Salvador Dalí

Acquired directly from the artist in 1960

Both executed on cream wove paper laid down on board. Both sheets are time darkened overall with a one centimeter mat stain around the perimeter. In both sheets there is some horizontal rippling near ceter as well as craqueleur with associated pindot losses in areas of thickly accumulated pigment. There are a few small scattered nicks to the extreme edges of both sheets. They are in generally good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1960, Lillian Gladstone and her husband had recently purchased the hugely popular Roth’s Restaurant near Times Square and were planning a grand re-opening. In conjunction with the event, the Gladstone’s ran a “Miss Broadway” beauty contest which attracted fresh young faces from the theater world. The contest also featured celebrity judges including television personalities, the editor of Variety magazine and, of course, Salvador Dalí. On the evening of the pageant, Dalí (as was typical of the master of publicity), used the stage to simultaneously create the present works by dipping lobsters in a series of colored inks and using them to splatter the sheets. The works were then presented to the Gladstones as a token of appreciation for their hospitality. Mrs. Gladstone recalls that outside the pageant Dalí has brought a giant inflatable sphere of transparent plastic with a seat fixed in the center, and the winner was permitted to sit inside and roll down Broadway with the artist. Fig. 1 The present owner Lillian Gladstone (center) with Salvador Dalí (left) in 1960, just prior to his creating the present works