The Masters - Cézanne

The Masters Collection: A Tribute to Artistic Giants

José Delbo, a luminary in the world of comic art, passed away in 2024 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that spans over seven decades and bridges the traditional and digital realms of art. Delbo's career began at the tender age of 16 and evolved into a remarkable journey that saw him become a beloved figure in both the comic book industry and the emerging NFT space. Throughout his three year journey in the NFT space, José steadily worked on a very special collection that he hoped to one day release. Minted shortly before his recent passing, “The Masters” honors the greats of the traditional art world. The collection consists of five pieces, each dedicated to a legendary figure who profoundly influenced José’s artistic journey: Paul Cezanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Michelangelo and Salvador Dali.

Paul Cézanne (1839-1906)

Known as the “father of modern art,” Cézanne's innovative brushwork, multi-viewpoint perspectives, and geometric simplification paved the way for Cubism and abstract art. His work bridges the gap between 19th-century art and 20th-century modernism, inspiring countless artists like Picasso and Mondrian.

Collection Details

“The Masters Collection” features a total of ten pieces, with two dedicated to each of the five masters. Each artist is represented by a one-of-one edition depicting the masters in profile view surrounded by their most famous works, as well as an edition of five “Classic Edition” in Delbo’s iconic black and white style. Delbo worked meticulously on these pieces over a three-year period, minting them shortly before his recent passing at the age of 90. Pieces from the collection were first exhibited during the inaugural NFT exhibition at Christie's gallery in Dubai in 2022.

The auctions will be staggered over four days. The editions of five will be available through a ranked auction format, while the one-of-one pieces will be sold via a traditional timed auction format. Winners of the one-of-one editions will also receive a museum-quality print of the artwork.

Auction Schedule

Salvador Dalí - Starts July 23 at 6PM ET, Ends July 24 at 3PM ET

Paul Cézanne - Starts July 24 at 6PM ET, Ends July 25 at 3PM ET

Vincent Van Gogh - Starts July 24 at 6PM ET, Ends July 25 at 4PM ET

Frida Kahlo - Starts July 25 at 6PM ET, Ends July 26 at 3PM ET

Michelangelo - Starts July 25 at 6PM ET, Ends July 26 at 4PM ET

Legacy and Impact

José Delbo's legacy is multifaceted and enduring. As a masterful artist, he brought to life some of the most beloved characters in comic book history. His work on "Wonder Woman" and "The Transformers" continues to be celebrated by fans and collectors alike. Delbo's distinctive style, characterized by dynamic action scenes and expressive character portrayals, left a lasting impact on the industry and set a high standard for comic book art.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Delbo's commitment to education and mentorship has had a profound influence on the comic book community. His dedication to teaching and nurturing young talent ensured that his knowledge and passion for the craft were passed on to future generations. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers, carrying forward the lessons and inspiration they received from their mentor.

In the realm of digital art, Delbo's pioneering efforts in the NFT space have left a lasting impact on the community. His willingness to embrace new technologies and explore innovative forms of expression has inspired artists of all ages to push the boundaries of their creativity. Delbo's success in this new medium demonstrated the potential of NFTs to revolutionize the art world and provided a model for other artists to follow.

As we celebrate the life of José Delbo, we honor not only his contributions to comic art but also his role as a trailblazer in the NFT space. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists, reminding us that creativity knows no bounds and that it is never too late to explore new horizons. Delbo's journey from comic book legend to NFT pioneer encapsulates a life lived in relentless pursuit of artistic expression, and his influence will be felt for years to come.