Salvador Dali Color Woodcut Wood Block Engraving:"The Princes Of The Flowering Valley"
The Princes of The Flowery Valley
by Salvador Dali
Artist: Salvador Dali
Title: The Princes of The Flowery Valley
Series: Divine Comedy - Purgatoire (Canto #7)
Edition / Medium: Original color woodblock engraving on BFK Rives paper
Published: 1960, Les Heures Claires, Paris, under Joseph Foret
Dimensions: 10" x 13" inches
Condition: Excellent; unframed, includes certificate of authenticity
About the Artwork
"The Princes of The Flowery Valley" is part of Salvador Dali's iconic Divine Comedy series, a monumental collaboration between art and literature commissioned to illustrate Dante Alighieri's masterpiece. Dali's brilliant interpretation of Purgatoire reflects his fascination with spiritual transformation, merging Renaissance themes with surreal imagery.
This woodblock required meticulous craftsmanship - over 3,500 separate woodcuts were engraved across four years (1960-1963) to bring Dali's vision to life. Each print captures the vivid, dreamlike intensity that marks Dali's work, bridging traditional technique and modern surrealism.
Collector Significance
Collectors prize this work for both its historical and artistic importance. As part of the Divine Comedy series, it represents one of Dali's most ambitious printmaking projects, blending technical mastery with intellectual depth. Its limited edition and exceptional preservation make it a sought-after addition to fine art collections worldwide.
Artist Biography
Salvador Dali (1904-1989) was a Spanish surrealist painter renowned for his striking, dream-like imagery and masterful technical precision. Born in Figueres, Catalonia, Dali studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid before emerging as one of the most influential figures of 20th-century art. His works - ranging from painting to sculpture and printmaking - reflect an obsession with the subconscious, time, and transformation. Through his theatrical personality and innovative imagination, Dali redefined modern visual expression and remains a cornerstone of surrealist art.
Summary: Significance of This Piece
This specific print, "The Princes of The Flowery Valley," is significant for its depiction of Dante's Purgatory, particularly showcasing souls undergoing spiritual purification. It stands as a key work in Salvador Dali's Divine Comedy series, reflecting an extraordinary blend of literary homage and surrealist innovation. The piece required immense technical skill and years of labor, making it a rare and highly prized collector's item. Beyond its aesthetic beauty, it symbolizes transformation and redemption, central themes in both Dante's epic and Dali's artistic exploration. This makes it particularly meaningful to collectors and art enthusiasts who value narrative depth alongside visual mastery.
