This is the story of two great 20th century pioneers who came together in a remarkable union of medical and artistic genius: Dr. Edmund Klein and painter Salvador Dali. It resulted in a unique collection of original drawings that… have never before been seen by the art world.

Dali’s Guardian Angel:

Thirteen Dali drawings, plus a Dali sculpture, represent not only a veryspecial collection of art, but an intriguing page of art history.

Edmund Klein, MD (1921-1999) was a renowned dermatologist and skin cancer expert. His medical career led him to Boston, Mass, where he worked as a researcher with the Sidney Farber Research Foundation. In 1964, Dr. Klein accepted the position of Chief of Dermatology at the world-renowned Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo (NY) There he developed the protocol for the application of a highly effective topical anticancer agent for the skin cancer. Eventually Dr. Klein settled with his wife and five children in Williamsville, NY, a Buffalo suburb. He was the recipient of the highest award in American medicine-the prestigious Lasker Award for clinical research in cancer immunology. One observer, in describing Dr. Klein’s extensive professional accomplishments, called him the “Father of modern immunology”.

Martha Klein, Dr. Klein’s wife, explains how her husband originally forged a connection with Salvador Dali. “Mary Lasker (of the aforementioned Lasker Foundation) knew my husband by the late 1960’s, and in 1972 he received the Lasker Award. Around the same time, Dali’s manager called the house and said, ‘Salvador Dali calling for Dr. Klein’. I think Mary Lasker was the connection. I was very thrilled with that call!”

“They set up their first appointment”, Mrs. Klein continued, “and he went to New York to see Dali for the first time. He saw him often after that, probably 15 times, both at the St. Regis and in Europe.”

It is unclear precisely what medical condition Dali had-or feared he had- that led him to Dr. Klein’s door. Surely Dali’s manager was instructed to spare no expense in finding the best of the best to treat, or at least consult with, the wealthy, world famous Catalan master. Dali lived all his life in Port Lligat, Spain, or on the Costa Brava, spending many hours in the Mediterranean sun when he wasn’t hard at work in his studio, or traveling to Paris, Madrid, Monte Carlo or New York. Although Dr. Klein was, as a July 30, 1999 New York Time obituary stated, an “expert on skin cancer.” He never revealed- not even to his wife- the exact nature of Dali’s condition, rigorously maintaining doctor/patient confidentiality. But whether Dali had, in fact, a form of skin cancer, or some other sun-related skin problem, he and Dr. Klein developed a close personal relationship, each respecting the other’s expertise in their chosen field. “He never discussed the nature of the illness that Dali had”, Mrs. Klein remembers. “Edmund adored Dali and had a great appreciation of those drawings. I cannot even imagine his state of mind as he sat there and Dali drew and explained to him exactly what each one meant.”

Dr. Klein, born in Vienna and receiving his M.D. in 1951 from the University of Toronto, never charged Dali for his medical consultations and treatments. Mrs. Klein notes that the two men had a close relationship that went beyond a professional one; they would often dine together at the St. Regis Hotel and spend time together as friends.

Part of that time saw Dali take up pen, ink even crayon; to create 11 original drawings for the man he called his “Guardian Angel”. Mrs. Klein remembers that Dali brought the books [some in the collection were drawn on] to their meetings, not her husband. Whatever Dr. Klein did for Dali medically, it obviously made an enormous impression on him, and earned his abiding respect and admiration. Indeed, the Guardian Angel idea is carried out thematically among the majority of the drawings inscribed to Dr. Klein. One sketch even states in Dali’s handwriting that Dr. Klein was the artist’s “Guardian Angel No. II”- right behind Gala (Dali’s wife), of course, as number One!

The collection of Dr. Edmund Klein

Another work, referred to as Dali & DNA, featured three angelic figures-one holding a caduceus (medical staff), intended to represent Dr. Klein himself. Thus, from 1972 to the early 1980’s, Dr. Klein acquired an impressive collection of one-of-a-kind dedicatory drawings, most executed on blank pages of Dali books the artist would bring with him, create in, then give to his surrealist soul mate. Several were drawn in Dali’s sketchbook, another in a rare exhibition catalog. One Dali sculpture, called St. John the Baptist- fashioned directly from Dali’s hands, not merely produced by artisans working off a Dali design- is also part of the Klein collection, together with a unique authenticating statement written by Dali himself.

