The Fornasetti Legacy

Piero Fornasetti is one of the most recognized Italian artists of the 20th Century. He was a painter, a sculptor, an interior decorator, furniture maker, and more. After he died in 1988, his son Barnaba took over the atilier making it possible for a new generation to discover and own Fornasetti items. You may recognize his work as he consistantly drew from a handful of themes like the sun, playing cards, harlequins, and hands. But, perhaps the most recognizable of Fornasetti's themes is the enigmatic face of a woman that he found in a 19th Century French magazine: her name was Lina Cavalieri. Her face has been reproduced onto ashtrays, umbrellas stands, trays, pillows, and of course, plates. The two porcelain plates below are sold at Barney's. They are available on their website for $110. If you are really serious about Fornasetti, check out their unbelievable vintage selections right here.