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Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) – Decameron, 1972 – Complete Portfolio – Artist’s Proof (E.A.) – English Edition
Transworld Art, New York / Fribourg, 1972. Printed at Ateliers Rigal, Fontenay-aux-Roses. Drypoints directed by Michele Broutta. Embossed cover executed by Ateliers Jean Duval. Paper: Moulin de la Doré – “Chiffon de la Doré” (watermarked).
Edition and Cataloguing:
This rare Artist’s Proof originates from the small, non-commercial atelier edition created outside the numbered series. Official edition: 25 Roman-numeral copies (I–XXV) plus suite on Japanese vellum, 125 Arabic-numbered copies (1–125), and a very limited, unnumbered group of E.A. examples reserved for Dalí, the publisher, and collaborators. Catalogued in Field 72-8 A–J and Michler & Löpsinger 552g–561g, applicable to all language editions, as all ten plates were printed from the same original matrices by Rigal regardless of the typographic language of the text.
Particularities of this Example (Atelier Proof):
As an Artist’s Proof originating from the Rigal atelier, this set displays significantly stronger and more saturated colours than standard edition copies. Atelier proofs were often among the earliest pulls from the plates, resulting in cleaner line work, deeper burr, and more vivid pigmentation in the hand-coloured elements. This superior chromatic intensity is visible across all ten drypoints and is characteristic of workshop exemplars retained for quality control and internal reference.
Contents:
Complete portfolio containing:
– Ten original drypoint engravings in colour, each signed in pencil by Salvador Dalí.
– English-language text sheets printed in Garamond (edition dated April 27, 1972).
– Original cloth-covered presentation box, embossed.
Signatures and Technique:
Each drypoint shows a crisp intaglio bite and a clearly defined plate mark throughout. The pencil signatures exhibit the natural variation typical of Dalí’s early-1970s drypoint signing practice. Colour layers retain their original luminosity, with no fading, indicating well-preserved atelier conditions.
Provenance:
Exceptional provenance: this Artist’s Proof comes directly from the personal collection of master printer Alfred Rigal, responsible for producing Dalí’s drypoints during this period. The justification page bears the handwritten note: “Exemplaire faisant partie de notre collection – Rigal”, confirming its status as an atelier exemplar retained by the printer himself. Proofs with documented Rigal provenance are substantially rarer and aesthetically superior to the standard trade edition.
Condition:
Drypoints in excellent condition: strong impressions, vibrant colour, no foxing, no staining, no creases, and sharp plate relief. The Moulin de la Doré sheets remain bright and clean, with watermark visible. The portfolio box is well preserved with minor handling traces only. Complete and original.
Dimensions:
Typical sheet size approx. 50 × 35 cm; plate sizes vary slightly by composition (approx. 20 × 15 cm).
Notes:
Artist’s Proof portfolios of Decameron are scarce; atelier examples with stronger colour saturation and Rigal provenance are among the most desirable variants of this 1972 edition. A premium collector’s set.
