Why did artist Salvador Dali draw dragons?

A moustache and a melting clock. 

That’s all most people know about Salvador Dali. 

 A sad obituary for one of art’s titans.

Dali's 1931 masterwork: The Persistence of MemoryBut here’s the thing. 

You did something rather clever just now.

By opening this email, you pre-qualified yourself. You revealed yourself as someone: 
  • A little more knowledgeable about Dali than most. 
  • A little more curious about the art world than most.
  • Who realises that Salvador Dali had an artistic talent, and a conceptual brilliance that went far beyond a melting clock. 
And that’s why I’m asking you directly today. Give this email serious attention. Accept my offer and:

Become the new owner of this extraordinary Dali original artwork below.

Because when you do, you welcome the full Salvador Dali into your life. 

The true technically-brilliant artist beyond the headline-grabbing masterworks. 

And you demonstrate yourself as a connoisseur. 

This is the original Dali artwork I'm offering you.
Paul Fraser Collectibles | Salvador Dali signed drawing
A Dali line drawing of a dragon in orange crayon (1968)

The 5 key points you need to know about it:

Paul Fraser Collectibles | Salvador Dali signed drawing1. The dragon: Dali often used dragons in his art. In paintings, sculptures and in line drawings such as here. What was their significance to Dali? Dali was fascinated by the subconscious. He viewed dragons as symbols of that subconscious: combining fear, the unknown and the irrational. This is an artwork at the core of Dali's psyche. 

2. The technical mastery: Look at the precise orange-crayon lines of Dali’s hand. He was a meticulous, highly technical artist. After all, Dali was formally trained at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts. See how Dali has rendered the dragon’s claws with such accuracy, and face with such expression. You can tell he was greatly influenced by the Renaissance painters. As a young man he would gaze upon the works of the Great Masters at Madrid’s Prado. 

3. The signature: Dalí signs his name here with confidence and flair. And just look at the vast size of it. As you would expect from an artist of such self-assuredness. The autograph conveys a man of individuality and artistic mastery. Dalí's signature has become an iconic symbol itself. 

4. The crown: Dalí regularly used the crown as a shorthand signature. So this artwork actually features two Dali autographs. Dali was captivated by a 1936 photo of a milk droplet taken by US engineer Harold Edgerton. The splash resembled a coronet, inspiring Dalí's depiction.
 
Dali was inspired to create his crown signature by Harold Edgerton's photo of a droplet of milk
Being a devout Catholic and a supporter of monarchy, Dalí found deep meaning in the crown.

5. The year: 1968. Dali was now 64, but was far from thinking about retirement. In fact, the 60s were arguably Dali at his most thought provoking. There’s a depth to his 60s pieces (such as “Portrait of my Dead Brother”) unmatched by Dali's earlier work. 
Paul Fraser Collectibles | Salvador Dali signed drawingOriginal Dali line drawings such as this rarely come up for sale
And this is the story of how he came to create this artwork. 

It's April 30, 1968. Members of the Far West Ski Association are flying back to the US from a skiing holiday in the Alps.

They have chartered seats on an Air France plane. It's taking them from Geneva to Los Angeles, via Montreal.

In front of each member of the party is a specially-prepared in-flight menu.

Yet minds are not on the aperitifs. 

Because also on this flight is one Salvador Dali.

A member of the party plucks up the courage. And presents Dali with a menu. Would he mind signing it?

Dali does better than that.

And begins to slowly create an exquisite drawing of a dragon in orange crayon.

Paul Fraser Collectibles | Salvador Dali signed drawingImagine this framed on your wall - a service we can provide for free

Look again at the intricate details of the drawing. Each line, the work of one of the greatest hands to ever pick up a pencil.

This isn't a sketch. This is an artwork. 

Dali put every ounce of his concentration and skill into this work.

He then writes "pour David", dates it and signs it. 

At a large 28 x 43cm, this menu is a striking display piece. The drawing itself is a substantial 14 x 20cm.

Paul Fraser Collectibles | Salvador Dali signed drawingTwo magnificent signatures in one: the crown and the "Dali"

A pricing conundrum

Let me be clear. Pricing this Dali has been extremely difficult for me.

I have had to balance five facts:

1. Dali original line drawings of similar size, subject and importance sell for c. £90,000 to £105,000. It's a fact. This Dali line drawing below auctioned for £101,000 at Bonhams last year.

Dali's drawing auctioned for £101,000 in 2023 This Dali drawing auctioned for £101,000 in 2023

2. Values for Dali's dragon works are always strong. A 1962 pen and ink of St George and the Dragon auctioned for £169,875 in 2013.

3. Original Dali artworks are increasingly rare on the private market, as most today reside in museums and university archives. 

4. I sourced your Dali artwork many years ago, for what looks now an astonishingly low price. 

5. I have built my career on providing clients with exceptional value for money.

I've made my decision. I may regret it in time.

Today I am offering this Dali original for the same price you normally see for a limited edition Dali print. "1 of 250, signed and dated by the artist" - that kind of thing. 

That price is £40,000 ($49,750). 

I will not consider any offers below this figure. I'm sure you appreciate why. 

The fastest way to buy is hitting reply to this email now, stating "please reserve". If you're first, it's yours. One of my friendly team will email straight back to arrange payment. 

A phone call also works: +44 (0)1534 639 998

Or you can buy online now, by clicking the button below:

Buy the Dali now

When you buy you get my moneyback guarantee of authenticity - for life. 

Plus, if you don't love the artwork when it arrives, return it within 28 days for a full refund. Not a question asked.  

Until next time, 

Paul Fraser

PS. I won't accept any offers below £40,000. But will consider layaway/payment plans if that suits you best.

PPS. We will deliver this Dali for free to you. To any address in the world. Fully insured.

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