Salvador Dali's Largest Painting Heads to Auction

Stage backdrop from 1939 ballet expected to fetch up to $348K

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:51pm

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Salvador Dali's largest canvas ever, created in 1939 as a stage backdrop for the Bacchanale ballet at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, is set to be auctioned off at Bonhams' annual Surrealism sale in Paris on March 26. The massive artwork, measuring roughly 100 feet wide and 65 feet tall, is made up of four canvases and 13 panels erected in front of a backdrop curtain, and is expected to fetch between $232,000 and $348,000.

Why it matters

This sale represents a rare opportunity for art collectors and institutions to acquire one of Salvador Dali's most ambitious and large-scale works, which has been described as immersing viewers in the artist's surreal universe. The painting's sheer size and historical significance as a ballet backdrop make it a highly coveted piece in the world of Surrealist art.

The details

The painting was originally created by Dali in 1939 as a stage backdrop for the Bacchanale ballet, which was performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The massive work is composed of four canvases and 13 panels that were erected in front of a backdrop curtain, resulting in an artwork that is approximately 100 feet wide and 65 feet tall.

  • The painting was created by Salvador Dali in 1939.
  • The Bacchanale ballet that featured the painting as a stage backdrop was performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1939.
  • The painting will be auctioned off at Bonhams' annual Surrealism sale in Paris on March 26, 2026.

The players

Salvador Dali

A renowned Spanish surrealist artist known for his iconic and imaginative paintings.

Bonhams

An international auction house that specializes in fine art, antiques, jewelry, and other collectibles.

Metropolitan Opera

A renowned opera house located in New York City that has hosted many notable performances and productions over the years.

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What’s next

The painting will be auctioned off at Bonhams' annual Surrealism sale in Paris on March 26, 2026, where it is expected to fetch between $232,000 and $348,000.

The takeaway

This upcoming auction of Salvador Dali's largest painting, originally created as a stage backdrop for a 1939 ballet, represents a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts and institutions to acquire a truly monumental work by one of the most renowned surrealist artists of the 20th century.