Salvador Dalí (1904–1989)
Huit Péchés Capitaux (The Eight Deadly Sins)
Exemplaire H – One of Only Ten Collaborator's Copies (A–J)
Featuring Two Original Drawings by Salvador Dalí, Two Autograph Presentation Inscriptions to Sybille Hoffmann, and an Additional Signed Original Etching on Japon Nacré
Paris, Atelier Rigal / W.U.C.U.A., 1966–1967
An exceptional and historically important presentation copy of Salvador Dalí's celebrated Huit Péchés Capitaux, distinguished by an extraordinary combination of rarity, provenance, originality and preservation.
Beyond being Exemplaire H, one of only ten collaborator's copies reserved for individuals directly associated with the production of the edition, this portfolio is further enhanced by two original drawings executed personally by Salvador Dalí, each accompanied by an autograph presentation inscription to Sybille Hoffmann.
The first original drawing, executed in ink/ballpoint pen, appears on the original justification page beside the printed limitation and the inscription "Pour Sybille Hoffmann."
The second original drawing, executed in graphite pencil, appears directly on the additional original signed etching printed on Japon nacré, once again personally dedicated to Sybille Hoffmann.
Unlike standard signed examples, these drawings were individually created by Dalí for the recipient, making this portfolio a unique artist's presentation copy. No other example can possess these exact original drawings and inscriptions, placing this portfolio in an entirely different category from ordinary copies of the edition.
Preserved in remarkable Mint / Museum Quality condition, the portfolio retains every original publishing component exactly as issued, representing one of the finest surviving examples of this important publication.
Historical Background
Published in Paris in 1966, with printing completed in 1967, Huit Péchés Capitaux represents one of Salvador Dalí's most important graphic portfolios of the 1960s.
The original etchings were engraved by Dalí during July and August 1966 at Atelier Rigal in Cadaqués before being printed by Atelier Rigal, Fontenay-aux-Roses. The edition was published by W.U.C.U.A., Paris.
Rather than illustrating the traditional Seven Deadly Sins literally, Dalí created a profoundly surreal interpretation populated by hybrid creatures, dreamlike symbolism, distorted anatomy and fantastical imagery, reflecting the artist's mature graphic language and extraordinary technical mastery of colour etching and aquatint.
Today, Huit Péchés Capitaux is regarded as one of the landmark deluxe graphic portfolios produced during Dalí's mature period.
Edition
The original justification page records the complete limitation:
5 copies (I–V) on Japon nacré, accompanied by a first-state sanguine suite on Vélin d'Arches and an additional suite on Vélin de Rives.
20 copies (VI–XXV) on Japon nacré, accompanied by an additional suite on Vélin de Rives.
125 numbered copies on Vélin de Rives.
10 collaborator's copies (A–J) reserved for individuals associated with the publication.
The present portfolio is designated:
EXEMPLAIRE H
placing it among the rarest issues of the entire edition.
Contents
Complete as issued, the portfolio comprises:
Original publisher's oatmeal cloth clamshell portfolio.
Original justification page.
Complete suite of eight original colour etchings with aquatint, each individually signed in pencil by Salvador Dalí.
One additional original signed etching on Japon nacré.
One original ink/ballpoint drawing by Salvador Dalí on the justification page.
One original graphite drawing by Salvador Dalí executed on the additional signed Japon nacré etching.
Two autograph presentation inscriptions to Sybille Hoffmann.
Complete set of the eight original titled publisher's paper folders (chemises) accompanying each etching.
The additional signed Japon nacré etching, further personalized with an original graphite drawing by Dalí, substantially enhances the uniqueness and historical significance of this presentation copy.
Provenance
The provenance of this portfolio is exceptional.
This example was personally presented by Salvador Dalí to Sybille Hoffmann, whose name appears twice in Dalí's own hand.
Rather than simply signing the portfolio, Dalí personalized it with two separate original drawings, each executed specifically for the recipient.
The original justification page was transformed into an original work of art through the addition of an ink drawing and presentation inscription.
The additional signed Japon nacré etching was likewise personalized with an original graphite drawing and a second dedication.
These autograph interventions establish a direct documentary connection between Salvador Dalí and the original recipient while elevating the portfolio far beyond the standard deluxe edition.
Presentation copies incorporating multiple original drawings by Dalí are exceptionally scarce and occupy a distinct place within his graphic oeuvre.
Condition
An outstanding example preserved in Mint / Museum Quality condition.
The original publisher's portfolio remains exceptionally fresh, retaining its original structure and presentation.
The complete suite displays:
Brilliant, unfaded colours.
Rich, well-preserved impressions.
Full original margins.
Fresh paper throughout.
Clean surfaces.
No foxing.
No staining.
No restoration.
No noticeable handling wear.
The complete set of original publisher's chemises survives in equally exceptional condition.
Both original drawings remain remarkably fresh, while the autograph inscriptions are bold and perfectly legible.
Examples surviving in this level of preservation are exceptionally scarce, particularly among the collaborator's copies.
Dimensions
Portfolio: approximately 453 × 314 mm (17.8 × 12.4 in.)
Each original etching printed on Vélin de Rives, with the additional signed etching printed on Japon nacré.
Catalogue References
Field 66-3
Michler & Löpsinger 161–168
Published by W.U.C.U.A., Paris.
Etchings engraved by Salvador Dalí at Atelier Rigal, Cadaqués, and printed by Atelier Rigal, Fontenay-aux-Roses.
Significance
The combination of:
Exemplaire H, one of only ten collaborator's copies;
two original drawings by Salvador Dalí (one executed in ink on the justification page and one in graphite on the additional signed Japon nacré etching);
two autograph presentation inscriptions to Sybille Hoffmann;
the additional original signed Japon nacré etching;
the complete suite of eight signed colour etchings with aquatint;
all eight original publisher's chemises;
the original publisher's clamshell portfolio;
exceptional documented provenance;
and Mint / Museum Quality preservation,
places this portfolio among the most desirable surviving examples of Huit Péchés Capitaux. More than a deluxe edition, it is a unique presentation copy that combines Dalí's original graphic work with two original drawings executed expressly for the recipient, representing an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire one of the artist's most important graphic publications in a truly singular state of preservation and provenance.
