Rhinocéros habillé de dentelles (Rhinoceros Dressed in Lace)
Print on paper, likely a drypoint etching or lithograph with hand-coloring • Salvador Dalí (1904–1989)
Style & Movement
Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Ink and wash on paper; likely a color etching/lithograph base with potential hand-signed pencil or crayon additions. Features fine line-work and stippling to create the texture of the rhinoceros hide.
Creation Period
Circa 1968 (dated 1968 in the plate); mid-20th Century
Dimensions & Format
Small format, landscape orientation. Estimated image size 5 x 7 inches; frame size approximately 12 x 15 inches.
Subject Description
The rhinoceros is a recurring motif in Dalí's 'paranoiac-critical' period, which he admired for its logarithmic spiral geometry (the horn). Here, the animal is depicted with ornate, lace-like or celestial patterns on its hide, with lines of energy or sun rays emanating from the sky. A small fly or insect is visible near the horn.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper appears stable within the mount, though some minor yellowing of the matting and potential light-staining to the periphery of the paper is visible.
Estimated Market Value
$2,000 - $4,500 USD (subject to authentication of the signature and edition status)
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; visible signature in the lower margin and date/signature within the plate. Likely acquired from a gallery or auction house specializing in modern graphics.
Art Historical Significance
Represents Dalí's obsession with 'nuclear mysticism' and the rhinoceros as a symbol of perfect mathematical form. This image belongs to his prolific period of graphic production in the 1960s.
Notable Features
Includes Dalí's signature both within the plate (dated 1968) and a secondary signature in the lower right margin, which appears to be in pencil/crayon. The rhinoceros motif is one of the most iconic symbols of his late career.
Condition Issues
Visible dust under the glass; slight mat burn or discoloration at the edges of the image; the frame shows minor wear and gilding loss at the corners.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current acidic matting and re-mount using acid-free, archival museum board. Use UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the hand-colored elements and ink.