Using a multitude of varied images, Dalí (Figueras, 1904 - Figueras, 1989) creates a work that has a cacophonic quality in Salvador Dalí Fantastic Beach Scene.  The eye is stimulated by the seemingly disassociated images which appear to function in a narrative fashion.  The continual question is what is the intended narrative?

Created in 1935, this work is one in a small edition of prints printed in sepia.  The work is printed on chine colle which is affixed to a heavy hand laid paper.  The print is in pristine condition displaying a delicacy in line and shading.

This work, with its disassociated images of a rocking chair dismembered arms and tenuous clothes line, was created using the artist own theory of paranoiac-critical method.  The artist explains the method as follows, “I believe that the moment is near when, through a process of thought of a paranoiac and active character, it will be possible (simultaneously with automatism and other passive states) to systematize confusion and contribute to the total discrediting of the world of reality” (Ades, 121) .   Thus this work can be read as a stream of consciousness representation of the artist’s paranoiac thoughts that converge on the page creating a world composed of familiar images which refuse to engage in an intelligible interpretation.  This denial of interpretation forces the viewer to engage in their own paranoiac thoughts prompted by their inability to define the image in realistic terms.

Recent Auction Realizations:

Galerie Gerda Bassenge: Saturday, November 30, 1996 [Lot 6333] $19,679

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Salvador Dalí Fantastic Beach Scene is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will accompany the final sale of this etching) :

1) Michler Ralf, and Lutz Löpsinger, Dalí Catalogue Raisonné of Etchings and Mixed-Media Prints 1925-1980, Prestel-Verlag, Munich, 1994. Listed on page135 as plate 57.

About the Framing:

This Salvador Dalí etching Fantastic Beach Scene is beautifully set in a Spanish style frame with Art Nouveau elements.  The contrast of black and gold enhance and compliment the wild surreal feeling of the work itself.  Float mounted, this print is fully and archivally framed with custom-made linen wrapped matts, a matching gold inner fillet.  This frame was hand selected to add to the linear elements and beautiful intricate details of Dalí’s surrealist work.