Salvador Dalí 'Omaggio a Michelangelo' 18K Solid Gold Bas-Relief Sculpture
Gold Bas-Relief Sculpture / Commemorative Art Plaque · Yellow Gold with significant sculptural patina; likely alloyed with copper and silver for strength
Purity: 18K (750 fineness) Solid Gold, containing 75% pure gold
Type
Gold Bas-Relief Sculpture / Commemorative Art Plaque
Purity
18K (750 fineness) Solid Gold, containing 75% pure gold
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with significant sculptural patina; likely alloyed with copper and silver for strength
Weight
Approximately 120-250 grams (highly dependent on thickness of the cast bas-relief)
Description
An exquisite surrealist homage to the Renaissance master Michelangelo. This gold plaque depicts stylized, ethereal human figures stretching across a textured horizontal plane, reminiscent of 'The Creation of Adam'. The surface depth is characterized by Dalí's signature organic, melting forms which contrast sharply against the rigid rectangular geometry of the base plate.
Key Features
Surrealist interpretation of the Sistine Chapel's imagery; high-relief sculptural detail; signature Dalí fluid anatomy; distinctive industrial/textured background
Color & Finish
Deep aged yellow gold; multi-tonal brown and bronze-hued patina with a textured, lost-wax cast finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the side or reverse; features Dalí's cast signature, 750 purity stamp, and often an Italian serial number or 'Venturi Arte' foundry mark
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 10-12 cm, Width: 3-4 cm, Thickness: 0.5-1 cm (estimated)
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely sculptural gold with emphasis on metal texture and form
Clasp & Closure
N/A - Non-wearable art object; traditionally housed in a velvet-lined artist box
Chain & Links
N/A - Solid rectangular bas-relief plate with high-relief figures
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting (cire perdue) process; hand-applied patination and selective polishing to highlight the muscularity of the figures.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Dalí sculptural style; specific 'Omaggio a Michelangelo' typography on packaging; specific artist foundry stamps; weight should exceed that of bronze counterparts
Origin & Maker
Italy; created in collaboration with Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí and often cast by Italian foundries like Venturi Arte
Era & Period
Late Surrealism (post-1970 movement); contemporary execution of Renaissance-inspired themes
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s to early 1980s; part of the artist's prolific gold-sculpture series
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of 20th-century Surrealist commercial luxury with classical European art history; a bridge between wearable jewelry and fine art sculpture.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent; the heavy patina is intentional and preserves the depth of the casting. Minor surface oxidation is common in higher-copper 18K alloys of this era.
Value Estimate
Estimated $15,000 - $35,000 based on gold weight + significant artist premium; value fluctuate heavily with provenance and current gold spot prices.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or use ultrasonic cleaners as it will remove the essential artist-applied patina; clean only with a soft, dry lint-free cloth.
Similar Items
Bronze versions of the same relief exist; gold-plated versions (found in much lighter weights) are also common. Authenticated 18K versions are significantly more valuable.
Interesting Facts
Salvador Dalí was obsessed with Michelangelo's work, often referring to him as his primary aesthetic rival and spiritual inspiration throughout his later career.