Dali

rif. 117928 — 1977 . Drypoint and etching on heliogravures in colours on Rives paper 1977 signed in pencil and numbered from the edition of 200 there were also 20 artist's proofs printed by Ateliers Rigal Paris published by Berggreuen Editions Paris sheet: 44.5 x 31 cm. 17½ x 12¼ in. This work is from the suite of 80 etchings by Salvador Dali based on Francisco Goya's 18th century series Los Caprichos. Goya's series served as a satirical commentary on Spanish society at the end of the 18th century particularly targeting the nobility and clergy as well as superstitions and irrationality prevalent at the time. In 1977 Dali reproduced the series as heliogravures subsequently reworking each of the plates with Surrealist drypoint additions and stencil colouring. 'Goya was preoccupied with dreams dreamlike states and nightmares - the varying states of consciousness that allowed him to explore allusive subjects.The Caprichos provide the earliest concentrated evidence of Goya's interest in dreams."Truth to life" is the essence of what Goya achieved through his graphic work. His prints and drawings quietly observe confront dissect and reflect the many facets of what it means to be human. This truth to life has fueled the works' relevance over the course of two centuries as they continue to provoke audiences to engage with Goya's profound insights'. Mark McDonald 'Goya's Graphic Imagination' The Metropolitan Museum of Art 2021. Michler and Löpsinger 866; Field 77-3 62 1977 unknown