My Most Priceless Treasure (unicorn), 2004

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.