Below you will find] each of the works in the Klein Collection, accompanied by a brief description and in some cases alluding to other works by Salvador Dali for reference purposes. The drawings help tell a story that spans decades, but which has never been shared outside the Klein family of Western New York and a few close friends- until now.

The Journal of Medicine, in its VOL. 30, No. 5 & 6 (1999), noted- after a listing of Dr. Klein’s achievements: “There was more to Ed Klein, the man, than the accomplishments listed above. We will never forget watching him evaluate patients at almost midnight, speaking to with them while leaning upon his glass covered Salvador Dali masterpiece stretched out on this consultation room desk…”

Dedicatory drawings by Dali are being accorded the status they deserve as legitimate and often quite interesting examples of the Master’s original handiwork- at times more spontaneous, at times quire thoughtfully executed. At least two commercially produced books have now been published that focus exclusively on such works. One is Salvador Dali Dedicatories, Editorial Mediterrania, 1990; and a second A Sabater Con un Abrazon en el Quin Elisabet: Dali, by Enrique Sabater, Umberto Allemandi, & Co. 1998.

The works of the Klein Collection are guaranteed by the owner, Mrs. Edmund Klein who confirmed their provenance. All works were executed expressly for, and in the presence of, the late Dr. Edmund Klein. They were gifts from the artist to Dr. Klein; have been through no other hands and have rarely been shown to the public.

Don Quixote in the “Candy Box” Book (1973) (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

Black marker in book, “Dali” by Max Gerard, 10.5” x 11.5” (26.7cm x 29.2cm)

Dedicated, when translated into English: “For my friend Doctor Klein, Don Quixote genetics,” this handsome drawing reminds us that Dali was always keenly aware that the bond between his dermatologist and himself was rooted in their mutual interest in science. Mrs. Klein reports that her husband had many conversations with the artist about a full range of scientific matters, from genetics to religion to molecular science. Here Dali has drawn a gallant troubadour of a figure with that unmistakable swirl of the line Dali was noted for in many of his ink drawings. In his right hand, Don Quixote holds a circular shield, while in his left is a tall staff or lance, which at the same time is the “P” in “Pour” (“For” in English). A glimpse of mountainous landscape appears on the horizon. Dali’s first signature, at left, is created from the trailing off of the base of Don Quixote’s pedestal-like form, while the second Dali signature is big and bold, directly over the printed signature of this great book- DALI, edited/arranged by Max Gerard, 1968, which won Dali a book cover design award in France.

Black fountain pen of sketchpad, 11” x 14” (28cm x 35.6cm)

Dermatology (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

Dali drew numerous horses duringhis prolific career, but seldom if ever a horse being walked by another person. The horse and rider motif symbolized a sense of importance, leadership and heroism. The Klein family recalls it being explained to Dr. Klein by Dali that the steed’s rider here is supposed to represent Dali, while the man guiding its direction is meant to be Dr. Klein, just as Dr. Klein led Dali in the right direction with respect to his medical issues. The work was drawn on Dali’s sketchpad; it’s unclear precisely what is written in Dali’s handwriting, but it is obviously related to dermatology.

Black ink on paper, 8” x 11” (20cm x 28cm) Paper size

Pour Mon Ami Klein (March 1979) (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

Here is a positively delightful sketch that places a bold Dali signature upon a leaf, from whose tip we see three drops-tears of joy, perhaps? For we know Dali was overjoyed indeed over his relationship with Dr. Klein, who some have said may actually have cured Dali of a form of skin cancer, though it remains speculation and was really only known for sure by doctor and patient. In any case, this inscribed work, “For my friend,” as Dali wrote in French, is one of the few that includes the month written in Dali’s handwriting, as well as the year. The ubiquitous trademark figure of the man holding the child’s hand-known to represent Dali and his father- makes another appearance in this truly charming little work in ink. The large Dali signature somewhat loosely resembles a large snail- a favorite element of Dali’s iconography- and he produced at least one work showing an over-sized snail crawling on a leaf. This Dali sketch was made on the back of the cover page of a technical paper written by Dr. Klein. There is a small tear in the upper right portion of the paper, not affecting the image.

