A Cambridge antiques dealer, who wishes to remain anonymous and is 60 years old, recently acquired a painting titled *Vecchio Sultano* for a mere £150 at a house clearance sale. The dealer, identified only as John Russell, was drawn to the piece by the presence of Salvador Dalí’s signature in the bottom right corner.
The auction was not conducted online, meaning potential buyers had to physically attend to view the items. Russell described the experience as an opportunity to “discover a treasure,” noting that he typically buys items he personally likes. In this instance, he admitted it was a “punt,” as he was uncertain if the artwork would suit his aesthetic preferences.
Upon learning that the painting had been discovered in the garage of a London residence, RussellS excitement grew when he observed stickers on the reverse of the canvas. These stickers indicated that the painting had been featured in a Sotheby’s auction during the 1990s. Further research confirmed his initial suspicions,leading to disbelief at his findings.
Russell’s decision to bid was spontaneous, influenced by his years of watching the BBC television program *Fake or Fortune*, which he cited as a favorite. he gambled on his ability to discern authentic art from forgeries.
The painting, which portrays a bejeweled sultan, did not attract significant attention at the auction. Despite being presented as an original Dalí, the vendors had not set a reserve price, and Russell observed a lack of interest from other dealers present. Only one other individual bid against him, withdrawing their offer when Russell’s bid reached £150.
Several months later,russell located the relevant Sotheby’s sale catalog through eBay in the United States. The catalogue listed the 38cm x 29cm painting,confirming it’s prior identification as a Dalí work and its valuation by Cheffins.
Cheffins engaged Nicolas Descharnes, a recognized authority on Dalí, to authenticate the painting. Descharnes confirmed its authenticity, stating that the style, subject matter, and color palette of the illustration were consistent with other works in the same series, as was the quality and size of the paper.
Descharnes clarified that while many associate Dalí with surrealist works, *Vecchio Sultano* is not surrealist in nature but is nonetheless a genuine Dalí creation.
