Dalí & Multiples

A minefield for those who do not know the codes

Salvador Dalí is the most forged artist of the 20th century. During his lifetime he authorised thousands of multiples, graphic works and signed objects, but production ran far beyond his control. A Dalí lithographic print from Méditerranée (1975, 250/300) fetches €800–€2,500. An original etching from the same period reaches €1,500–€4,990. A Shorewood offset "reproduction" signed by Dalí, these go for €50–€200. The difference is not only artistic value, but authenticity verification.

Blank signed sheets, unauthorised editions, posthumous prints offered as original, the field is a minefield. Dalí signed thousands of blank sheets that were later used by dealers for offset reproductions. Posthumous prints (after 1989) were sometimes offered as Dalí's original works. Manipulated edition numbers are more rule than exception. The publisher stamp must match the work, Méditerranée works have a characteristic style, print raster pattern and paper quality.

In twenty-three years of expertise, we have learned that very rare Dalí multiples are not simply randomly valuable works. An original lithography of "The Persistence of Memory" (1976) by Méditerranée, in a run of 200 copies, reaches €3,000–€8,000 at auction. A signed woodcut from the 1960s ("Tarantella") fetches €4,000–€12,000. An etching "The Birth of Venus" (Shorewood, 1975, 300/325) ranges between €1,200–€3,500. A posthumous Dalí print (after 1989, print from a publisher stamp without authenticity guarantee) is usually worth less than €100, regardless of the signature. Recognition bodies such as the Dalí Foundation and the Dalí Museum archives have documented all authorised works. A work outside these archives is significantly less valuable, even if perfectly signed.

Additional verification