Salvador Dali Cervantes Etching Value Guide

This 1966 etching is a significant piece from Salvador Dali's 'Five Spanish Immortals' series, capturing the surrealist's obsession with the author of Don Quixote. Distributed by the Collector's Guild in New York, it represents a pivotal moment when Dali's intricate line work and themes of chivalry became accessible to a wider range of fine art collectors.

What affects the value of Salvador Dali Cervantes Etching?

• The presence of the original Collector's Guild certificate of authenticity significantly stabilizes the $450-$500 valuation.
• Condition of the paper, specifically the absence of foxing, light staining, or 'mat burn' from acidic framing materials.
• The quality of the impression, as earlier strikes from the plate show finer detail in Cervantes' facial features and ruff.
• Integrity of the frame and glass, particularly if the piece retains its original mid-century wood housing.

How to Identify Salvador Dali Cervantes Etching?

• Verify the presence of the Collector's Guild authentication label or stamp often found on the reverse of the framing.
• Examine the plate mark indentation on the paper, which should be distinct and consistent with 1960s intaglio printing processes.
• Check for Dali's signature in the plate, noting the specific fluid linework characteristic of his mid-1960s graphic style.
• Confirm the paper type and age, as these were typically printed on heavy wove paper consistent with French production standards of 1966.

History of Salvador Dali Cervantes Etching

Created in 1966, this etching is part of Dali's 'Five Spanish Immortals' series. It was widely distributed through the Collector's Guild in New York, which helped bring Dali's surrealist mastery to a broader audience. The work pays homage to the author of Don Quixote, a figure that resonated deeply with Dali's own preoccupation with chivalry and madness.