Early Dalí painting on show for first time since 1925

'Figure in profile', an oil on cardboard painting that Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí painted when still an apprentice is on public display for the first time since 1925. On display at the Dalí Museum, 'Figure in profile' features Dalí’s sister, Anna Maria, his main model before his wife Gala came into his life. The painting already shows the fusion between tradition and avant-garde that would become a trademark of Dalí’s paintings.  

'Figure in profile' has been only shown once before, in Barcelona’s Dalmau gallery some 92 years ago. Despite being a very young artist at the time, the exhibition featuring the early Dalí was a success. In fact, it is said that the great Spanish painter Picasso visited and commented on its quality.

Bought for almost €2m

In 1925, Dalí was still an unknown artist. That same year, pharmacist and friend of the Dalí family, Joaquim Cusí, acquired the painting and it has never appeared in public since. Over the years its has changed hands between private individuals until the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation bought it at auction at Bonhams London in March for almost 2 million euros.