Dalí's bronze rights and Siena show spark reproduction debate
A conflict has emerged regarding reproduction rights for the exhibition 'Dalí a Siena. Da Galileo al Surrealismo,' taking place at Palazzo delle Papesse in Siena until September 30, 2021. Featuring approximately 100 works, predominantly sculptures, the exhibition highlights Dalí's artistic interests. The Fundació Salvador Dalí y Gala, established in 1983, has raised concerns about the authenticity of the displayed pieces, citing a lack of information and an incomplete catalog. Meanwhile, The Dalí Universe, organized by Beniamino Levi, claims reproduction rights for 31 bronze sculptures based on contracts with Dalí. Ferruccio Carminati contends that international law governs bronze reproduction rights following World War II. The foundation oversees Dalí's estate and has successfully curated various exhibitions.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Dalí a Siena. Da Galileo al Surrealismo' runs until September 30, 2021 at Palazzo delle Papesse, Siena.
- Fundació Salvador Dalí y Gala did not participate or grant patronage for the Siena show.
- The foundation's sculpture catalog is incomplete; only the 1930s chapter has been published.
- The Dalí Universe, directed by Beniamino Levi, organized the exhibition and claims reproduction rights for 31 bronze sculptures.
- Levi signed holographic contracts with Dalí before the foundation's 1983 creation.
- International law regulates bronze reproduction rights only after WWII; editions up to 12 copies are considered originals.
- Dalí left his entire estate to the Spanish state; the foundation manages his legacy.
- The 2012-2013 Reina Sofia retrospective co-curated by Montse Aguer drew nearly 800,000 visitors.
Entities
Artists
- Salvador Dalí
- Gala
- Galileo Galilei
- Pilar Abel
- Juan Carlos I
- Montse Aguer
- Beniamino Levi
- Ferruccio Carminati
- Federica Lonati
Institutions
- Fundació Salvador Dalí y Gala
- Palazzo delle Papesse
- The Dalí Universe
- Museo Reina Sofia
- Centre Pompidou
- Museo Dalí di San Pietroburgo
- Manege Museum
- Artribune
- Generalitat di Catalogna
- Comune di Figueres
- Comune di Cadaqués
Locations
- Siena
- Italy
- Figueres
- Catalonia
- Spain
- Milan
- Rome
- Pisa
- Naples
- Catania
- Madrid
- Paris
- San Pietroburgo
- Moscow
- Cadaqués
- Púbol
- Portlligat