The Persistence of Memory Print Value Guide

Salvador Dalí's 'The Persistence of Memory' is a cornerstone of Surrealist art, famously featuring melting clocks that challenge our perception of time. Originally exhibited at the Julien Levy Gallery in 1932, these prints allow collectors to bring a piece of the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection into their own homes.

What affects the value of The Persistence of Memory Print?

• The condition of the paper, specifically looking for any yellowing, foxing, or sun-fading of the ink.
• The quality and era of the wooden frame, as vintage gallery frames can significantly increase the $50 - $150 price point.
• The size of the reproduction, with larger, full-scale prints typically commanding higher market prices.
• The provenance of the print, such as those sold through major museum gift shops or authorized art lithographers.

How to Identify The Persistence of Memory Print?

• Verify the presence of the iconic melting pocket watches draped over a landscape inspired by the cliffs of Catalonia, Spain.
• Check for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) licensing information, as they have held the original painting since 1934.
• Examine the print quality for sharp details in the 'soft' self-portrait profile lying in the center of the composition.
• Look for high-quality framing materials such as wood and glass which were standard for mid-to-late 20th-century reproductions.

History of The Persistence of Memory Print

Salvador Dalí's 'The Persistence of Memory', originally painted in 1931, is one of the most recognizable works of surrealism. The melting clocks in a desolate landscape are thought to symbolize the relativity of time and the unreliability of memory. It was first exhibited at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York City in 1932 and was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in 1934, where it has remained a cornerstone of their collection, captivating audiences with its dreamlike imagery.