Lot 249
Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989)."Tree of Punishment" woodcut in colors from Dali's "Divine Comedy series" ca. 1960s. Edition 124 of 150. Signed in red pencil on the lower right. Numbered in graphite pencil on lower left. A stunning, hand-signed woodcut in colors by Salvador Dali from his "Divine Comedy" series. To commemorate the 700th anniversary of Dante's birth the Italian government issued a special edition of Dante's "Divine Comedy" and Salvador Dali was asked to create 101 watercolors for this project, which he did from 1951 until 1960. The "Tree of Punishment" composition accompanied Dante's Purgatory Canto 24. Dali featured two figures reaching toward a fruit-filled tree as the sun shines upon it, casting a golden glow to add to the temptation. All was delineated in his signature Surrealist manner and vibrant hues. A wonderful artwork set behind glass in an attractive custom frame. Size of image: 9.875" L x 6.875" W (25.1 cm x 17.5 cm) Size of sight view (with margins): 12.5" L x 8.875" W (31.8 cm x 22.5 cm) Size of frame: 18.125" L x 14.2" W (46 cm x 36.1 cm)
According to Dante's text the tree taunts these gluttonous people by keeping its branches beyond their reach. In time, they give up and abandon the tree. A voice warns Dante and Forese not to get too close to this tree, as it is related to the Tree of Knowledge that Eve ate from.
Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dali i Domenech, Marquis of Dali de Pubol (May 11, 1904 January 23, 1989) was a Spanish surrealist artist of Catalan ethnicity born in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain. One of the most famous artists that has ever lived, Dali was a prolific creator working in many mediums including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, writing, multi-media, photography, and filmmaking. Dali had a famously eccentric personality, and with his exceptional skill as a draftsman and his unusually imaginative view of the world, he captured the attention of the public wherever his work was displayed. Dali also created his own personal philosophy which he called paranoid critical - a state in which one could simulate delusion while still maintaining one's sanity - which influenced the Surrealist movement. Dali's world of tapping into the unconscious using symbolism filled with themes from religion, death, eroticism, and decay has fascinated even those who were not frequent art lovers. Dali was a great showman and loved being adored by his public - and needless to say, he possessed immense talent that sustained his popularity even after his death.
On the verso is a Certificate of Authenticity from The Societe de Verification de la Nouvelle Gravure Internationale of New York and Paris created by The Collector's Guild Ltd.
Provenance: Private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection
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#173848
- Condition: Hand-signed in red by the artist on the lower right. Also numbered 124 of 150 in pencil on lower left. This woodblock is set behind glass in a custom frame and has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in excellent condition save slight toning to periphery. Frame is in very nice condition save a few minor scuffs. On the verso is a Certificate of Authenticity from The Societe de Verification de la Nouvelle Gravure Internationale of New York and Paris created by The Collector's Guild Ltd. Suspension hardware on verso and ready to display.
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