Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988)

circular glass shade with printed face to each side, on a circular brass base

Notes: Fornasetti lived most of life in Milan, attending the Brera Art Academy from 1930-32 when he was expelled for insubordination. During World War II, he went into exile in Switzerland from 1943-46. He created more than 11,000 items, many featuring the face of a woman, operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri, as a motif. Fornasetti found her face in a 19th century magazine. “What inspired me to create more than 500 variations on the face of a woman?” asks Italian designer, Piero Fornasetti of himself. “I don’t know,” he admits, “I began to make them and I never stopped.”

Measurements:

height 186cm

• EStimate $5,000 - $7,000
• sold $6,000 Incl BP