Dalí Illustrates Ovid: A Master of Surrealism Interprets the Art of Love
Salvador Dalí, the legendary Spanish surrealist, turns his extraordinary imagination to classical literature in L'Art d'Aimer – Ovide – On voit cette reine…, a rare and collectible woodcut print from 1979. This work is part of Dalí's celebrated interpretation of Ovid's Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love), a Roman poem that explores the intricacies of romance, desire, and human nature. In Dalí's hands, ancient themes are transformed into something dreamlike, mysterious, and unmistakably his own.
The Artwork
Titled On voit cette reine… ("We see this queen…"), this evocative print captures Dalí's signature surrealist vocabulary—melting forms, mythological allusions, and a haunting sense of narrative suspended in time. Executed as a woodcut print on Arches paper, the work demonstrates Dalí's mastery of graphic technique and his ability to infuse classical subject matter with 20th-century psychological depth.
Edition & Authenticity
This piece is hand-signed in pencil by Salvador Dalí at the bottom right and numbered 111/144. It was published by Le Centre Culturel De Paris (Chevalier et Navarre) and is documented in Albert Field's authoritative catalogue, pages 120–121, reference number 79-2G.
Condition & Provenance
Condition: Excellent / Very fine condition
Sheet Size: 56 x 38 cm
Country of Origin: France
Year: 1979
Style: Surrealism
Frame: Sold without frame (unframed)
A Certificate of Authenticity is provided with the artwork.
Collectibility
Dalí's illustrated books and prints are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. This piece represents a convergence of Dalí's late-period graphic brilliance and his enduring fascination with literature, mythology, and the surreal dimensions of love. As a limited edition, hand-signed work, it offers both aesthetic pleasure and long-term investment potential.
Ideal For
Collectors of Salvador Dalí and surrealist works
Enthusiasts of illustrated literary classics
Interiors seeking a museum-quality, conversation-starting piece
