Our Authentication Process (In Depth)

A documented, step‑by‑step framework used to examine and classify Salvador Dalí prints before they are offered for sale.

Authenticating Salvador Dalí prints is inherently complex. Dalí’s graphic works span multiple decades, publishers, printing techniques, and edition structures. The market contains both legitimate material and works that are misclassified, altered, or poorly documented.

For this reason, AuthenticDali applies a cumulative authentication framework. Each step below must be satisfied. If unresolved doubt remains at any stage, the artwork is not offered for sale.

Guiding principles

Authentication must be documented, not assumed
No single indicator is sufficient on its own
Edition context matters as much as visual appearance
Unresolved doubt results in rejection, not justification

Step‑by‑step process

1. Catalogue raisonné & reference research

Each artwork is examined against published catalogue raisonnés and recognized reference literature to establish documented series context, publisher attribution, and known edition structures.

2. Edition structure & classification

The edition context is examined in detail, including declared edition size, numbering format, lifetime versus later editions, and suite composition where applicable.

Why this step is critical

Misclassification at the edition level is one of the most common risks in the Dalí print market. Legitimate works are often incorrectly described due to incomplete understanding of how a series was produced and distributed.

3. Print technique consistency

The stated print technique (etching, lithography, woodcut, etc.) is evaluated in relation to the documented production method of the series.

What is examined

Line quality, plate characteristics, ink behavior, and impression depth are assessed for consistency with known production practices. Technique inconsistencies that cannot be reconciled result in rejection.

4. Paper, period & physical characteristics

Paper type, aging characteristics, and physical attributes are evaluated in relation to the documented production period.

Why physical context matters

This step helps identify later printings, incompatible materials, or post‑publication alterations. Physical examination alone is not determinative, but inconsistencies are weighed within the full context.

5. Signature & numbering assessment (when present)

When signatures or numbering are present, they are evaluated structurally rather than visually. The presence of a signature is not treated as proof of authenticity on its own.

Known market risks

Known issues in the Dalí market — including signed blank sheets and publisher‑added numbering — are explicitly considered at this stage.

6. High‑resolution documentation & archiving

Each artwork is photographed in high resolution. Visual documentation is archived together with research notes.

Purpose of documentation

The archive supports internal consistency across works from the same series and provides traceable documentation that accompanies the artwork.

7. Final review threshold

The final decision is based on the cumulative outcome of the entire process. If reasonable doubt remains regarding authenticity, classification, or production context, the artwork is not offered for sale.

What this process is — and is not

A documented evaluation framework
Not an official foundation or institutional authentication
Not a replacement for scholarly or museum authorities
Not an appraisal or valuation

Authentication Report

This process is documented in the AuthenticDali Authentication Report, which accompanies every artwork sold.

Artwork identification details
Series and edition context
References consulted
Observed technique and material characteristics
High‑resolution photographic documentation
Date of evaluation

The report is intended to accompany the artwork as documentation history. It does not constitute an appraisal, valuation, or institutional certificate.

For an overview of our philosophy and why this framework exists, see: What is AuthenticDali?