Flor Dalinienne (Surrealist Flowers with Elephant)
Print with hand-coloring (Lithograph/Etching with watercolor or gouache additions) • Attributed to Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989), with typical signature style in the lower right
Style & Movement
Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Mixed media print comprising black ink etching or lithographic base on heavy wove paper, selectively hand-colored with washes of red, orange, and green watercolor or gouache, hand-signed in pencil
Creation Period
Mid-20th century, circa 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Vertical portrait format, estimated plate mark approximately 38 x 50 cm, overall framed dimensions approximately 55 x 70 cm
Subject Description
The composition features a surrealist bouquet of large, stylized tulips or botanical blossoms in deep reds and yellows growing from a single root system. Perched delicately on exceptionally long, spindly legs above the flowers is a classic Dalinian elephant carrying an ornate architectural structure (reminiscent of the elephant from 'The Temptation of St. Anthony'). The barren background horizon includes a tiny stylized boat and distant landscape, characteristic of Dalí's coastal imagery.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper shows minor toning appropriate for age, colors remain vibrant, and the print is well-preserved under glass within a gold-toned wooden frame.
Estimated Market Value
USD 2,500 - USD 5,000
Auction Estimate
USD 1,800 - USD 3,500
Provenance History
Numbered edition visible in the lower left (appearing as 255/350), suggesting a commercial fine art printing edition distributed by an established publisher or gallery in the late 20th century, subsequently acquired by a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
This piece exemplifies Dalí's prolific late-career printmaking output, where he frequently revisited iconic surrealist motifs—such as the gravity-defying, multi-jointed 'elephant of space'—and combined them with botanical and floral themes to appeal to the collector market.
Notable Features
Includes a visible pencil signature in the lower right margin characteristic of Salvador Dalí and a numbered edition mark '255/350' in the lower left margin, alongside distinct hand-coloring accents enhancing the printed line work.
Condition Issues
Potential light toning or acid migration from the matting board, minor dust particles trapped behind the glazing.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight and UV radiation. Ensure archival, acid-free matting if re-framing is undertaken in the future to prevent further paper degradation.