Dali Painting Bought for £150 Turns into Cambridge’s Artistic Find
A Dali painting bought for £150 at a Cambridge house clearance could now fetch up to £30,000 at auction. This unexpected discovery—an original work by Spanish Surrealist legend Salvador Dali—has been authenticated by experts and is set to spark strong interest when it goes under the hammer.
How a £150 Dali Purchase Became a Valuable Rediscovery
The painting, titled Vecchio Sultano, was unearthed by an anonymous art dealer during a 2023 house clearance. Initially overlooked, its true value was uncovered through extensive research and expert evaluation. The artwork has been officially certified by Dali authority Nicolas Descharnes, confirming its authenticity.
Dali Painting Bought for £150 Linked to Arabian Nights Project
This particular piece is a watercolour and felt-tip illustration, depicting a scene from The Arabian Nights — a project Dali embarked on after being commissioned by Italian patrons Giuseppe and Mara Albaretto in the 1960s. Originally intended to illustrate a Bible, Dali proposed a pivot toward Middle Eastern folktales, aiming to produce 500 unique pieces. However, only about 100 illustrations were completed before the ambitious project was abandoned.
Dali Painting Bought for £150 Reveals Lesser-Known Artistic Style
Unlike Dali’s more recognizable oil-on-canvas masterpieces, Vecchio Sultano offers a glimpse into his more delicate, whimsical side. The combination of watercolour and felt tip reveals a subtle interpretation of surrealism, reflecting a different dimension of his genius.
According to Gabrielle Downie, associate at Cheffins Auctioneers, the find is especially meaningful:
“To handle a genuine rediscovery of a work by one of the world’s most iconic artists, and a pioneer of Surrealism, is an incredible honour. This is a unique piece that shows a different side of Dali’s practice.”
A Painting with a Traced Provenance
Further investigation revealed that the painting had previously been listed at Sotheby’s in the 1990s, complete with full attribution to Dali. However, over time, that attribution was lost — an uncommon occurrence in the modern art world. Its rediscovery, therefore, is particularly significant for Dali scholars and collectors alike.
Where Did This Dali Artwork Come From?
Half of the 100 completed pieces from the Arabian Nights series remained with the Italian publishing house Rizzoli, while the other 50 were kept by the Albarettos. Many of Rizzoli’s copies were reportedly lost or damaged over time. Experts believe Vecchio Sultano most likely originated from this lost batch, making its survival and condition even more exceptional.
October Auction: A Golden Opportunity for Collectors
The authenticated Dali painting bought for £150 will be auctioned on 23 October by Cheffins Auctioneers in Cambridge. It has been given a pre-sale estimate of £20,000 to £30,000, making it a potentially life-changing sale for the buyer and an exciting opportunity for collectors of Surrealist art.
Why This Discovery Matters in the Art World
The artwork is more than a valuable painting — it’s a piece of history that bridges art, mystery, and cultural legacy. From a forgotten corner of a Cambridge home to the prestigious walls of an art auction, its journey is a testament to the hidden treasures that may lie unnoticed in ordinary places.
Conclusion: A £150 Purchase Turns into a Fortune
The Dali painting bought for £150 is proof that rare art can still surface in the most unexpected ways. As the world watches the October auction unfold, one lucky art dealer’s intuition and knowledge could result in a return worth over 200 times the original price. More importantly, it highlights how even lost works of great masters like Dali can re-enter the global art conversation — and enrich it.
