Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea (after The Angelus of Millet)
Print, Lithograph on paper • Salvador Dalí (1904–1989)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Optical Illusion (Trompe l'oeil)
Medium & Technique
Lithography on paper with gold foil/metallic highlights; based on the 1965 original painting titled 'Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea which at twenty meters becomes the portrait of Abraham Lincoln (Homage to Rothko)'.
Creation Period
Late 20th century (c. 1970s - 1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 22 x 30 inches (standard lithographic size); landscape format.
Subject Description
A complex composition merging Dalí's wife Gala watching the horizon with Jean-François Millet’s 'The Angelus'. When viewed from a distance, the composition resolves into a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Central perspectival rays emanate from a central figure. It explores themes of religious devotion, nuclear physics, and optical perception.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the print appears flat and well-protected by glazing, though there is potential light-fading of the lighter pigments common in late Dalí prints.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 'A.P. 2/20' (Artist's Proof) in the lower-left margin. Likely acquired through a secondary market gallery or print dealer specializing in 20th-century masters. No specific sale labels visible.
Art Historical Significance
A late-career example of Dalí’s fascination with double-images and pixelation. It represents his 'Nuclear Mysticism' period, where he reconciled science and religion through optical games. The work pays homage to Millet, Lincoln, and Rothko.
Notable Features
Features a facsimile or hand-pencil signature by Dalí in the lower-right. Labeled as an Artist Proof (A.P.) with a very low edition number (2/20), which usually commands a slight premium over standard numbered editions.
Condition Issues
Visible reflection indicates it is behind glass, which might be non-UV protective. Slight mat-burn is possible at the edges. Minor rippling of the paper at the margins is characteristic of hand-pulled prints.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure it is framed with museum-quality UV-filtering glass. Replace any acidic matting with acid-free rag mats to prevent yellowing over time. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight to maintain the yellow and gold tonalities.