AND THE CON GOES ON - "DALI BRONZES"

AND THE CON GOES ON - "DALI" BRONZES

So there I was, once again explaining to a collector that the "original bronze by Salvador Dali" that she had bought was not what she had been told. I said it was created and cast posthumously and the Master never authorized it (though some are manufactured under highly questionable contracts); that he never saw it; that he never provided the signature facsimile on the base; and that it was best characterized as an "after" because it was an interpretation of a design that Dali created in another (two-dimensional) medium.

Such "Dali bronzes" are being sold in large numbers in Europe where they originated and are featured in several venues (Barcelona, Paris, London) set up to appear as Dali museums. I also told her that they are now being sold in the U. S. and, most disturbing of all, are being resold at many auctions as authentic. This last is dangerous as it strengthens the perception that the pieces have validity as artworks created by Salvador Dali.

If you are considering buying a sculpture attributed to Dali, already own one or know someone who does, we'd better talk so you get the straight information on what it actually is. Remember, being totally disinterested, I gain nothing from telling you an artwork is real or fake, valuable or worthless.

Check the website at http://www.bernardewell.com/ or call 1-800-884-3254. My job is to provide truthful answers. That's why I'm such a target of the bad guys.