The splendour of the Côte d’Azur and the appeal of the region is at its height during the world famous Cannes Film Festival, where a host of international celebrities and stars gather in the hope of receiving the acclaimed Palme d’Or for the best new film. This years event was no exception, as the likes of Russell Crowe, Michael Douglas and Oliver Stone posed for the assorted media before the premiere of their latest movies. However, this year they were also joined by the award-winning Swiss artist Dante, who was invited to attend a special ‘Miami style’ art exhibition being held at the Carlton Hotel to coincide with the annual festival. The Art Affair brought together artists and material from all corners of the world, and covered wide variety of styles and forms, including traditional Japanese paintings, 16th century Italian renaissance sculpture, and ‘pop art’ from the likes of Andy Warhol.

Dante had exhibited two new sculptures from his ‘iconic sports car’ series at the recent Top Marques Monaco 2010 show, where the reaction to the bespoke works of art had been extraordinary; therefore, the same 1:4 scale interpretations of the legendary Aston Martin DB5, the famous James Bond car from the 1964 film Goldfinger, and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing were displayed. The latter had been created following access to Pablo Picasso’s own car, which was lent to Dante for a limited period by his son, Claude Picasso. In similar fashion to the Top Marques show, where H.R.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Sir Roger Moore and Kenzo were among those who made a point of visiting Dante, the sculptures proved to be an irresistible attraction to collectors and art dealers alike.

Specifications:
- 1:4 scale sculpture of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing sports coupe
- Finished in galvanised gold to 50g (other finishes available upon request)
- Supplied with a stylish display plinth including a complimentary light system
- Limited Edition with a maximum of ten pieces being produced worldwide
- Size: 1090mm x 490mm x 395mm
- Weight: 15kg
- Price: CHF150,000. (Price excludes delivery and any import duty levied)

- 1:4 scale sculpture of the Aston Martin DB5 sports coupe
- Finished in galvanised gold to 50g (other finishes available upon request)
- Supplied an attractive display plinth incorporating a complimentary light system
- Limited Edition with a maximum of ten pieces being produced worldwide
- Size: 1100mm x 490mm x 420mm
- Weight: 15kg
- Price: CHF150,000. (Price excludes delivery and any import duty levied)

To view a gallery of pictures showing the artist creating the new 1:4 scale sculpture of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, click here.

Dante has sought to express his artistic talents in a variety of different ways, and this desire to create has culminated in the series of iconic car sculptures. The fusion of automotive design and artistic expression which he has managed to capture with the first two models in the series was immediately obvious to all those who were present in Cannes. Both of the new 1:4, quarter scale works of art were finished in 24 carat gold and offered the lustre and quality normally associated with the finest jewellery, while at the same time providing serious art collectors with all the benefits of a limited edition piece. Subsequently, the two larger interpretations of the Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz were a point of discussion, and a 1:1, full scale, version of the 300 SL Gullwing will be installed in the new V.I.P lounge at Nice airport.

The highly successful participation at the Art Affair in Cannes has naturally led to a number of requests for Dante to display the new works of art at exhibitions in many other locations, and therefore a comprehensive schedule is currently being collated. It is hoped that Dante will be present at special events in London during the summer months, in Italy in September for the first in a unique luxury event arranged to coincide with the famous Mille Miglia race, as well as a very special exhibition in Gstaad in his native Switzerland. Dante would be delighted to meet anyone interested in his work and to discuss all aspects of this exciting project.

For further information on the events at which Design by Dante will be present, please contact John Franklin at info@dantedesign.ch or simply become a fan of Design by Dante on Facebook