Statue of David in Pure .999 Silver

Access to Antiquity: Russo’s most significant move was
securing exclusive rights to cast posthumous originals from a collection of master molds.

Precious Metal Focus: While most foundries work in bronze, Russo has pivoted toward .999 pure silver, arguing that the intrinsic value of the metal combined with the artistic provenance of Michelangelo creates a “super-asset.”

2. The Sculpture:

Michelangelo’s David in Pure SilverThis is not a mere “copy” or a digital scan. It is being marketed as a posthumous first-edition original, a distinction based on the lineage of the molds used. 

The Casting Process: To maintain authenticity, the project utilizes red wax impressions taken from a master plaster mold. This specific mold was created in 1932 by the Ferdinando Marinelli Foundry in Florence, Italy, directly from Michelangelo’s original marble masterpiece.Authentication: The process is supported by documentation from the Casa Buonarroti Museum (the Michelangelo Foundation).

Casting Location: The massive task of casting such a high volume of silver is being handled by Firebird Bronze in Troutdale, Oregon, under the direction of Rip Caswell.

3. The “Silver David” Investment Model:

One of the most discussed aspects of this project is the democratization of art investment. Because the sculpture is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, Russo introduced a fractional ownership model.

SEC-Regulated Offering: Through a formal filing, investors can purchase “membership interests” in the sculpture for as little as $250.

The Goal: The intent is to complete the casting, display it in a dedicated “Museum Michelangelo,” and eventually sell the 1/1 original to a sovereign wealth fund, museum, or billionaire, with profits shared among the fractional owners.

4. Historical Context & Commentary:                               

The Pure Silver David follows the successful 2022 unveiling of the silver Pietà, which contains over 20,000 ounces of silver.

Critical Perspective: In the art world, “posthumous originals” are often a point of debate. However, Russo’s collaboration with the Marinelli Foundry — which holds the historical Vatican molds — provides a level of empirical provenance that is rare. By rendering the most famous image in human history in the world’s most conductive and “radiant” metal, Russo is attempting to set a new world record for the most valuable art object ever sold, potentially eclipsing Da Vinci’s "Salvator Mundi."