Ten Commandments (The Decalogue)
Bas-relief sculpture and decorative art plaque mounted in a shadowbox frame. • Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989).
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Sacred Art.
Medium & Technique
Gilt bronze with polychrome enamel or resin accents. Created using the lost-wax casting (cire perdue) process followed by 24k gold electroplating and hand-applied cold enamel colors.
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s.
Dimensions & Format
The plaque itself is approximately 7 x 3 inches (18 x 7.5 cm), mounted in a larger rectangular vertical shadowbox frame of approximately 20 x 14 inches.
Subject Description
The plaque depicts a surrealist interpretation of the Ten Commandments. The composition features fluid, elongated figures and biblical motifs intertwined in a dense, vertical arrangement. Iconic Dalíesque distortions are applied to traditional religious iconography, including Moses and the tablets, rendered in a high-relief, liquid-gold aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The gilding appears vibrant, and the enamel accents remain intact. Some minor oxidation or dust accumulation may be present within the recessed areas of the casting.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,500 USD.
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD.
Provenance History
Likely part of a limited edition produced by one of Dalí's frequent collaborators/publishers such as Pierre Argillet or The Collectors Guild. Most examples of this series were sold to private collectors in North America and Europe during the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
This piece represents Dalí’s mid-to-late period fascination with 'Nuclear Mysticism' and the fusion of religious themes with his signature surrealist vocabulary. While produced in editions, these plaques demonstrate the artist’s commercial reach and his influence on modern liturgical/decorative design.
Notable Features
Heavy textural impasto-like relief in the metal; vibrant contrast between the gold plating and the blue/red chromatic accents; classic 'melted' figurative style synonymous with late-period Dalí.
Condition Issues
Potential micro-scratches on the gold surface. Aging of the textile matting (red and white layers) which appears slightly yellowed. The external frame shows minor wear at the corners.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the enamel and matting. Ensure it is displayed in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent further oxidation of the bronze substrate. If the glass is not UV-protective, it should be replaced with Museum Glass.