Fornasetti Prints

The Italian artist, illustrator and furniture maker Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative design talents of the 20th century. He crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal vocabulary of images that included birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and — most frequently, and in some 500 variations — an enigmatic woman’s face based on that of the 19th-century opera singer Lina Cavalieri. Fornasetti used transfer prints of these images, rendered in the style of engravings, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that ranged from chairs, tables and desks to dinner plates, lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often surreal and always fun.

Fornasetti was born in Milan, the son of an accountant, and he lived his entire life in the city. He showed artistic talent as a child and enrolled at Milan’s Brera Academy of Fine Art in 1930, but was expelled after two years for consistently failing to follow his professors’ orders. A group of his hand-painted silk scarves, displayed in the 1933 Triennale di Milano, caught the eye of the architect and designer Gio Ponti, who, in the 1940s, became Fornasetti’s collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking a series of desks, bureaus and secretaries that pair Ponti’s signature angular forms with Fornasetti’s decorative motifs — lighthearted arrangements of flowers and birds on some pieces, austere architectural imagery on others. The two worked together on numerous commissions for interiors, though their greatest project has been lost: the first-class lounges and restaurants of the luxury ocean liner Andrea Doria, which sank in 1956.

Fornasetti furnishings occupy an unusual and compelling niche in the decorative arts: they are odd yet pack a serious punch. They act, essentially, as functional sculpture. A large Fornasetti piece such as a cabinet or a desk can change the character of an entire room; his smaller works have the aesthetic power of a vase of flowers, providing a bright and alluring decorative note. The chimerical, fish-nor-fowl nature of Fornasetti’s work may be its greatest strength. It stands on its own. Bringing the Fornasetti look into the future is Barnaba Fornasetti, who took the reins of the company after his father's death.

Creator: Fornasetti

1993 Fornasetti Portfolio 6 Surrealist Black/Gold Prints France

$1,200 / set

1993 Fornasetti Portfolio 6 Surrealist Black/Gold Prints France

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Miami, FL

The complete portfolio from the series Sole e Lune containing 6 Fine Art Silkscreen by Piero Fornasetti published in France by Graphique de France in 1993. This portfolio was exclusively created for Pier One...

Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Limited Edition Silk Screen Print 1/100

$1,200

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Limited Edition Silk Screen Print 1/100

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" 1/100 limited edition print depicting the face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri / made in Milano Italy, 1998 Width: 14 inches / Height: ...

Category

20th Century Italian Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

FORNASETTI Zodiac Libra Silk Screen Print

$550

FORNASETTI Zodiac Libra Silk Screen Print

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Piero Fornasetti "Libra" silk screen print on masonite / made in Milano Italy, 1990s Width: 12 inches / Height: 12 inches / Depth: 1 inch 1 available...

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20th Century Italian Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

FORNASETTI Zodiac Cancer Silk Screen Print

$550

FORNASETTI Zodiac Cancer Silk Screen Print

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Piero Fornasetti "Cancer" silk screen print on masonite / made in Milano Italy, 1990s Width: 12 inches / Height: 12 inches / Depth: 1 inch 1 availabl...

Category

20th Century Italian Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Surrealist Framed Print by Bruce Richards

$1,250

H 31 in W 26.5 in D 2 in

Surrealist Framed Print by Bruce Richards

By Bruce Richards

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Surrealist framed print by Bruce Richards (American, born 1948): "Witness (Man Ray)". Numbered 2/45 and signed Bruce Richards '92.

Category

20th Century American Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Ink, Paper

Cole & Son Wallpaper TEMA E VARIAZIONI Lina Cavalleri Face by Piero Fornasetti

$3,663

H 20.48 in Dm 2.17 in

Cole & Son Wallpaper TEMA E VARIAZIONI Lina Cavalleri Face by Piero Fornasetti

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Torquay, GB

One roll of new old stock unopened Piero Fornasetti Tema e Variazioni (Themes & Variations) face of Lina Cavalleri wallpaper by Cole & Son London circa early 2000s. Purchase around ...

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21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Interior Print

$1,200

H 19 in W 17 in D 1.5 in

Interior Print

Located in New York, NY

A framed print of an elegant traditional bed chamber featuring a formal canopy bed; matted and finished in a gilt wood frame.

Category

20th Century French Louis XV Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Wassily Kandinsky Abstract Silk Screen Print Titled Improvisation 26

$495Sale Price|26% Off

H 28.75 in W 20.63 in D 1 in

Wassily Kandinsky Abstract Silk Screen Print Titled Improvisation 26

By Wassily Kandinsky

Located in Miami, FL

Wassily Kandinsky abstract silk screen print. Titled: Improvisation 26 original painted in 1912, harmonious and perfect form among geometrical shapes. This is a cut-out from the 199...

