Salvador Dalí

A gift from the artist to the late owner

Robert Descharnes & Gala Dalí, Dalí de Gala. The World of Salvador Dalí, Lausanne, New York, Milan & Tokyo, 1962, illustrated pp. 58-59

Executed on photographic paper laid down on wove paper, folded in the centre. There are some flattened creases and artists pinholes in the upper part of the composition along with scattered media marks and finger smudges (inherent to the artistic process). The fold running down the centre of the composition has led to minor, less than 1cm nicks at the top and bottom. Otherwise this work remains in 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Robert Descharnes (1926-2014) and Salvador Dalí were first introduced by the painter Georges Mathieu whilst travelling on the ocean liner S.S. America in 1950. They collaborated on a wide range of photographic and cinematic projects during the decades that followed, and they remained tightly bound by a friendship that would span over forty years. Among the most colourful anecdotes of their friendship was the time when Descharnes rescued Dali from a fire at the artist's Pubol château in 1984, an event which only strengthened their bond.                                                              

Sotheby’s is honoured to be presenting selected works from the Private Collection of the late Robert Descharnes. The following lots represent an idiosyncratic synthesis of various different media, and are testament to the spirit of artistic experimentation that defined the pair’s alliance. Spanning many different periods, from a 1934 Cadavre exquis, to collages evoking his cherished Cadaqués, and works featuring the most iconic Surrealist imagery, this offering of works exemplifies the artist’s distinctive language of fantasy, humour, and re-interpretation.  After Dalí’s death, Descharnes would become the world-recognised authority on his œuvre, playing an instrumental role in defending his friend’s legacy and publishing key literature, such as Dalí, l'œuvre et l'homme (1984) and Dalí, l'œuvre peint (1993), still considered the definitive reference works on the artist to this day.