Salvador Dalí 'Adam and Eve' Repoussé Gold Plaque or Bas-Relief
Decorative Art / Bas-Relief Plaque · Yellow Gold with a bright, reflective luster; typical of high-purity decorative plating or leafing.
Purity: Likely 18K or 24K Gold Foil/Leaf over a base metal or plaster core. Genuine solid gold versions would be 750 (18K) or 916 (22K) fineness. If commemorative, it may contain 75% gold content.
Type
Decorative Art / Bas-Relief Plaque
Purity
Likely 18K or 24K Gold Foil/Leaf over a base metal or plaster core. Genuine solid gold versions would be 750 (18K) or 916 (22K) fineness. If commemorative, it may contain 75% gold content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a bright, reflective luster; typical of high-purity decorative plating or leafing.
Weight
Unknown. If solid 18K gold, it would exceed several hundred grams; if a decorative plaque, it is likely a thin layer over a heavier base material weighing approximately 500-1000g total.
Description
A stunning golden bas-relief depicting Adam and Eve in a classic Surrealist style. The figures are rendered with Dalí's signature fluid musculature and elongated dynamism, centered around the Tree of Knowledge. The contrast between the smooth, mirror-polished figures and the textured background creates a dramatic chiaroscuro effect in metallic form.
Key Features
Surrealist anatomical distortion, stippled background texture, and the iconic Dalí signature style applied to biblical iconography.
Color & Finish
High-polish yellow gold surfaces on the human figures with a contrasting stippled, matte, or hammered 'orange peel' texture in the background areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the lower edge or reverse side. Expected stamps include 'Dalí' facsimile signature and possibly a purity mark like '750' or a limited edition number (e.g., 1/99).
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 8 to 12 inches in height and 4 to 6 inches in width; standard for cabinet-sized bas-relief art.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The focus is entirely on the sculptural relief and the play of light on the metal surface.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable. Likely designed for wall mounting or display on a wooden easel or within a velvet-lined frame.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; single solid-form construction (bas-relief).
Craftsmanship Details
Produced using a repoussé or casting technique. The crispness of the musculature and the intricate stippled background suggest high-quality professional foundry work.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Dalí style; signature location (typically bottom left or right); uniformity of the gold tone. Professional XRF testing is required to determine gold thickness vs. solid content.
Origin & Maker
Likely minted or cast in Spain or France; associated with the Salvador Dalí estate or authorized publishers like Jean-Paul Delcourt.
Era & Period
Modernist / Surrealist era; specifically Mid-to-Late 20th Century (likely 1970s or 1980s).
Age Estimate
Produced circa 1970-1985, coinciding with Dalí's prolific period of creating gold medals and decorative metalworks.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of 20th-century Surrealism and traditional Catholic iconography, elevated through the use of precious metal as a status symbol.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with handling; no major dents or oxidation visible. Polished surfaces remain highly reflective.
Value Estimate
If gold-plated art: $500–$1,500 based on artist demand. If solid 14K/18K gold: $5,000–$15,000+ depending on melt weight plus a significant artistic premium.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a very soft micro-fiber cloth; avoid abrasive metal polishes which can strip gold plating or leaf. Keep in a climate-controlled environment to prevent base-metal oxidation if not solid gold.
Similar Items
Dalí 'The Twelve Tribes of Israel' gold medals, Fuchs gold plaques, or Erte bronzes. Differences include higher relief depth and specific Surrealist motifs.
Interesting Facts
Salvador Dalí was fascinated by gold as a medium of alchemy and immortality, often creating high-value gold coins and objects to merge fine art with tangible wealth.