Salvador Dalí 'El Beso' Bronze or Gold-Toned Bas-Relief Belt Buckle
Belt Buckle / Art Object · Yellow/Antique Gold Tone, likely achieved through electroplating over a copper-based alloy or high-quality bronze casting.
Purity: Likely low-karat gold plating or polished bronze/brass; no standard gold purity hallmark (like 750 or 585) is visible in the primary relief. If solid gold, it would typically be 14K (58.5%) or 18K (75%), but this item appears to be artist-edition jewelry often cast in base metal with gold finishing.
Type
Belt Buckle / Art Object
Purity
Likely low-karat gold plating or polished bronze/brass; no standard gold purity hallmark (like 750 or 585) is visible in the primary relief. If solid gold, it would typically be 14K (58.5%) or 18K (75%), but this item appears to be artist-edition jewelry often cast in base metal with gold finishing.
Gold Type
Yellow/Antique Gold Tone, likely achieved through electroplating over a copper-based alloy or high-quality bronze casting.
Weight
80g to 120g (estimated for high-density casting). Its heavy, sculptural appearance suggests significant heft.
Description
A rare and dramatic Surrealist belt buckle titled 'El Beso', featuring two stylized figures reaching toward each other beneath a flower-like motif. The piece exhibits the organic, fluid lines characteristic of Dalí’s mid-career sculptures, turning wearable accessories into mobile fine art.
Key Features
Surrealist human figures, granular texture background, organic 'molten' border, and the iconic Dalí signature stamp.
Color & Finish
Deep, aged yellow gold with a matte, granular background and high-polish raised figures. Features a heavy patina in the recessed areas to emphasize the surrealist figures.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A distinctive 'Dalí' signature is visible in the lower right corner. If genuine, reverse stamps often include 'A. Vallee' (the jeweler/foundry) or a production number. No visible gold fineness stamp on the face.
Dimensions Estimate
3.5 inches x 2.5 inches (approx. 90mm x 65mm). Large-format buckle.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item relies on complex metal casting and relief work representing 'The Kiss' (El Beso).
Clasp & Closure
Reverse-side bar and peg (typical of belt buckles) or a hinged clasp if used as a sash pin. Expected to be heavy-duty brass or steel fittings.
Chain & Links
N/A; singular cast sculptural piece.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting process. Exceptional detail in the raised anatomy of the figures and high-quality contrast between polished and matte surfaces.
Authentication Indicators
The fluid execution of the 'Dalí' signature and the specific granular texture of the 'ground' are consistent with authorized 1970s Dalí wearable art editions. A red flag would be any evidence of seam lines from a cheap modern mold.
Origin & Maker
Spain/France; likely produced by a high-end foundry or jeweler authorized by Salvador Dalí (e.g., Exclusivas Dalí).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Surrealist (specifically 1970s). Based on the artistic collaboration between Salvador Dalí and makers like Piaget or Vallee.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1975.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 20th-century trend of 'Artist as Jeweler,' where high-art masters (like Picasso and Dalí) translated their canvas work into precious metals for the elite.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Shows minor surface wear consistent with age (patina/oxidation). Recesses are clean, and the structural integrity appears solid without warping.
Value Estimate
If gold-plated bronze: $500–$1,200 (Collector value). If solid 18K gold: $8,000–$10,000+ (Melt value plus substantial artist premium). Value is primarily in its status as a collectible artwork.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid chemical jewelry cleaners which may strip the intentional patina. Store in a soft pouch to prevent scratching the high-relief figures.
Similar Items
Piaget Dalí d'Or coin jewelry, Max Ernst cast jewelry, or modern reproductions of 'The Kiss' in pewter or base metal.
Interesting Facts
Salvador Dalí was obsessed with the 'melted' look of objects; this piece belongs to a series of jewelry and objects meant to bring Surrealism into everyday life.