Piero Fornasetti was an Italian designer of the 20th Century who worked prolifically and some say obsessively throughout his lifetime, having created more than 11,000 items in his career and more than 500 variations of the same face.
Whilst being talented in many areas including painting, sculpting, engraving and interior decorating, the Fornasetti style that is famous today is a very distinct one. Fornasetti is known for his witty figurative illustrations, surreal tweaks to the otherwise mundane, and often whimsical nature. Designs are often black and white with lots of shading, occasionally with a splash block colour or accents of gold or silver.
Common themes among his designs include astrology, mythology, architecture and of course Lina Cavalieri, the opera singer whose face he fell in love with. Possibly some of Pieros most recognisable work, he went on to use Lina's face in at least 500 designs including depictions of her as a goddess, as animals and even sporting a moustache in one, combining all his original inspirations with his muse.
In recent months we have spotted a number of original Fornasetti designs around
Alfies and here we show you some of our favourite...
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| A Fornasetti 'Farfalle' table lamp, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery |
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| A Fornasetti Alsation umbrella stand, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery |
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| A pair of Fornasetti 'cameo' table lamps, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery |
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| A pair of Fornsetti ash trays in stands, 20th Century. Offered by Martin Rooney |
