“Pages choisies de Don Quichotte de la Mancha, 1957” is composed of 12 original lithographs, created on stone by Salvador Dali’s own hand. While Dali originally created 14 original images on stones to illustrate Miguel de Cervantes’ epic, Don Quixote, only 12 were included in the final release.
Dali originally created these images on stone utilizing unique techniques to achieve accidental markings. He even created his own style of Tachisme, a French painting style in the 1940’s that used dabs or splotches of color to create abstract expressionism.
To achieve this he utilized a 15th century musket to shoot bullets of printer’s ink at the stones, leaving chaotic splatters. In other instances, he filled Rhinoceros horns with lithography ink to act as his pen. Some images were further developed with watercolor and collage. These techniques together created truly stunning images that elicit a visceral response to the viewer.
The works of this portfolio truly represent Salvador Dali’s creative process; uniquely executed, they illustrate the central themes of Cervantes’ novel: mental illness, perception disorder, turmoil, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.
As to not be constrained by the dimensions of the final portfolio, three images are executed on double pages and folded to fit. The fold line is original and necessary to confirm the authenticity of the work.
Dali started the project in 1956 and relied on the expertise of six different print houses to accurately depict his final vision. Printing was completed on October 28th, 1957 making this portfolio the first original lithograph portfolio released by the master painter. Fittingly, it illustrates what is widely considered to be the first European novel, Don Quixote, 1605 and 1615. Ultimately this portfolio was published and distributed, with included text from Cervantes, by Joseph Foret of Paris in 1957.
These original works by Dali are part of a special edition of 25- enumerated in Roman numerals and printed on Arches paper, with watermark. The Tirage lists a total of 233 sets created, although the other sets were mostly printed on Rives.
All authentic prints include Dali’s signature or inscription in the stone.
