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Identification

Salvador Dali Signed & Numbered Color Lithograph

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The item is a framed color lithograph featuring surrealist imagery (a figure intertwined with plant-like forms and watercolor-style washes) characteristic of Salvador Dali's graphic works.

Story

Salvador Dali (1904-1989) was a prominent Spanish Surrealist whose graphic works were heavily published, particularly in the 1970s. Unfortunately, his late-career practice of signing blank sheets of paper led to a massive influx of unauthorized prints, making provenance and expert authentication critical for establishing value. The secondary market for Salvador Dali prints is highly polarized. Fully authenticated pieces from recognized suites with clear provenance command strong prices at major auction houses.

Maker / Origin

Salvador Dali

Condition & Value

The piece appears to be framed and matted, which protects the artwork but obscures the margins where crucial watermarks or blind stamps might be located. Without examining the piece out of the frame, it is impossible to assess potential hidden issues like acid burn from the matting, hinging stains, or subtle foxing, all of which heavily impact the value of works on paper. The print appears to be in good visual condition, housed under glass with matting.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for Salvador Dali prints is highly polarized. Fully authenticated pieces from recognized suites with clear provenance command strong prices at major auction houses. Conversely, the market is flooded with unauthorized reproductions, later strikes, and outright forgeries, meaning unverified prints sold at estate sales or regional auctions often struggle to surpass the $500 to $1,000 mark due to extreme buyer caution.

Value Drivers

▲ Pencil signature and edition numbering (37/245) align with known Dali publication formats.

▲ Edition size of 245 strongly correlates with recognized 1970s suites like the 'Mayflower' lithographs.

▲ Surrealist botanical subject matter is highly desirable among Dali collectors.

Concerns

▼ Lack of formal authentication or provenance documentation severely limits buyer confidence.

▼ High prevalence of Dali forgeries means unverified prints often sell at a fraction of their potential value.

▼ Framed state obscures paper edges, preventing verification of watermarks or blind stamps.

Best Venue

Do not sell this piece immediately at a general estate sale if maximum value is desired. Instead, consult a specialist in Dali prints or submit the piece to a major auction house (such as Swann Auction Galleries) for formal authentication. If selling locally without authentication, price conservatively around $500-$800 to account for buyer risk.

Upside Potential

If the piece is removed from the frame, formally authenticated by a recognized Dali expert (e. g., matching the paper, watermark, and signature to the catalog raisonné for the 'Mayflower' suite), and confirmed to be in excellent condition, it could reach or exceed the $3,500 high-end at a major auction.

Authenticity Risk

high

Salvador Dali prints represent one of the highest-risk categories for forgery in the art market due to the artist's habit of signing blank paper and the massive volume of unauthorized reproductions. While the signature and edition number are visible, these are easily faked; definitive authentication requires physical inspection of the paper, watermark, and printing technique by a specialist.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Ketterer Kunst· 2012-10-19
    Salvador Dalí. Flordali II, 1981
    Link could not be verified.
    $1,375
  • Bonhams· 2017-03-22
    After Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) Flordali I
    Listed as 'After' Dali, not an original signed lithograph.
    $688
  • Waddingtons· 2017-03-09
    HEAVEN CANTO 24 (ONE PLATE FROM LA DIVINA COMMEDIA) [FIELD, ILLUSTRATED PAGE 198]
    Wood engraving after watercolors, not a color lithograph.
    $540