Object Description
‘The Ten Commandments’ silver medal set by Salvador Dalí
Spanish, 1975
Height 0.5cm, diameter 10cm
The unusual and rare collection of pure silver medals was designed by Salvador Dali (1904-1989) who was one of the most important and famous figures of the Surrealist movement.
The collection is complete and comprises ten medals. Each one depicts Dali’s interpretation of one of the Ten Commandments. This set of commandments relates to ethics and worship, playing a fundamental role in Christianity and Judaism. Some of the Ten Commandments portrayed by the artist include ‘Honour your father and your mother’, ‘Thou shalt not kill’ and ‘Thou shalt not steal’.
The medals feature a design on both sides. The front is occupied by Dali’s interpretation of each of the religious commandments whereas the reverse is cast with another Surrealist-style illustration linked to the main image. Both sides include the artist’s signature, the front in a handwritten font, whereas the back in a surrealist composition, alongside ‘1975’, signifying the date of production. All medals are incredibly well cast, and the finest details such as hair texture clearly visible.
All medals are marked ‘999.9’ indicating the purity of silver.
Of an intriguing design and created by one of the world’s most renowned artists, this complete limited edition set of medals would make an exceptional addition to one’s collection.
Total weight is approximately 4,500 grammes.