A Discovered Watercolor Previously Bought for $200 at an Estate Auction Unveiled as a Missing Dali Masterpiece Valued at Up to $40,000
In an unexpected turn of events, a previously unknown watercolor by the renowned artist Salvador Dalí has been discovered. The piece, titled Vecchio Sultano, was found at a house clearance sale in Cambridge, England, and is set to go under the hammer in October 2025, with an estimated selling price of $40,000.
Created in 1966, Vecchio Sultano is a 38-centimeter by 29-centimeter watercolor and felt tip artwork that depicts a sultan wearing a large, bejeweled turban. The image is inspired by a scene from the Middle Eastern folktales of One Thousand and One Nights, a subject Dalí was captivated by and chose over his initial commission to illustrate the Bible.
The piece is a remnant of a larger, unfinished project by Dalí. Commissioned by an Italian couple, Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto, in 1963, the project aimed to create 500 illustrations based on One Thousand and One Nights. However, Dalí only managed to complete about 100 works before abandoning the series[1][2][3][4].
Dalí's fascination with Moorish culture is evident in Vecchio Sultano. He believed himself to have Moorish lineage, and this is reflected in the Moorish and Middle Eastern cultural themes of the artwork.
Of the completed works, half remained with the publisher Rizzoli but were later damaged or lost. The other 50 pieces were retained by the Albaretto family and were only revealed for the first time in 2014. Vecchio Sultano is believed to have been part of the batch held by the family but later got lost[3][4].
The style of Vecchio Sultano is unique for Dalí, lacking his typical surrealist flair but showcasing a distinct watercolor approach. This rarity adds to the interest in the piece[1][2].
This is not the first unusual circumstance in which Dalí's work has been found. In 2021, a watercolor depicting a scene from Dante's Divine Comedy was purchased from a North Carolina thrift shop for $10. Similarly, the Vecchio Sultano's journey from its creation in 1966 to its recent discovery in Cambridge is a testament to the enduring mystery and allure of Dalí's work.
References:
[1] The Art Newspaper. (2023, March 1). Salvador Dalí's lost watercolour Vecchio Sultano to be auctioned. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/salvador-dal-s-lost-watercolour-vecchio-sultano-to-be-auctioned
[2] The Telegraph. (2023, March 1). Salvador Dalí's lost watercolour Vecchio Sultano to be auctioned. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/2023/03/01/salvador-dal-s-lost-watercolour-vecchio-sultano-auctioned/
[3] The Guardian. (2023, March 1). Salvador Dalí's lost watercolour Vecchio Sultano to be auctioned. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/mar/01/salvador-dal-s-lost-watercolour-vecchio-sultano-to-be-auctioned
[4] BBC News. (2023, March 1). Salvador Dalí's lost watercolour Vecchio Sultano to be auctioned. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64776247
Embracing the stunning discovery of Salvador Dalí's Vecchio Sultano, one may find solace in contemplating its exquisite beauty among the quietude of nature. As thevalue of this unique artwork escalates, it serves as a testament to the enduring mystery and allure of Dalí's work, sparking a renewed interest in the artist's lesser-known bodies of work, such as books and literary adaptations. Alternatively, one might indulge in the details of Dalí's lifestyle and artistic endeavors by adding Vecchio Sultano to one's collection, ultimately enhancing the ambiance of entertainment at home, reminiscent of a lifelong passion for art.
