L'Amoureuse (The Lover) from the 'Poèmes de Mao Tse-Tung' suite
Original print, drypoint etching with gold dust/hand-coloring on Arches or Japon paper • Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989)
Style & Movement
Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Drypoint etching with hand-applied gold highlights. The artist used a fine needle to scratch directly into the plate, creating soft, velvety lines typical of Dalí's late graphic works.
Creation Period
1967
Dimensions & Format
Plate size approximately 24 x 19 cm; Paper size approximately 38 x 28 cm. Vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A delicate, ethereal female figure with flowing hair, reclining in a landscape. The composition utilizes minimalist, calligraphic lines characteristic of Dalí's interpretation of Asian poetic themes. The iconography merges classical feminine beauty with surrealist fluidity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The image area appears clean. The print is professionally matted and framed.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 118/125 in the lower left, indicating a limited edition run. Likely acquired from a gallery specializing in 20th-century European prints.
Art Historical Significance
This piece belongs to a significant period in Dalí's career where he illustrated major literary and historical texts. The Mao Tse-Tung suite represents his late-period graphic mastery and his ability to synthesize Eastern poetic concepts with Western surrealism.
Notable Features
Includes a visible hand-signed signature in pencil by Salvador Dalí below the plate mark and an edition number 118/125. The use of gold dust is a hallmark of this specific series.
Condition Issues
Minor toning of the paper consistent with age; possible light mat burn along the edges. The signature and numbering appear crisp.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting materials. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the delicate gold dust and paper oxidation.