Salvador Dalí (1904-1989)

Nicolas and Olivier Descharnes have confirmed the authenticity of this work.

Executed in 1949, Naples is one from a series of four watercolours and gouaches commissioned from the artist by a noted philanthropist and art collector Albert Davis Lasker in 1948. Given by Lasker as a token of gratitude to Dr Robert F. Loeb, an avid admirer of Salvador Dalí’s œuvre, the series depicts various landmark locations in Italy - the country Dr Loeb considered to be his favourite. The present lot portrays the shores of the city of Gulf of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background.

The hues of blue, purple, yellow and orange with smoke gushing up from the volcano convey an atmosphere of a hot summer’s day. Engulfed by the bay, the crystal-clear waters are disturbed only by a gentle breeze and passing sailing boats. In the foreground, a figure in a bright red hat plays the mandolin and sings, creating a joyous atmosphere. A treasured possession, the present work remained in the collection of Dr Loeb and his descendants for almost fifty years.