Los Cantos de Maldoror

This is an artist’s book to really enjoy, featuring the graphics Salvador Dalí produced to illustrate Los Cantos de Maldoror by Comte de Lautréamont, a crucial work that was considered emblematic by the avant-garde movement of surrealism. The poetic prose of Los Cantos evokes an imaginary, dreamlike world that Dalí used to present some of his most characteristic icons and figures, and which he would repeat in future works. 

ARTIKA, in conjunction with the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation, has produced this inimitable gem of a limited edition, published in the form of 2,998 numbered copies. 

Our journey into Dalí’s world is symbolised by the impressive beech wood box that resembles an old-fashioned travelling suitcase; it is also a homage to the two geniuses covered in this work, both of whom were travellers during their whole lives. The box’s red silk interior contains all the different elements, protected by an oxidised iron plate, and which announce that our journey into surrealism is about to begin. 

The reproductions of Dalí’s 42 illustrations are published in six spectacular notebooks, one for each of the Cantos. Meanwhile, in what is both a knowing nod to surrealism and a labyrinthine exercise, the text plays with different colours and infinite lines. 

The Study Book will prove indispensable for anyone wishing to understand the world of Dalí and his fellow-travellers. The volume is comprised of contributions from specialists in each particular field who attempt to answer all the disturbing questions raised by the work. 

And by way of a finale, the work includes a folder that contains previously unpublished facsimile reproductions of 11 preparatory drawings and four proof etchings of one of the engravings, all of which will help the reader to comprehend the painstaking process used by the artist.