Salvador Dali 'Le Scarabée' (The Beetle) Etching from the 'Alchimie des Philosophes' Portfolio

This item is a limited edition etching on paper by the renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The artwork features a central beetle motif superimposed over a series of geometric, architectural line drawings, including circles and rectangular grids. The piece is rendered in black and white ink, displaying various printmaking techniques such as fine-line etching, aquatint for textured shading, and precise drypoint. Below the image plate, the work is hand-signed by Salvador Dali in graphite on the lower right. On the lower left, it is marked with the Roman numerals 'XV/XC', indicating it is the 15th print from an edition of 90. A critical feature is the visible dry stamp or blindseal in the lower right margin, which appears to be the 'Dali' watermark or a certified publisher's seal, essential for verifying late-career Dali prints. The paper exhibits a creamy off-white tone consistent with high-quality Arches or Rives vellum frequently used by the artist. The overall condition appears excellent with crisp impression lines and no visible foxing, tears, or significant discoloration. This specific imagery is associated with Dali's later 1970s period, where he explored more scientific and mathematical themes through surrealism.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Salvador Dali etching 'Le Scarabée' from the 1976 'Alchimie des Philosophes' portfolio. The work exhibits the hallmarks of a genuine late-period Dali print, including the characteristic fluid graphite signature and the distinctive Roman numeral numbering 'XV/XC'. The presence of the blindstamp is a critical indicator of legitimacy for this series, which was published by Art et Valeur. The technical execution shows crisp plate marks and the expected contrast between fine-line etching and textured aquatint. Based on the digital images, the paper quality and lack of foxing or light-staining suggest it has been maintained in a temperature-controlled environment away from direct UV exposure. The market for Dali’s 1970s print series remains robust, particularly for the 'Alchimie' suite due to its combination of surrealism and mathematical precision. Comparables for individual plates from this portfolio typically hammer between $4,000 and $7,000 at major auction houses like Sotheby's or Christie's, depending on the specific imagery's desirability. However, a definitive authentication is impossible via photography alone. While the watermark and signature appear consistent with known examples, Dali’s market is saturated with sophisticated lithographic reproductions and 'after' prints. A full physical inspection is required to verify the paper’s weight and deckle edges, the depth of the plate indentation, and the ink's absorption. Furthermore, a complete Chain of Provenance or a Certificate of Authenticity from a recognized Dali expert (such as Albert Field or Robert Descharnes records) would be necessary to reach a conclusive valuation at the higher end of the range.