Original Surrealist Intaglio Print – The Lady and the Unicorn

Original mid-20th-century surrealist intaglio print depicting a female figure and unicorn within a dreamlike landscape. The composition is rendered in fine etched and drypoint lines and displays a clean, continuous rectangular plate impression across the entire image, confirming intaglio printing rather than later reproduction.

The image corresponds exactly in composition to The Lady and the Unicorn, an intaglio print dated 1966 and held in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under Salvador Dalí. The matching plate image establishes this work as part of a documented surrealist print lineage rather than a decorative reinterpretation.

The sheet is professionally framed by A.P.F., Inc., Framemakers & Conservators, New York, bearing the original framer’s label listing their Hotel Carlyle showroom (35 East 76th Street) and workshop address at 315 East 91st Street. This label configuration dates the framing to the late 1960s–early 1970s, aligning with the known circulation period of Dalí’s graphic works in the New York art market.

A stamped internal A.P.F. job number (“7431”) is present on the reverse, consistent with professional framing practices of the period and further supporting provenance.

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ATTRIBUTION & CONTEXT

The image depicted in this print is catalogued by the Philadelphia Museum of Art under Salvador Dalí, titled The Lady and the Unicorn and dated 1966. As with many surrealist intaglio works of the period, individual impressions may involve studio printers or publishers. This work is therefore presented based on documented image correspondence, printing technique, and period provenance, rather than speculative claims regarding execution or edition.

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DETAILS

• Title: The Lady and the Unicorn

• Artist Reference: Image catalogued under Salvador Dalí (Philadelphia Museum of Art)

• Date: Image dated 1966; framing c. late 1960s–early 1970s

• Medium: Intaglio print on paper (etching / drypoint)

• Plate Mark: Yes – full rectangular plate impression visible throughout

• Signature: Present, stylized

• Frame: Original period metal frame

• Framer: A.P.F., Inc., New York (Hotel Carlyle showroom)

• Condition: Very good vintage condition; light age-appropriate toning consistent with period materials

PROVENANCE NOTE

This work retains its original New York framing and reflects mid-century Upper East Side art market circulation. The combination of museum-catalogued image correspondence and period A.P.F. framing situates this example within a credible historical and collecting context.

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DISCLOSURE

This work is not accompanied by a certificate of authentication. All descriptions are provided in good faith based on direct examination, museum records, and documented framing history. Buyers are encouraged to conduct independent research.

Measurements

• Overall size (including mat): approximately 15 1/4” x 18”

• Etched image / imprint size: approximately 8” x 10”

(All measurements are approximate.)

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Condition

• Matted presentation

• Upon inspection, there are a few minor elements visible beneath the mat and a light surface scratch detected

• No significant wear or damage noted

• Overall condition is very good, consistent with age and prior display

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surrealist intaglio

lady and the unicorn

salvador dali catalogued image

1966 surrealist print

philadelphia museum of art reference

mid century surrealism

new york provenance

hotel carlyle framing

apf framemakers

mythological surrealism

unicorn art print

original vintage etching