Salvador Dali Lincoln in Dalivision – The Mixed-Media Paper Prints (1984 Deluxe Edition)
The Authorized Lincoln in Dalivision 1984 Deluxe Edition is a highly sought-after, limited-edition mixed-media graphic print by surrealist master Salvador Dalí. It reproduces his famous optical illusion photomosaic masterpiece, Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln (Homage to Rothko)
The 1984 release was a later, authorized specialized subset of the broader publication history of Dalivision, which originally began with the highly famous 1977 initial release. The 1977 is arguably one of the most famous lithographs ever printed.
Because the 1984 editions represent a much smaller, tighter subset of the overall market production, they command very high premium prices when fully authenticated.
The Deluxe Edition was printed in 1984 at Hinte Studios, Inc. in the USA and published by Gala Editions International, Inc. It typically carries a blind stamp reading “Dalart N.V. Gala Editions Int’l Inc.” in the lower left corner. The Proof Tiers do not always have the blind stamp imprint.
Some prints in the 1984 Roman numeral tier do not have the Gala Editions International imprint primarily because the 1984 print run was split across completely different European and American publishing entities, while others lack the imprint because they are unauthorized posthumous reproductions or “blind signature” printings.
Dimensions: Typically a large paper size of approximately 41″ x 28″ (with an image size of 32″ x 23″)
Features and Collectability
The Hand Signature: Authentic pieces from this edition are signed by Salvador Dalí in pencil in the lower right margin and numbered on the lower left. **Dalí famously signed thousands of blank sheets of art paper later in life and the 1980s print market was flooded with unauthorized variants of lithographs.
The Viewing Glass / Monocle: Original releases of the print were famously packaged with a special handheld “Dalioptic” viewing lens (monocle) in a small case. Because photomosaics were rare at the time, this optic piece allowed viewers to experience the Lincoln illusion instantly from close range without having to walk far away.
Because Lincoln in Dalivision is one of the most counterfeited prints of the 20th century, authentic pieces require a verified Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Gala Editions International or specialized in-person authentication from trusted Dalí experts. If the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a Lincoln in Dalivision print has been lost, the print loses nearly all of its market value until it is professionally re-authenticated. It is still a beautiful and collectable piece of art worth owning if you come should come across one.
Gala Editions published 1984 deluxe paper serigraph/etching suite (printed by Hinte Studios), using a highly segmented, multi-tiered alphanumeric system to divide regional markets.
The breakdown includes:
- The Regional Commercial Tiers:
- USA Market: Numbered 1 to 350 in standard Arabic numerals.
- European Market: Numbered E 1/350 to E 350/350.
- German Market: Numbered G 1/350 to G 350/350.
- The Proof Tiers:
- Artist Proofs (AP): 100 pieces marked A.P. for the US market.
- Épreuve d’Artiste (EA): 100 pieces designated for the European and German markets, written as E.A..
- Roman Numeral Tier: 250 pieces labeled with Roman numerals (e.g., I/CCL through CCL/CCL).
- Special Overages: 176 Museum Proofs (M.P.) and 200 Hors Commerce (H.C.) pieces reserved for exhibition and promotional purposes
The 1984 Premium Paper Proof Tiers (AP, EA, HC):
- Secondary Market Value: $3,000 – $6,000.
- Context: A verified, hand-signed Gala proof tier in flawless condition, complete with its original presentation box and accompanying paperwork, can push past $9,000+ to specialized collectors
- The Presence of the Monocle: Having the original, functioning gilded mustache viewing lens in its original case can add $500 to $1,000 to the package value.