This is an etching from Salvador Dalí’s reinterpretation of Francisco Goya’s Los Caprichos, a series originally created by Goya in 1797–1798 as a satirical critique of Spanish society, superstition, and human folly.

Dalí’s Caprichos de Goya

In the 1970s, Salvador Dalí reimagined Goya’s Los Caprichos, adding his signature surrealist touches while maintaining Goya’s original compositions. This limited-edition series is known as “Los Caprichos de Dalí” or “Dalí’s Caprichos”, featuring hand-colored etchings that blend Goya’s dark themes with Dalí’s dreamlike, psychological imagery.

Details of This Piece

• Title: Lima de los dientes (File of the Teeth)

• Series: Los Caprichos (Dalí after Goya)

• Number: Plate 51 (from the original 80 plates)

• Edition: 62/200 (from a limited edition of 200)

• Medium: Etching with hand-coloring

• Signature: Hand-signed by Dalí

Interpretation

This work retains the grotesque social commentary of Goya but incorporates Dalí’s surreal distortions and symbolic elements. The yellow dragon-like figure with an eye in its mouth is an unmistakable Dalinian addition, representing a surreal vision of deception and cruelty. The scissors cutting teeth reinforce the original theme of suffering, oppression, and malicious control.

Value and Collectibility

Dalí’s Caprichos are highly collectible due to their rarity and the unique fusion of two artistic geniuses.