SALVADOR DALI (SPANISH, 1904-1989)

Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989) Gretchen (from Goethe's Faust) [1969] signed in pencil lower right over 'Dali' embossed stamp and numbered 50/145 coloured etching on Japan paper 38 x 29cm (sheet) Provenance: Forster & Raab, Koeln gallery label verso 'Faust' is Goethe's most famous work and considered by many to be one of the greatest works of German literature. Faust (part one) begins in heaven. Mephistopheles makes a bet with God. He says that he can deflect God's favourite human being, Faust, who is trying to learn the best in life and turns to magic for the showering of infinite knowledge. Fearing failure, Faust goes for a walk with his assistant Wagner and is followed home by a stray poodle. In Faust's study, the poodle transforms into the Devil. Faust makes an arrangement with the Devil that the Devil will do everything that Faust wants whilst on earth, and in exchange Faust will serve the Devil in Hell. Faust then meets a young girl, Gretchen, to whom he is deeply attracted and the devil draws Gretchen into Faust's arms. After the sudden death of her mother and brother Gretchen discovers she is pregnant. She drowns her illegitimate child and is convicted of the murder. Faust tries to save Gretchen from death but finding that they cannot free her, Faust and the Devil flee the dungeon, while voices from heaven announce that Gretchen shall be saved.

Condition is good - nice frame, too.