Fountain pen ink on paper, 9” x 11” (22.8cm x 28cm) Paper size

Pour mon Angel le Doctor Klein (1978)

The angel theme informs much of the Klein Collection, and the angel in this delightful 1978 work might be characterized as a bit seductive! The long-legged angelic figure is in the au naturel, striking a pose calculated to draw attention, beyond that which would already be assured through her marked inhibition. Dali considered Dr. Klein his “guardian angel” for helping him with a medical condition that has never been fully disclosed and quite likely will always remain a mystery.

Black crayon on book “Dali…Dali… Dali” by Max Gerard, 17” x 12” (43.2cm x 30.5cm)

Amy Klein, one of Dr. Edmund Klein’s daughters- now an attorney in Buffalo (NY) says, “I shall never forget my father’s rendition of his conversation with Dali, as Dali had his sketchbook and pen in hand. They were discussing the philosophical aspects of the merging between medicine and religion. Out of this discussion came Dali’s version of Jacob’s ladder, comprised of DNA molecules intertwined with the angels ascending to Heaven. The second angel represents my father with the medical staff in hand.”

Dali & DNA (1975) (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

The Biblical account of Jacob’s ladder bears repeating here as it sheds additional light on this Dali drawing: “Jacob left Beersheba, and went toward Haran. He came to the place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to Heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending upon it!… then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said ‘Surely the Lord is in this place; and I did not know it.’ And he was afraid, and said, ‘This is none other than the house of God, and this is his gate of Heaven.’”

Thus, we see the sleeping figure, Jacob, at the bottom of the drawing, and to the right of it, the familiar figure of a man walking while holding hands with a child- known to be Dali’s frequent representation of himself and his father. Just above those figures appears at first glance to be a bird, but is more likely another angelic figure, seemingly adrift from the others- perhaps a fallen angel. The other angels align with the molecules of the double helix spiral of DNA, in which the scientifically minded Dali was long fascinated. He created many works during his Nuclear-Mystical Period in which molecules, atoms, protons and genetic structure of the DNA molecule figured prominently- including the painting with the longest single-word title of any Dali work: Galacidalacidesoxiribonucleaicacid of 1963. Dali’s major works of that time also linked his renewed interest in religion with prevailing discoveries in science.

Salvador Dali believed DNA was the ultimate proof for the existence of God. Now, incredibly, DNA experts and forensic scientists are actually looking at Dali’s DNA- reportedly through samples taken from his feeding tube- to try to decode the genetic makeup of creative genius. This marvelous drawing was executed in the book, Dali…Dali…Dali, by Max Gerard- which is a smaller-sized later version of a book whose dust jacket Dali designed, and which won a European award for cover design. Dali’s inspiration: the gold foil packaging of a box of chocolates! It is useful to compare the present drawing to Dali’s “Tree of Life” gouache and pencil of 1976, which was one of the original maquettes for the highly regarded “Alchemy of Philosophers” suite of lithographs published the same year.

Ink on catalogue, “The Photographer & The Artist” Sidney Janis, (1976) , 6.5” x 8” (16.5cm x 20.3cm)

The spirit of the guardian angel theme, emblematic of the Klein Collection, is wonderfully captured in this very special drawing, showing a reverently kneeling angel holding an olive branch, a symbol of peace and hope. This thoughtful work was made in the 32-page catalogue, The Photographer & The Artist, opening 4-7pm, thru March 6, 1976 at Sidney Janis, 6 West 57th. New York. (Copyright 1976).

