The Decorative Sculptures Important Facts to Know
If you are offered a three dimensional Dali work, I urge you to contact me, Joseph Nuzzolo, at 1-888-888-DALI for complete clarity. In the meantime the information below should be helpful:
Edition Size:
Often times when acquiring these sculptures collectors are told they are from an edition of 350 with 35 EA’s. We have even seen certificates that mention only this edition and fail to mention the same model in other sizes and patinas. In the interest of clarity and full disclosure we are informing collectors of the total edition size including all patinas and sizes.
There are in fact nine (9) different editions of each one broken down into three (3) different sizes. The works listed here are the larger size created in three (3) separate editions of three-hundred eighty five (350 + 35EA), each in a different patina. There is a medium size of three (3) separate editions of three-hundred eighty five (350 + 35EA), each in a different patina and a smaller size in three (3) editions of three hundred eighty five (350 + 35EA), each in a different patina. We do not know which of these editions have been created and which have yet to be created.
With a total edition size of three thousand four hundred sixty five (3,465) for each one, The Salvador Dali Society chooses to classify these works as “Decorative”, as we do not recommend anyone acquire them with the expectation that they will increase in value.
The Salvador Dali Society is unaware of who regulates the edition size and this is an important concern. The Publisher has failed to answer our questions in regard to this matter. If the edition size was not imposed by Dali in the licensing agreement then it is in the control of the publisher. However in the interest of fairness, we have not had the opportunity to examine the licensing agreement. We invite the publisher to send us a copy of the licensing contract so we may review it and report the facts.
Another thing to consider is whether or not these works can be produced in other mediums. If the publisher has the ability to produce these works in other mediums, such as stone, glass or acrylic, it could affect the value of the bronze editions. But again without the benefit of seeing the licensing agreement we are in the dark as to this matter.
Originality:
The originality of these works is also an important point of consideration. These works are based on drawings by Dali, not an original three-dimensional Maquette (French word for scale model, sometimes referred to by the Italian name "bozzetto."). Therefore they are not original sculptures, but rather “interpretive” sculptures, meaning that a 3rd party interpreted Dali’s drawing or painting into the three dimensional work you see. This can be said of most of Dali’s limited edition, three dimensional works, including those we have listed under “Fine Art Sculptures” and published by the esteemed Venturi Foundry.
Signature:
These works are not hand-signed but bear a facsimile of Dali’s signature in the bronze. The use of which is allowed by a license granted to the publisher. Each work is also numbered, 1/350 through 350/350 or EA1/35 to EA 35/35, keep in mind however that there are two other editions in this size and six other editions in different sizes, for a total edition of three thousand four hundred sixty five (3465). This does not include any sculptures that may be produced in mediums other than bronze.
Date of Casting:
In the interest of clarity, it is also important to know that the date the publisher designates for the sculpture is not necessarily the date of its casting. According to the publisher the date designated for the sculptures reflects the date of the creation of the first three dimensional model interpreted from Dali’s two dimensional works (drawing or painting). For example if a sculpture is dated 1984, the one you actually own, and those Decorative sculptures listed on our website, may have been cast in the foundry anytime between 1984 and today. The Foundry does not stamp the sculpture with the date its creation. This would be an easy practice for the publisher to adopt and would bring greater clarity to the market. It is our hope that they begin stamping the date of casting on each of their sculptures in the near future.
Prices:
The prices listed for these works do not include a 15% commission and any shipping, insurance or handling charges.
The Salvador Dali Society reserves the right to sell or refuse to sell these sculptures and any of the art work offered on this website to anyone at its own discretion.
The Salvador Dali Society does not sell to dealers.
Joseph Nuzzolo
President, The Salvador Dali Society |
