Fornasetti

The Italian designer, painter, sculptor, craftsman, and decorator Piero Fornasetti cultivated a highly original style throughout his career. Awestruck by the past greatness of Italian art, Piero Fornasetti developed an eclectic style that drew inspiration from, but was not confined to, the motifs of the Novecento movement that branched out of Neo-Classicism. Instead, Piero Fornasetti incorporated Early Renaissance ornamental and pictorial motifs in his work that spanned a variety of mediums. Silk scarves, furniture, porcelain plates, vessels, vases, and other decorative objects often served...Read more

The Italian designer, painter, sculptor, craftsman, and decorator Piero Fornasetti cultivated a highly original style throughout his career. Awestruck by the past greatness of Italian art, Piero Fornasetti developed an eclectic style that drew inspiration from, but was not confined to, the motifs of the Novecento movement that branched out of Neo-Classicism. Instead, Piero Fornasetti incorporated Early Renaissance ornamental and pictorial motifs in his work that spanned a variety of mediums. Silk scarves, furniture, porcelain plates, vessels, vases, and other decorative objects often served as his canvas, and his work became instantly recognizable thanks to consistent depictions of the face of his one great muse, Lina Cavalieri. 


Debuted during his “Tema e Variazioni” series, Lina Cavalieri, an opera singer and actress, became his signature motif and the famed “Fornasetti face.” Her image adorned his most prized artworks including the highly regarded Fornasetti plates and Fornasetti furniture


In the 1980s, Piero Fornasetti’s work became immensely popular among Postmodern designers. Their influence and sway have helped spur the popularity of Fornasetti prints and other decor pieces that still inspire and awe even today. 

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