It is with enormous pleasure I announce the casting of a unique publication of Bronze Bozzetti taken directly from the priceless collection of Museo Casa Buonarrotti, Florence Italy. The six bozzetti selected represent the most exciting of their precious collection of works by Michelangelo and are hereby offered as a numbered edition of eight in sets of six each. There will be four additional sets cast, not numbered, but identified as “MP” (museum proof) (1), “FP” (foundry proof) (1), and two sets bearing the mark “PP” (publishers proof).
Each set owner will receive articles of provenance including an authentication document from Museo Casa Buonarrotti over the signature of Dr. Pina Ragionieri, Director; a letter of authenticity from Chicago Appraiser’s Association attested by the signature of the director Mr. Bruce Duncan; and a letter of authenticity from Art Casting of Illinois, Inc over the signature of Dr. Harry Spell, owner.
These bronzes are the first works of Michelangelo Buonarrotti offered for sale in modern times and are the only authenticated works by the master outside of Europe. By title they are:
Nudo Virile (al rovesciata “David”)
Torso Virile (Sciavo Morente or “Louvre Slave”)
Dio Fluviale (“River God”)
Due Lottatori (“Two Wrestlers”)
Nudo Femminile (“female Nude”)
Crocifisso (Wood Crucifix)
Sincerely,
Dr. Harry Spell
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Statement of Purpose
A cooperative effort between Casa Buonarroti, and the Harry and Karly Spell Foundation has been established to accomplish two goals. The first is to provide a source of income for the museum through sale of a small edition of the original bronzes taken from the Michelangelo models held by the museum. The second is to allow others to participate directly in the incomparable experience of acquiring a work by, perhaps, the greatest sculptor of western civilization.
Making this possible is the expertise and generosity of others. Initial contact and facilitating sales is the responsibility of Chicago Appraisers Association; laser scanning and casting by Art Casting of Illinois, Inc.; and rapid prototyping by Eiger Labs. The aforementioned have given significantly of time, money, and research. A documentary film by Comtech Corporation is now in production.
The relationship between art and technology has been a fundamental symbiotic relationship from the first effort by man to create something that had meaning beyond a utilitarian function. The choice has always been of subject and medium, often one influencing the other. In the domain of cast metal sculpture, specifically utilizing the lost wax process, a chain of events has long been established. This process is fundamentally a five-step sequence, alternating between positive and negative iterations. In brief: original, rubber mold, wax copy, ceramic shell mold, and bronze casting. Often the original is lost or severely damaged in making the rubber mold. The stress of pulling the rubber from the model (most often terra cotta or clay) is sufficient to cause deformation or destruction. When considering casting a bronze from an old clay model the risk is much too great of destroying that which is not replaceable. Specifically, considering making rubber molds from the priceless Michelangelo models at Casa Buonarroti, has been unthinkable. For the first time, it is possible! By utilizing laser scanning and rapid prototyping technology, the pieces can be duplicated without risking the models. The casting process is under way.
Approval of the first set of six original bronzes was made March 12th in Florence by Dr. Pina Ragionieri, director of Casa Buonarroti. Final decisions about pricing will soon follow.
Information about the progress of the bronzes may be found by contacting:
Harry Spell
815.732.7777
info@harryspell.com
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The Michelangelo Bozzetti
