Salvador Dalí (1904-1989)

Aerodynamique relates to a series of photogravures and vignettes commissioned from Dalí in 1933 by the publisher Albert Skira to illustrate the book Les Chants de Maldoror by Isidore Ducasse, Count of Lautréamont. Originally written in 1869, this rebellious and provocative work was recognised by the Surrealists as a masterpiece in the history of literature. Dalí was at this time at the height of his involvement with the Surrealist movement, and Picasso had introduced Dalí to Skira and proposed him as an illustrator. For the finished engraving to which this work relates, see R. Michler & W. Löpsinger, Salvador Dalí Catalogue Raisonné of the Etchings and Mixed-Media Prints 1924-1980, Munich, 1994, no. 34, p.132 (illustrated).