Saturday, May 28, 2011

Fornasetti....

Fornasetti
Piero Fornasetti was a renaissance man of the 20th century. Sculptor, painter, interior decorator and engraver, Fornasetti's signature designs are reminiscent of fine lined engravings using  repeatedly the face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri.


Antiquariato photo
Piero's son, Barnaba, now runs the business and keeps the family home in Milan going.


Antiquariato photo
The April issue of Antiquariato magazine featured the interiors of the Milan home of the Fornasetti family.


Antiquariato photo

Fornasetti used his home as a canvas for his creativity. Here, he worked out the designs and style of his decorative items. Geometric lines combined with black and white engraved faces became synonymous with Fornasetti.


Antiquariato photo
The Fornasetti products are still recreated by hand using patterns created by Piero.


Antiquariato photo

He was a master at using found objects combined with a pop of color.

Antiquariato photo
Don't you love the applique look of the chair and desk?

Antiquariato photo
How about the dizzying combination of mosaic floor and patterned walls?


Fornasetti

This is essential Fornasetti.  The faux three dimensional rug paired with found objects and a fanciful chest. Do you own any Fornasetti?
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15 comments:

  1. patrickgracewoodMay 28, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    I've loved his work for years. He was a brilliant designer whose work still has great style and humor.
    Would love to own something of his. Starting with that rug! So witty.

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  2. KarenaMay 29, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    I do not however I would certainly love to! Amazing art and furnishings!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  3. GinaMay 29, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Fornasetti, a true original. I'm familiar with his work ... his distinct style in ceramics. Thanks Theresa for publishing these very interesting photographs.

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  4. Mark D. RuffnerMay 29, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Sadly, I do not own anything of Fornasetti's, but I've admired his timeless designs for as long as I can remember. That rug would be my pick!

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  5. ceeceeMay 29, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Adore, adore, adore Fornasetti. Own? In my Fellini-esque dreams.
    Catherine

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  6. MerisiMay 30, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    Marvelous, thank you for these images!
    The mosaic floor and patterned walls, I am afraid I'd walk up a wall by accident when I get up in the morning. ;-)

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  7. My Castle in SpainJune 1, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    Alas Theresa, i wish i had a couple of plates or chairs !
    Last september in Paris, I wanted to go to the bar of L'Éclaireur boutique which is wonderfully designed with Fornasetti trompe l'oeil and didn't make it..may be i meet you there next time ! :-)
    Lala

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  8. La DolfinaJune 2, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Awesome post!
    Owning a piece of Fornasetti is on my wish list... how about you?

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  9. Theresa CheekJune 3, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Catherine..."in my Fellini-esque dreams" such a perfect comment!

    Lala-I want chairs too!

    Terri- No, I do not own any, but at least I have them on my list!

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  10. Theresa CheekJune 3, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Oh, forgot! Yes. Patrick, that rug is killer! I really covet it!

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  11. Brillante InteriorsJune 4, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    I recently met Barnaba for the first time, very interesting person (of course)and I always loved everything Fornasetti (I also have several posts on him)

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  12. TrouvaisJune 4, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Hi Theresa! My daughter has eye's just like the opera singer...so I've bought her a pillow...and an umbrella with faces at each section. Love the etchings...perhaps because I love to doodle. I'm a wanna be artist. I envy artists...and you! XO Trish

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  13. Natasha RJune 13, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I have been a fan of Fornasetti for years...and trompe l'oeil! It is very curious, quirky and dreamy. I have visited the store in Milano several times, and I collect the plates :) I would absolutely love to meet Barnaba myself...Brilliante Interiors, what an honor!

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  14. Natasha RJune 13, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  15. Mélanie A.June 29, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    I'm a big fan of Fornasetti. I'm so happy to be abble to sale his fabrics through Marcato and to put them on antique seats

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