Category

20th Century German Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

Peter Max "Joy" Serigraph 1971 Limited Edition 63/100

$1,500

H 22.75 in W 30.75 in D 1 in

Peter Max "Joy" Serigraph 1971 Limited Edition 63/100

By Peter Max

Located in Toledo, OH

"Joy" by Peter Max, 1971 Limited Edition. Signed lower right and numbered lower left 63/100 in pencil. Printed on Arches Paper, France. This colorful serigraph depicts the sun rising...

Category

Mid-20th Century Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Rupprecht Geiger Screen Prints from the Portfolio Titled "Zurückgehn Weitergehn

$1,790 / item

H 17.25 in W 15.25 in D 1.24 in

Rupprecht Geiger Screen Prints from the Portfolio Titled "Zurückgehn Weitergehn

By Rupprecht Geiger

Located in Stamford, CT

A group of Rupprecht Geiger screen prints from the portfolio "Go Back, Go On, Go". Twenty screen prints with texts by Helmut Heissenbüttel. Ex. from an edition of 100. Cologne, Galer...

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Fornasetti Wall Plate Tema E Variazioni N. 221

$475

H 1.25 in Dm 10.5 in

Fornasetti Wall Plate Tema E Variazioni N. 221

By Jonathan Adler, Fornasetti

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful wall plate with the interpretation of opera singer Lina Cavalieri’s face are the basis of the iconic Tema e Variazioni series by Fornasetti. Beautiful hand-decorated porce...

Category

20th Century Italian Baroque Revival Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Porcelain

Luke Butler The End Limited Edition Print

$300 / item

H 24 in W 20 in D 0.1 in

Luke Butler The End Limited Edition Print

By Phaidon

Located in New York, NY

Photograph Color photograph made with archival pigments on fine art rag paper with matte finish Size varies based on edition This work comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity". Luke Butler...

Category

2010s American Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Fine Fornasetti Surrealist Wall Art Plate Tema E Variazioni N. 218 Made In Italy

$475

H 1.25 in Dm 10.5 in

Fine Fornasetti Surrealist Wall Art Plate Tema E Variazioni N. 218 Made In Italy

By Jonathan Adler, Fornasetti

Located in San Diego, CA

Excellent wall plate featuring a black and white portrait of opera singer Lina Cavalieri’s face with fruits and shadows.From the iconic Tema e Variazioni series by Fornasetti. Beaut...

Category

20th Century Italian Baroque Revival Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Porcelain

Swoon: Daniella Limited Edition Print

$500 / item

H 16 in W 13 in D 0.1 in

Swoon: Daniella Limited Edition Print

By Phaidon

Located in New York, NY

Print Digital archival print on Moab Entrada 335 gsm Measures: 16.00 x 13.00 in 40.6 x 33.0 cm Edition of 50 This work comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. In partnership with Maison de...

Category

2010s American Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Wassily Kandinsky Abstract Silk Screen Print Titled Improvisation Deluge

$475Sale Price|29% Off

H 20.63 in W 28.75 in D 1 in

Wassily Kandinsky Abstract Silk Screen Print Titled Improvisation Deluge

By Wassily Kandinsky

Located in Miami, FL

Wassily Kandinsky abstract silk screen print. Titled: Improvisation Deluge, original painted in 1913, a colorful and restless wave rolls. A ray of light in the center, colorful stars, a dark mountain and pointed pyramid on the left. This from the 1990 edition published in homage to Wassily Kandinsky by Publisher: Benedikt Taschen in Munich. This Wassily Kandinsky print...

Category

20th Century German Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper, Wood

Signed Salvador Dali Surrealist Wood Cut Print

$1,250

H 17.5 in W 13.5 in D 1 in

Signed Salvador Dali Surrealist Wood Cut Print

Located in Bradenton, FL

Mid-20th century signed Salvador Dali (Spanish artist 1904-1989) Wood Cut Print, "The Minotaur". This is a striking example of the surrealist artist's exploration of mythology and su...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Other Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items

FORNASETTI "Jerusalem by Night" Panel

Sold

H 63.39 in W 36.62 in D 0.71 in

FORNASETTI "Jerusalem by Night" Panel

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare original vintage "Jerusalem by Night" screen print on wood panel, designed by Piero Fornasetti / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti Original label on the back Measures: width 37 ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Wood

Piero Fornasetti "Wine Glass" Print

Sold

H 12.21 in W 12.21 in D 0.79 in

Piero Fornasetti "Wine Glass" Print

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Piero Fornasetti "Wine Glass" silk screen print on masonite / made in Milano Italy, 1990s Width: 12 inches / Height: 12 inches / Depth: 1 inch 1 avai...