Guardian Angel No. II (1976) (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

Dedicated to Dr. Klein, the work featured the words “guardian angel” in Dali’s handwriting, along with this important hand-written designation: “No. II. First = Gala”. This, of course, meant Dr. Klein was second only to Gala (Dali’s beloved wife) as his reigning guardian angel! This realization is more significant than one might first imagine. Clearly Dali was hyper-aware of his mortality, and was facing this inevitability when he first enlisted the intervention of Dr. Klein. Although the details are unknown, it is clear that Dr. Klein helped Dali get through and go beyond his medical concerns. Dali putting Dr. Klein second only to Gala as his “Guardian Angel” speaks volumes about the painter’s feelings for his physician. It is also significant to note that one of Dali’s most important paintings in the 1952 work, “The Angel of Port Lligat”, which portrays his wife Gala as a winged angel along the shore of their Spanish Home. Moreover, one of the watercolors in the collection of Mrs. Albert D. Lasker, whose Foundation honored the work of Dr. Klein, was “Guardian Angel of Cadaques” of 1943.

Black crayon in book “Dali by Dali”, 10.5” x 7.5” (26.7cm x 19cm)

Drawing in Dali by Dali (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

How fitting that Dali would choose his own book- that is, a book he conceived and authored- to create

one of his finest original drawings, this one in black crayon. It is dedicated not only to his friend, but to his “great friend, Dr. Edmund Klein.”

This is truly one of the more gallant and muscular portrayals of a horse, whose Don Quixote-like rider is tall and proud in the saddle, against a backdrop of a glimpse of mountainous terrain and birds streaking across the sky. The Daliesque perspective lines are seen on the ground below.

Ink in book, World of Salvador Dali (1980), full spread, 19.5” x 12” (49.5cm x 30.5cm)

Two Drawings in the World of Salvador Dali (1980) (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

These two sketches, made very late in Dali’s artistic life (1980) show signs of Dali’s weakened condition and unsteady hand. Yet they are nonetheless delightful and reveal his dedication to and appreciation of his friend and physician, Dr. Klein. The work at left brings us Don Klein and Dali are connected. The drawing at right, where Dali again refers to Dr. Klein as his “angel”, depicts a kneeling angel with an olive branch of peace.

Ink in book, Dali (1977) edited by David Larkin, Full spread, 17.25” x 11.75”

Triple Drawing (1977) (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

Drawn in 1977 in book, DALI, edited by David Larkin two of these three works capture the pride a spirit of Don Quixote, one of Dali’s favorite stories and a character after which he patterned his own conquering spirit. A delightful Don Quixote figure at the top, made up of squiggly lines (and a ruffled collar) holds a shield and spear- the latter also forming the “P” in the dedication, “pour mon gran ami (for my great friend) Dr. Klein.” The lower figure is Don Quixote again, now on horseback, under which we see the figure of a father and son, walking hand in hand, casting a long Daliesque shadow. The third work, showing two lovers, is the declared favorite of Dr. Klein’s daughter Amy. Its simplicity of line belies the deep sense of timeless beauty and passion of the couple, welcoming the day, as a shooting star streaks the sky beneath a sun-suffused cloud, and a horse and rider appear at the left. Does the mountain range invite us to wonder what is beyond it- what lies in the future for this star-struck couple? Dali’s bold signature completes this wonderful original sketch. It is indeed rare to find three separate drawings in a single book.

Blue ballpoint ink on sketchpad, 15” x 11.25”

Don Quixote on Horseback (1980) (From the collection of the late Dr. Edmund Klein)

By 1980, Dali was growing increasingly debilitated by a confluence of physical and psychological factors; his declining condition is evident in the quality of line in this drawing made on a sketchpad. It appears that, in the date at left, Dali originally wrote 1979, and then altered the 7 to become an 8. He then dated it again, to the right, 1980. The work, showing a Don Quixote figure on a horse, reveals a rather well handled rump and tail, while the horse’s head and legs suggest a weakened hand of the ailing master draftsman. It is inscribed, “A mon angel (to my angel) le doctor Klein,” and signed Dali.