Framed Print of 'Le Pied and The Shoe' After Salvador Dalí Appraisal
Category: Framed Artwork
Description
This item is a framed print, likely a lithograph or high-quality reproduction, featuring a surrealistic composition. The central image depicts a bare human foot, possibly female given its slender appearance, adorned with an ornate anklet resembling a snake or an intricately patterned band. To the right of the foot, a dark, well-worn dress shoe, possibly a men's Oxford or similar style, floats detachedly in space. The background is a soft, monochromatic beige or light tan, providing a neutral canvas for the subjects. The image itself appears to be printed on a slightly textured or aged paper, showing some discoloration or foxing consistent with age, particularly around the edges and within the composition. The entire piece is housed within a simple, mitered frame made of what appears to be wood or a wood-composite material, painted a deep, slightly glossy red. The frame itself shows some minor scuffs and wear consistent with handling and age. There are reflections on the glass that obscure some details, but a prominent signature, which appears to be 'Dalí' followed by '197?'' (the last digit is unclear, possibly '9'), suggests the artwork is by Salvador Dalí or a reproduction of his work. The print is matted with a simple white or off-white mat board inside the red frame, creating a visual separation between the art and the frame. The combined elements suggest an artwork from the mid to late 20th century, consistent with Dalí's prolific period.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of a framed print titled 'Le Pied and The Shoe' After Salvador Dalí. Based on this visual examination, I assess the condition of the print as fair to good, exhibiting characteristics consistent with age such as slight discoloration or foxing, particularly at the edges, and minor scuffs on the red wooden frame. While the prominent 'Dalí 197?' signature suggests a connection to Salvador Dalí, it is crucial to note that this is almost certainly a reproduction (likely a lithograph or high-quality print) rather than an original artwork directly from Dalí's hand. Dalí produced many authorized and unauthorized reproductions of his work, and given the nature of the medium (print) and visible aging, it fits the profile of a decorative art piece from the mid-to-late 20th century. Market conditions for 'After Dalí' prints are generally stable, driven by the enduring appeal of his surrealist imagery. Comparables include other framed reproductive prints 'after' famous artists, which typically fetch values based on their decorative appeal rather than artistic originality. Demand for such pieces is moderate, especially for those in good condition with a recognizable image. The rarity of this specific print is low, as these types of reproductions were often produced in significant quantities. Factors significantly impacting value are its status as a reproduction, the condition of the print and frame, and the lack of verifiable provenance. Had this been a limited-edition lithograph signed and numbered by Dalí himself, the value would be substantially higher. Without an in-person examination, verifying authenticity definitively is impossible. A physical inspection would allow me to assess print quality, paper type, and true condition more accurately. Full authentication would require examination by a Dalí expert, an assessment of the print's impression and paper type, and ideally, provenance documentation tracing its history from the publisher or original owner. Scientific testing (e.g., ink analysis) could also be employed to determine age and composition, though this is rarely performed on reproductive prints of this type.
Appraisal Value
$100-200