Salvador Dalí - "Paradise 21"

Original Color Woodcut on B.F.K. Rives Paper

Artist:

Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904-1989)

Title:

"Paradise 21"

Medium:

Original Color Woodcut on B.F.K. Rives Paper

Dimensions:

• Unframed: 13" x 10"
• Framed: 22" x 18"

Edition Details:

• Signature: Unsigned
• Certificate of Authenticity: Included
• Reference Number: 16549

Condition Report:

• Overall Condition: Good
• Framing: Custom framed to preserve and enhance the artwork
• Paper Quality: High-quality B.F.K. Rives paper, known for its durability and fine texture

Description & Artistic Significance

"Paradise 21" is an original color woodcut by Salvador Dalí, one of the most influential and recognizable surrealist artists of the 20th century. This piece is part of his celebrated Divine Comedy series, which was commissioned in 1950 by the Italian government to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s birth. The project, consisting of 100 illustrations (one for each canto of Dante’s poem), took Dalí over a decade to complete and remains one of his most ambitious literary-inspired works.

Dalí’s Divine Comedy series was originally created as watercolor paintings, which were later meticulously transformed into woodcut prints by skilled artisans. Each print required up to 37 separate woodblocks, hand-carved for each color, making this an extraordinarily detailed and labor-intensive process.

"Paradise 21" and The Divine Comedy Series

This print is part of the Paradise (Paradiso) section, which depicts Dante’s final ascent into the celestial spheres of Heaven. Unlike the dark and tortured imagery found in the Inferno section, Dalí’s Paradise compositions are filled with light, ethereal tones, and celestial figures, reflecting the spiritual transcendence and divine enlightenment of Dante’s journey.

Dalí’s interpretation of Paradise diverges from traditional Renaissance depictions, infusing the work with his signature surrealist touch. His vision of Heaven includes floating forms, radiant beings, and dreamlike landscapes, often blending the abstract with the figurative. This piece, "Paradise 21", encapsulates this style, drawing the viewer into a world of divine mystery and imagination.

Historical & Artistic Context

Dalí and the Surrealist Movement

Salvador Dalí was a leading figure in the Surrealist movement, known for his dreamlike, highly imaginative compositions that explored the subconscious, Freudian psychology, and irrational juxtapositions. While best known for paintings like The Persistence of Memory (1931), he was also a prolific printmaker, sculptor, and illustrator. His work on the Divine Comedy showcases his ability to merge literature, philosophy, and art, creating a unique interpretation of Dante’s timeless epic.

Woodcut Printing Technique

The woodcut is one of the oldest and most revered printmaking techniques, dating back to the 14th century. Dalí collaborated with master printmakers who painstakingly carved individual woodblocks for each color layer, resulting in vibrant, textured compositions. Each image in the Divine Comedy series is a testament to Dalí’s precision, artistry, and attention to detail.

Investment & Collectibility

As a limited-edition print, this original color woodcut is a valuable piece of Dalí’s legacy. His works, particularly those from the Divine Comedy series, are highly sought after by collectors. This piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and authenticity.

Why Collect Dalí’s Woodcuts?

• Historical Significance: Part of Dalí’s Divine Comedy, a landmark project in 20th-century art
• Scarcity: These woodcuts were produced in limited numbers, making them increasingly rare
• Artistic Value: A blend of Surrealism, Renaissance influences, and literary inspiration
• Investment Potential: Dalí’s works continue to appreciate in value over time