Unexpected Discovery at House Clearance Sale
In a remarkable turn of events, a painting purchased for just £150 (approximately 280,000 KRW) during a house clearance sale in Cambridge, UK, has been confirmed as an original work by the renowned Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí (1904–1989). The discovery, first reported on 30 July by The Guardian and other outlets, has captured significant attention in the art world.
From Curiosity to Treasure
The artwork appeared at a local auction in 2023, where only two bidders competed. It was eventually acquired by an anonymous art dealer, who stated he was drawn to the piece purely because of its unusual appearance. “I wasn’t even sure I’d hang it on a wall,” the dealer admitted. “But I’ve always had a taste for eccentric artwork, and this one really stood out. Honestly, I bought it on a hunch—just took a chance.”
Clues Hidden on the Back
His instincts proved accurate. After noticing a faint Sotheby’s auction sticker on the back of the painting, he began to suspect it might be more valuable than it first appeared. Subsequent research confirmed that the painting had previously been sold at auction in the 1990s and was indeed a work by Dalí.
Confirmed as Part of Dalí’s ‘Arabian Nights’ Series
An appraisal by Cheffins Auction House revealed the painting to be Vecchio Sultano, created in 1966 as part of Dalí’s ‘Arabian Nights’ series. Dalí had agreed to produce 500 illustrations based on Middle Eastern folk tales commissioned by Italian collectors Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto. However, only 100 were ever completed.
Of these, half were retained by the Albaretto family and later passed down to their daughter Cristina, who is also Dalí’s goddaughter. The other half was held by the publishing company Riccioli, although many of those were eventually lost or damaged. Cheffins believes the rediscovered piece likely came from the publisher’s portion that went missing.
A Rare Glimpse Into Dalí’s Watercolour Work
Vecchio Sultano is a watercolour painting with dimensions of 38 cm by 29 cm. It depicts a bearded sultan wearing a gem-encrusted turban, rendered in predominantly red hues. It is a stylistic departure from Dalí’s well-known surrealist works, showcasing a different, more delicate side of his artistry.
Art expert Nicolas Descharnes, a leading authority on Dalí’s work, authenticated the piece and issued a certificate confirming its legitimacy. “The style, theme, colours, and even the paper match the characteristics of Dalí’s ‘Arabian Nights’ series,” Descharnes explained. “While it may not represent his typical surrealist style, it is unmistakably his creation.”
Set to Be Auctioned with High Valuation
Cheffins has valued the artwork between £20,000 and £30,000 (approximately 37 to 55 million KRW). It is scheduled to go under the hammer on 23 October. Gabriel Heaton, a representative of the auction house, emphasised the rarity of such finds in the modern art world. “It’s uncommon for artist signatures to vanish, and even rarer to uncover a lost piece like this,” he noted. “This discovery is truly significant.”
He added, “Dalí’s works are typically known for their intense, surreal imagery, but this painting showcases an unusual and softer aspect of his artistic range. It reflects the versatility he possessed as an artist.”
Art Dealer’s Eye for Value Recognised
Interestingly, despite initially buying the piece without knowledge of its origin, the art dealer may have recognised its potential value. According to Heaton, “The fact that he spotted this at a second-hand sale suggests a deep understanding of art. Identifying it as noteworthy among discarded items takes real insight.”
Crafted using watercolour and felt-tip pen, the artwork is not only a rediscovered gem but also a rare insight into a lesser-known chapter of Dalí’s creative journey.
Project Left Unfinished
Dalí’s ambitious project to create 500 illustrations inspired by Arabian folk tales was never fully realised. Only 100 were completed before the project was abruptly halted. Of those, 50 remained with the Riccioli publishing house, while the rest were passed on to the Albaretto family.
The rediscovery of Vecchio Sultano adds a valuable piece to the puzzle of Dalí’s lesser-known work and will soon find a new home through its upcoming auction—this time, with a price that reflects its true worth.
