Dante to Display Sculpture of Pablo Picasso's Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

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BERN, Switzerland--Aug. 10, 2011: Dante will display a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL sculpture in Pebble Beach August 18-21. "My interpretation of Pablo Picasso's own vehicle provides a fusion of art and classic automobile design capturing the essence of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing," said Dante.  Picasso's Gullwing was the first sculpture created in Dante's Iconic Sports Car series.

"In 2007, I had the opportunity to work with Picasso's car.  Following a conversation with Pablo's son Claude, the car was delivered to my workshop where I began a journey leading me to the creation of a full size sculpture," said Dante.  Mercedes-Benz maintains a special place within automotive history.  Of the many fine cars the company has produced, the 300 SL Gullwing is the most outstanding example.  Elegant styling was just one of the aspects which made the vehicle iconic, leading to many world famous owners including Pablo Picasso, whose car remains within the family.  This same attraction was a source of inspiration for award-winning Swiss artist Dante.

"Having Pablo Picasso's original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL in my shop was incredible," said Dante.  "The spirit I felt come through the vehicle made me create, and the first sculpture I produced was actually a one-to-one scale interpretation of Pablo's car."  Dante's success with the 300 SL led him to produce a series of sculptures depicting iconic sports cars.  In addition to the Mercedes-Benz, the series comprises the Aston Martin DB5 and Ferrari 250 GTO.  Examples of each will be exhibited during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, a haven for those interested in quality and prestige.

About Dante 

Dante Rubli is an artist based in Bern, Switzerland. For twenty-five years, he has been producing art utilizing a variety of textiles ranging from wood and steel to gold and platinum.  Dante creates custom furniture, sculptures and even automobiles for celebrities and collectors worldwide.  The Iconic Sports Car series delivers his recent work in three scales. Each series design is limited to ten exceptional pieces that can be tailored as bespoke works of art, supplied in traditional gold, white gold, silver and several other luxury finishes to fulfill a collector's vision.  The series currently includes the Aston-Martin DB5, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and Ferrari 250 GTO. More