Salvador Dalí - "Purgatory 8"

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

Artist:

Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904-1989)

Title:

"Purgatory 8"

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: 16552

Condition Report:

• Overall Condition: Great
• Framing: Custom framed for preservation and display
• Paper Quality: High-quality B.F.K. Rives paper, known for its durability and fine texture

Description & Artistic Significance

"Purgatory 8" is an original color woodcut by Salvador Dalí, part of his renowned Divine Comedy series, which visually interprets Dante Alighieri’s masterpiece. Commissioned in 1950 by the Italian government to honor the 700th anniversary of Dante’s birth, Dalí dedicated over a decade to illustrating all 100 cantos of the Divine Comedy, ultimately resulting in one of the most ambitious and celebrated illustrated series of the 20th century.

Dalí’s Divine Comedy illustrations were originally painted in watercolor, and later converted into woodcut prints by master artisans who meticulously carved up to 37 separate woodblocks per image, making this a highly intricate and labor-intensive process.

"Purgatory 8" and The Divine Comedy Series

This print belongs to the Purgatory (Purgatorio) section, which follows Dante’s journey through the seven terraces of Mount Purgatory, where souls atone for their sins before ascending to Paradise. Unlike the dark and tortured visions of Inferno, Dalí’s Purgatory illustrations depict themes of purification, repentance, and transition, often featuring fluid forms, distorted perspectives, and symbolic imagery.

Dalí’s surrealist interpretation of Purgatory challenges traditional Renaissance depictions, using dreamlike compositions, ethereal figures, and vibrant color contrasts to reflect the spiritual struggles and redemption of Dante’s characters. In "Purgatory 8", viewers are drawn into a world of metaphysical transformation, guided by Dalí’s unique surrealist vision.

Historical & Artistic Context

Dalí and the Surrealist Movement

Salvador Dalí was a leading figure of Surrealism, a movement that sought to explore the unconscious mind through dreamlike imagery and unexpected juxtapositions. While he is best known for paintings such as The Persistence of Memory (1931), Dalí was also a prolific printmaker and illustrator. His work on the Divine Comedy showcases his ability to merge literature, philosophy, and art, offering an unconventional perspective on Dante’s epic poem.

Woodcut Printing Technique

The woodcut is one of the oldest and most respected printmaking techniques, requiring exceptional craftsmanship. Dalí collaborated with master engravers who carved individual woodblocks for each color layer, ensuring rich, multi-dimensional compositions. These prints stand as a testament to both Dalí’s artistic genius and the technical mastery of traditional printmaking.

Investment & Collectibility

As a limited-edition print, this original color woodcut is a valuable addition to Dalí’s legacy. His Divine Comedy series is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance, artistic quality, and rarity. This piece includes a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance.