Created in 1973, this series of 13 etchings 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 - the Frontispiece - depicting images of the 12 tribes, symbolizing the collective nation of Israel. Dalí’s surrealist style infuses these works with vibrant symbolism, blending biblical narratives with his distinctive visual language of melting forms, vivid colours, and fantastical motifs.
Each tribe’s etching captures its unique biblical character - Zebulon’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.
The etchings bear the same numbering - 87/195 - throughout the portfolio. It is accompanied by an introduction from Abba Eban (Israel's former foreign minister) and textual exegesis, the set unfolds as a narrative epic, tracing Israel's biblical origins in ink and imagination.
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Original etchings, created in 1972
Image size: 19.5" x 14.6" - two horizontal image
Paper size: 25.75" x 20"
Hand signed in pencil lower right, all are numbered 87/195 lower left
Reference: Albert Field, “Official Catalogue of the Graphic Works of Salvador Dali”, Catalogue No. 72-6 A-M
 Frontispiece |
 Shimon |
 Reuben |
 Dan |
 Judah |
 Issachar |
 Gad |
 Joseph |
 Naphtali |
 Benjamin |
 Levi |
 Asher |
 Zebulon |
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