Rediscovered Dali Masterpiece Could Fetch £30,000 at Auction ###

A rare and previously lost painting by the iconic Surrealist artist Salvador Dali, discovered during a house clearance sale in Cambridge, is set to make waves in the art world. The mixed media artwork, titled *Vecchio Sultano*, is expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 when it goes under the hammer at an auction in October.

The painting was unearthed in 2023 during a routine house clearance in Cambridge. An anonymous art dealer, who purchased the piece for just £150, recognized its potential significance and had it authenticated by a Dali expert. The artwork has since been certified as an original by Dali specialist Nicolas Descharnes, confirming its authenticity and historical value.

Gabrielle Downie, an associate at auctioneers Cheffins, expressed her excitement about the discovery, stating, "Handling a genuine rediscovery of a work by one of the most famous artists in the world, and the godfather of Surrealism, is a true honor. This is a significant find for Dali scholars, as the loss of an attribution is quite rare in the modern art world."

The painting, created using watercolor and felt-tip, is part of Dali's *Arabian Nights* series, a collection of illustrations inspired by Middle Eastern folktales. Commissioned by the wealthy Italian couple Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto in 1963, the project was intended to illustrate a Bible. However, Dali insisted on illustrating scenes from *The Arabian Nights* instead, a collection of Middle Eastern folktales.

Dali only completed 100 of the intended 500 works before the project was abandoned. Half of these works remained with the publishing house Rizzoli, where they were either damaged or lost. The other 50 were retained by the Albaretto family and later inherited by their daughter, Christina, who was also Dali's goddaughter. It is believed that the painting in question came from the batch of 50 works that were later lost by the publishers.

The artwork's rediscovery is particularly noteworthy because it showcases a different side of Dali's artistic practice, focusing on watercolor techniques rather than his more famous surrealist paintings. The piece is an illustration of a scene from *The Arabian Nights*, reflecting Dali's fascination with Middle Eastern culture and storytelling.

The auction, scheduled for October 23, will be held by Cheffins Auctions in Cambridge. The painting's journey from a modest house clearance sale to a potential £30,000 auction highlights the enduring value and intrigue surrounding Dali's work.

Gabrielle Downie emphasized the importance of the seller's art knowledge, stating, "It has been an exciting process researching and authenticating this painting. The seller's keen eye allowed him to spot this piece during the clearance sale, showcasing his significant understanding of art."

This rediscovery not only adds to the rich tapestry of Dali's artistic legacy but also underscores the potential for hidden treasures to be found in unexpected places. As the auction approaches, art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide are eagerly anticipating the sale of this rare and historically significant piece.

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