Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A drypoint etching in sanguine ink depicting a stylized portrait of William Shakespeare, part of Dalí's 1968 tribute to the Bard. The work features Dalí's signature 'spontaneous' line work, blending the features of the playwright with the artist's own surrealist sensibilities.
Story
In 1968, Dalí celebrated the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth with a suite of etchings. He famously used a 'bulletist' technique, firing an antique arquebus at copper plates to create the initial textures for these portraits.
Maker / Origin
Salvador Dalí was the flamboyant king of Surrealism, known for his melting clocks and eccentric public persona. By the late 1960s, he was obsessed with classical literature, reinterpreting masters like Dante and Shakespeare through his own 'paranoiac-critical' lens.
Condition & Value
The etching appears well-framed with even ink tone. Some slight yellowing of the mat is visible; if the mat is not acid-free, it should be replaced to prevent 'mat burn' on the paper. Excellent condition for the paper itself significantly preserves value. Value is driven by the presence of a hand-signature and edition numbering.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.