Category

20th Century Italian Fornasetti Prints

Materials

Paper

Piero Fornasetti Vintage Framed Print

Sold

H 13 in W 13 in D 1 in

Piero Fornasetti Vintage Framed Print

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fun decorative piece of wall art. Ink on paper, appears to be in the original lacquered wood frame under glass. The print has not been taken out of the frame and appears to be in F...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Prints

Fornasetti prints for sale on 1stDibs.

Fornasetti prints are available for sale on 1stDibs.

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Questions About Fornasetti Prints

What is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Fornasetti is an art design company that produces furniture and home accessories decorated by hand. Piero Fornasetti established the company in Milan, Italy, during the 1950s as his atelier. As of December 2021, his son, Barnaba Fornasetti, heads the company. You'll find a selection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
Who is Piero Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Piero Fornasetti was an Italian artist and designer born in Milan, Italy, in 1913. In 1950, he founded an atelier in the city, creating furniture and home decorations. Fornasetti died on October 9, 1988. His company, Fornasetti, continues to produce hand-decorated decor under the guidance of his son Barnaba Fornasetti. Find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
What style is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
The style of Fornasetti is mid-century modern. The Italian artist and designer crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal library of images rendered in transfer print engravings, including birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and an enigmatic woman's face, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that range from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Piero Fornasetti art, furniture and decorative objects.
Where can I buy Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You can buy Fornasetti directly from the brand's online store. In addition, numerous brick-and-mortar retailers around the world carry Fornasetti pieces. You can also shop for the brand's furniture and home décor on multiple online platforms. You'll find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
Who is the woman on the Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Opera singer Natalina ‘Lina’ Cavalieri is the face that inspired Piero Fornasetti throughout his artistic career, from his plates to wallpaper and more. Lina Cavalieri was known as the most beautiful woman in the world during her lifetime from 1874-1944. It was eight years after Cavalieri’s death that Fornasetti came across her image in a magazine and was thereby inspired to replicate it repetitively. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers.
How do I display Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How you display Fornasetti plates is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to rest them flat on a low table or shelf, while others position them upright on plate stands. You can also thread string or twine through the two holes found on the back of every piece and display it as wall art. Find a collection of Fornasetti plates on 1stDibs.
How do I burn a Fornasetti candle?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To burn a Fornasetti candle, first trim the wick to remove any soot. Then, light the candle and allow it to burn for up to three hours. Use a snuffer to extinguish the candle, as blowing out the flame can disturb the wax. Find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
How can I hang Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To hang Fornasetti plates, thread a length of string through the two small holes found on the tops of their backs. Tie the string in a secure knot and then hang from a nail, screw or hook. Avoid using plate hanger hardware, as it could crack or damage the plates. You'll find a collection of Fornasetti plates on 1stDibs.
What is Piero Fornasetti famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
Piero Fornasetti is famous for his work as a designer. The Italian artist was one of the wittiest and most imaginative talents of the 20th century. Fornasetti crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal vocabulary of images that included birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and — most frequently, and in some 500 variations — an enigmatic woman's face based on that of opera singer Lina Cavalieri. Fornasetti used transfer prints of these images, rendered in the style of engravings, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that ranged from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often Surrealist and always fun. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Piero Fornasetti pieces.
Where are Fornasetti plates made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Fornasetti plates are hand-made in Italy. They continue a tradition of excellent craftsmanship that goes back to founder Piero Fornasetti, who established the atelier during the 1950s. Shop antique and modern Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What style of art is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
The style of art by Fornasetti varied. His use of whimsical motifs has often led his artwork to be associated with Surrealism, while his use of repetitive imagery, like in his many prints featuring opera singer Lina Cavalieri, skewed toward Pop art. As a designer, his works reflected mid-century modern sensibilities with a playful twist. Explore a collection of Piero Fornasetti art and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Is Fornasetti hand painted?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, each and every Fornasetti design is hand made and hand painted. The colors are expertly applied by painters, ensuring no two items are alike. You’ll find a variety of Fornasetti designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Are Piero Fornasetti images public domain?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Whether or not Piero Fornasetti images are in the public domain depends on the image. The artist produced more than 11,000 works during his lifetime. Only some no longer carry a copyright and are in the public domain. Shop a range of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
Can a Fornasetti porcelain figurine be factory-made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, every Fornasetti porcelain figurine is handmade. In fact, the brand produces all of their home decorative items by hand at their workshop in Milan, Italy. If you see indications that a figurine came from a factory, it is likely not an authentic Fornasetti. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Fornasetti on 1stDibs.