This new blog has sailed in from the surreal shores of fine art collecting. It spotlights three rare, complete Salvador Dalí portfolios, each a testament to the artist's boundless imagination and technical mastery. Sourced from esteemed collections, these works are in very good condition - ready to ignite your walls. Whether you're a seasoned collector or dipping into Dalí's dreamscape for the first time, these works of art promise to transport you.
Alchimie des Philosophes, 1976
Step into the esoteric heart of Salvador Dalí's fascination with alchemy through Alchimie des Philosophes, a 1976 portfolio that marries the artist's surrealist flair with the secret mysteries of transformation. This deluxe edition comprises ten original mixed-media prints - comprising etchings with drypoint, lithograph, silkscreen collage, and inlays of precious and semi-precious stones like gold leaf, lapis lazuli, and amethyst fragments. Measuring approximately 30.25 x 22.5 inches, the works pulse with Dalí's signature motifs: melting forms, cryptic symbols, and alchemical vessels that blur the line between science and sorcery. Each artwork is individually signed by Dalí and bears the same numbering as it was originally published. Housed in a custom made clamshell box - 32.6" x 24.8" - divided into two compartments: one holding reproductions of ancient alchemical texts on handmade rag paper, the other safeguarding the radiant works of art. This portfolio isn't just art; it's a philosopher's stone for the senses, inviting endless contemplation of matter's ever changing essence.
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Published in a limited edition, this complete set remains untouched by time, with vivid colours and gemstone accents gleaming as on the day of creation. For the collector seeking a tactile, jewel-encrusted portal to Dalí's late-period mysticism, Alchimie des Philosophes stands as an unparalleled gem, both literally and figuratively.
“All great art is born of alchemy and going beyond death. But I make gold by transcending my innards through hyperconsciousness."
If you are interested to learn more about the inspiration of each individual artwork in the portfolio, CLICK HERE.
Twelve Tribes of Israel, 1972
The Twelve Tribes of Israel, showcases a profound intersection of Dalí's artistic genius and spiritual exploration. Created in 1973, this series of 13 etchings with gouache was commissioned to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the State of Israel. Each piece represents one of the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob, with an additional etching symbolizing the collective nation of Israel. Dalí’s signature surrealist style infuses these works with vibrant symbolism, blending biblical narratives with his distinctive visual language of melting forms, vivid colours, and fantastical motifs. This series reflects Dalí’s fascination with mysticism and his ability to weave cultural and historical themes into his art, offering a unique perspective on a sacred subject.
The Twelve Tribes of Israel suite stands out as a testament to Dalí’s versatility, merging his avant-garde approach with reverence for Jewish heritage. Each tribe’s etching captures its unique biblical character - Reuben’s turbulent waters, Judah’s regal lion, or Levi’s priestly aura - while incorporating Dalí’s surrealist flourishes, such as distorted landscapes and ethereal figures. The project also highlights his later career shift toward themes of religion and identity, influenced by his interest in Kabbalistic traditions and his complex relationship with faith. Today, these works are celebrated not only for their artistic innovation but also for their cultural significance, bridging surrealism with the enduring legacy of the Twelve Tribes. Collectors and art enthusiasts can explore these etchings in museums or private collections, where they continue to inspire awe and reflection.
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Each artwork measures 19.5" x 14.6" and is individually hand signed by Salvador Dalí. The numbering is the same for each lithograph. It is accompanied by an introduction from Abba Eban (a scholar and Israel's foreign minister at that time) and complete textual exegesis, the set unfolds as a narrative epic, tracing Israel's biblical origins in ink and imagination.
Retrospective, 1978
Salvador Dalí’s Retrospective suite, published in 1978 by Levine & Levine for DALART, is a rare collection of four lithographs that captures the artist’s blend of imagination, symbolism, and technical mastery. Each work is hand-signed by Dalí and printed on fine Japon paper in an edition of 150, making the suite highly sought-after by collectors. Conceived late in his career, the Retrospective suite reflects Dalí’s lifelong fascination with love, wisdom, creativity, and the heroic spirit, presenting them through his unmistakable surrealist lens.
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The four works in the suite - The Agony of Love, The Path to Wisdom, The Flowering of Inspiration, and The Lance of Chivalry - each embody a distinct facet of Dalí’s artistic vision. The Agony of Love radiates with dreamlike symbolism, its central unicorn a metaphor for purity and longing. In The Path to Wisdom, Dalí creates a mystical journey of enlightenment, weaving together classical references and surreal distortions. The Flowering of Inspiration bursts with energy, its organic forms symbolizing the creative spark in full bloom. Finally, The Lance of Chivalry, inspired by the legend of Saint George and the dragon, channels both myth and moral courage, reflecting Dalí’s fascination with chivalric ideals.
Together, these four lithographs form a poetic narrative - a retrospective not of specific past works, but of the enduring themes that defined Dalí’s universe. The suite celebrates love, knowledge, inspiration, and bravery, showing how Dalí transformed timeless human quests into dreamlike imagery. For collectors and admirers alike, the Retrospective suite offers not only a glimpse into Dalí’s artistic philosophy but also a powerful reminder of the surrealist master’s ability to merge fantasy with enduring truths.
For the aficionado craving a concise yet comprehensive homage to Dalí's genius, this Retrospective is the ultimate collector's keystone - compact, captivating, and eternally evocative.
The art works measure 29.4" x 21.5", pristine and complete, with vibrant colours. All the lithographs bear the same numbering and each of them comes in its dedicated silver portfolio case and the original embossed Certificate of Authenticity by Dali.
We invite you to visit Chali-Rosso Gallery to experience the Retrospective suite in person and explore the extraordinary imagination of Salvador Dalí up close.
These portfolios are available for immediate acquisition. Contact us at gallery@chalirosso.com
