenance noted
Art Historical Significance
The original 1937 painting is a masterpiece of Dalí's 'paranoiac-critical' period, exploring optical illusions and the subconscious; this reproduction serves as a decorative homage.
Notable Features
Features a printed facsimile signature of Salvador Dalí in the lower margin; framed in a standard black modern frame.
Condition Issues
Slight bowing of the paper may be present; potential light fading depending on age and UV exposure; no major tears or stains visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading; use acid-free matting if reframing to prevent paper yellowing.