Details
Artist
Styles
Unicorn (narwhale tooth replica), gold paint, paper, ink. - Sculpture size: 170 cm - Wooden crate size: 180 x 25 x 25 cm - Quote on the label: 'My most priceless treasure is the unicorn horn which doth sweat in the presence of poison and when touched to any venomous material doth have the power of transmuting them'. NICCOLO NICCOLI DE UZZANO. signed, dated, numbered 5/10 on the label // Mark Dion’s My Most Priceless Treasure (unicorn) from 2004 explores themes of mythology, science, and curiosity. This mixed-media sculpture features a replica of a narwhal tooth, symbolizing the fabled unicorn horn. Set in a wooden crate with a nostalgic label, it evokes Renaissance curiosity cabinets, where such artifacts were cherished for their supposed magical properties. The quote by Niccolò Niccoli de Uzzano reinforces the allure and mystique surrounding unicorn horns, once believed to detect and neutralize poison. Dion’s work critiques and celebrates the history of natural history, blending fact with legend.
My Most Priceless Treasure (unicorn), 2004
form
Medium
Size
180 x 25 X 25 cm
- Inches
- Centimeters
Edition
Price
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
Details
Artist
Styles
Unicorn (narwhale tooth replica), gold paint, paper, ink. - Sculpture size: 170 cm - Wooden crate size: 180 x 25 x 25 cm - Quote on the label: 'My most priceless treasure is the unicorn horn which doth sweat in the presence of poison and when touched to any venomous material doth have the power of transmuting them'. NICCOLO NICCOLI DE UZZANO. signed, dated, numbered 5/10 on the label // Mark Dion’s My Most Priceless Treasure (unicorn) from 2004 explores themes of mythology, science, and curiosity. This mixed-media sculpture features a replica of a narwhal tooth, symbolizing the fabled unicorn horn. Set in a wooden crate with a nostalgic label, it evokes Renaissance curiosity cabinets, where such artifacts were cherished for their supposed magical properties. The quote by Niccolò Niccoli de Uzzano reinforces the allure and mystique surrounding unicorn horns, once believed to detect and neutralize poison. Dion’s work critiques and celebrates the history of natural history, blending fact with legend.
- Recently Added
- Price (low-high )
- Price (high-low )
- Year (low-high )
- Year (high-low )
Mark Dion
My Most Priceless Treasure (unicorn), 2004
Sculpture / Object
Mixed Media
EUR 8,400
Mark Dion
Emanations Of The Earth, 2017
Sculpture / Object
Plaster
Currently Not Available
Related Artists
Related Articles
Popular, Collecting - July 23, 2025
Sculpture Care and Display: From Plinths to Pedestals in Your Home
Learn how to display and care for sculpture at home—from lighting tips to material care—so your art can truly shine in any space. Read More
Artwork by John Baldessari
What is conceptual art?
Sometimes referred to as Conceptualism, this is an art form where the idea(s) or concept(s) behind the work take precedence over material concerns and traditional aesthetics. Many conceptual artworks can be created by anyone simply by following written instructions. The concept or idea is the most essential aspect of the artwork.
RECENTLY VIEWED
-->
