Purgatorio Canto 25: The Turners of the Wounds from The Divine Comedy Series
Print, Woodcut engraving on paper in portrait format • Salvador Dalí
Style & Movement
Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Wood engraving with watercolor wash, likely from the suite printed by Les Heures Claires
Creation Period
Conceived c. 1950-1952, printed 1959-1963
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 x 7 inches (image), framed in portrait orientation
Subject Description
Illustrating Dante's Divine Comedy, Purgatorio, depicting Dante in his characteristic red hood and laurel wreath encountering souls in Purgatory, characterized by ethereal flowing garments and a halo-like motif above.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition, retaining vivid coloration with minor toning visible in the margins.
Estimated Market Value
1200 - 2500 USD
Auction Estimate
800 - 1500 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a complete suite of Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy commissioned by the Italian government and published by Les Heures Claires in Paris, passing through private collections.
Art Historical Significance
Part of Dalí's monumental illustration project of Dante's Divine Comedy, commissioned for the 700th anniversary of Dante's birth, representing his return to a more illustrative, classical surrealist aesthetic.
Notable Features
Features Salvador Dalí's distinctive printed signature within a rectangular cartouche at the lower center.
Condition Issues
Possible light foxing or toning on paper consistent with mid-20th-century prints; framing under glass suggests limited recent atmospheric exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of watercolors; ensure acid-free matting if reframed in the future.