Salvador Dalí 'The Persistence of Memory' Large Gilt Bronze or Low-Karat Gold Sculpture Plaque
Art Plaque / Sculptural Object · Yellow Gold (Antiqued/Patinated). The alloy appears to be a warm yellow tone, likely achieved through mercury gilding or modern electroplating over a copper-based alloy.
Purity: Likely 10K-14K Gold Overlay or Gilt Bronze. Gold content is estimated at 0% to 5% if plated/gilt, or higher if a rare solid gold casting (though weight and scale suggest bronze base).
Type
Art Plaque / Sculptural Object
Purity
Likely 10K-14K Gold Overlay or Gilt Bronze. Gold content is estimated at 0% to 5% if plated/gilt, or higher if a rare solid gold casting (though weight and scale suggest bronze base).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Antiqued/Patinated). The alloy appears to be a warm yellow tone, likely achieved through mercury gilding or modern electroplating over a copper-based alloy.
Weight
Estimated 250 - 400 grams. Given the size relative to the hand, the piece is significantly heavy, suggesting a base metal core if it were solid gold, the weight would exceed 1 kilogram.
Description
A striking sculptural plaque featuring Salvador Dalí's surrealist figures. The central motif depicts anthropomorphic, fluid figures engaged in a ritualistic dance under a floral clock. The frame is an asymmetric, melting shape that defies geometric convention. This piece serves as a monumental tribute to Dalí's 'soft' architecture and his obsession with the malleability of time and space, finished in a rich, lustrous gold tone.
Key Features
Facsimile Dalí signature; ultra-textured 'sand' background; high-relief sculptural figures; signature 'melted clock' aesthetic influence; organic flowing borders.
Color & Finish
Deep ochre yellow with a heavy sand-cast texture and high-polish raised reliefs. The recessed areas show a dark, oxidized patina to enhance the contrast of the surrealist figures.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A prominent 'Dalí' facsimile signature is visible in the lower right corner. There appear to be faint numbering or foundry marks near the lower edge, characteristic of limited edition surrealist art multiples.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 12cm width x 10cm height (5 inches x 4 inches). It is a large-format sculptural object that fills the palm of a hand.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item relies on repoussé-style high relief and textural contrast of the metal itself.
Clasp & Closure
N/A. This is a standalone sculpture or a heavy belt buckle/medallion. If a buckle, it would feature a rear bar and prong (not visible).
Chain & Links
N/A. The outer border features an organic, 'melting' amorphous edge, typical of Dalinian fluid design language.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue). The precision of the figure's musculature against the chaotic texture of the background demonstrates high-level foundry work from the mid-20th century.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the stylized 'Dalí' signature in the mold, the specific coarseness of the background texture, and the fluid anatomy of the figures are consistent with authorized Dalí jewelry and tabletop art.
Origin & Maker
Likely Spain or France; designed by Salvador Dalí. Often produced by authorized foundries like Artco or Exclusivas de Arte.
Era & Period
Surrealist Movement / Mid-Century Modern (circa 1960s-1970s). The design reflects Dalí’s fascination with 'soft forms' and melting objects.
Age Estimate
Produced circa 1965–1980. The wear patterns on the edges and the specific style of the signature indicate a late 20th-century casting.
Cultural Significance
Represents the bridge between fine art and decorative metalwork. Dalí's work in gold democratized surrealism, moving it from canvas to tactile, physical objects for collectors.
Condition Notes
Very Good. There is minor thinning of the gold layer on the highest points of the figures (brassing), and some dust accumulation in the deep-set textures. No structural cracks visible.
Value Estimate
If Gilt Bronze: $800 - $1,500 based on artist attribution. If Solid 14K Gold: $15,000+ (Melt value ~ $9,000 + Art Premium). Authenticity and foundry records are the primary value drivers.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a very soft, dry brush to remove dust. Avoid chemical cleaners or ultrasonic machines which can strip the thin gold layer or the intentional dark patina in the recesses.
Similar Items
Other Dalí sculptures like 'The Profile of Time' or 'The Eye of Time' brooch. Often confused with modern 21st-century reproductions; original foundry versions carry significantly higher premiums.
Interesting Facts
Salvador Dalí designed a small range of jewelry and gold objects starting in the 1940s, famously stating that his jewelry was 'not meant to be kept in a safe' but to be enjoyed as wearable art.