The Infinite Beauty of Beatrice Canto XXX Paradiso Dante by Salvador Dali

The Italian government commissioned Dali to illustrate an edition of The Divine Comedy in honor of the 700th anniversary of the birth of the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri. While the choice of a Spanish artist to illustrate an Italian masterwork was controversial, Dali's surrealistic approach to the work was a perfect match. Ultimately, the criticism was too much and the Italian government cancelled its sponsorship of the project. However, Dali worked with a French publisher to complete the work in 1963. The publisher used xylographs (literally wood writing) a form of wood engraving to print images taken from original watercolors by Dali. 100 images were created--one for each Canto from Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The edition was 1000, so these are some of the most frequently seen of Dali's printed works. Very few complete editions remain, so the individual images are usually what is encountered. The Infinite Beauty of Beatrice illustrates Canto XXX of Paradiso. Beatrice symbolizes divine grace and theology. It is Beatrice who sent Virgil to be the Pilgrim's (Dante) guide through the afterlife. Dante's quest to reunite with Beatrice is nearly complete. This image is in very good condition. There is slight mat burn present, but the colors are still rich without fading. The sheet is full. No other issues are evident.

There is a red chop mark, a pencil signature lower left, and the marking in pencil E. A. (Epreuve Artiste, or artist proof) in pencil lower right. None of these were pencil signed, only the signature in the block. However, since Dali's signature is easy to copy, it is common to see pencil signatures added. The addition E. A. is another attempt to add value by inferring this was selected by the artist, another attempt to mislead. This is such a common practice that it does not affect the value of the work. The image is 9.5 x 7 inches printed on a sheet 13 x 10.5 inches.