- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
Original Fornasetti Panel in the Libreira Pattern

About the Item
- Creator:Piero Fornasetti (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 108 in (274.32 cm)Width: 57 in (144.78 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.26 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Overall in very fine condition, there is a small amount of fraying where the fabric was cut but very minor.
- Seller Location:Palm Desert, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU797729762772
Piero Fornasetti
The Italian artist and illustrator 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.
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Palm Desert, CA
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Fornasetti Rectangular Box with Smoking MotifBy FornasettiLocated in Palm Desert, CAFornasetti long, rectangular, box with a charming illustration of three pipes. Hand colored Lithography on metal. Exterior metal box slides over a metal interior box, powder coated...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories
MaterialsTin
- Abstract Painting in Original FrameLocated in Palm Desert, CAA fun abstract painting on a merlot background in its original walnut & gilt frame with antique glass. We have not been able to find any information on the artist, but it is signed a...Category
Early 20th Century American Paintings
MaterialsWalnut
- Italian Table in the Style of Guglielmo UlrichBy Guglielmo UlrichLocated in Palm Desert, CAA wonderful example of Italian design. This table is composed of lacquered wood, black glass top, and brass accents. It would make a wonderful desk as seen in the last photo. In very...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Ashanti Style Stool in the Style of Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Palm Desert, CAThis is a unique acrylic interpretation of an Ashanti stool in the style of Karl Springer. Its overall form reflects the Ashanti style while the support column is minimalist in natur...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsAcrylic
- "Phoenix Recumbent" Silver Print from Original Negative by Imogen CunninghamBy Imogen CunninghamLocated in Palm Desert, CAThis photograph by Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976), titled "Phoenix Recumbent", is a silver print from the original negative. The woman in the photo, Phoenix, was a friend of Imogen in...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
MaterialsSilver Leaf
- Original Starburst Sculpture by Tony DuquetteBy Tony DuquetteLocated in Palm Desert, CAIconic gold painted metal starburst sculpture, created by the legendary Tony Duquette. We have two available and the bases vary. Please contact us if you'd like images or additional ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Sculptures
- Fornasetti "Liberia" Fabric Panel FramedBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Stamford, CTCirca 20th century Mid-Century Modern style Piero Fornasetti "Liberia" fabric panel depicting a trompe l'oeil bookshelf in a rectangular gold gilt frame. Made in Italy possibly betwe...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Mid-Century Modern Four Panel Screen, Room Divider, Piero Fornasetti, MusicalBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Stamford, CTA Mid-Century Modern room divider or folding screen in the style of Piero Fornasetti. Four large impressive hand painted panels, each panel measures 16 in. wide by 72 inches high...Category
Late 20th Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers
MaterialsWood, Paint
- Rare Trompe L’oeil “Libreria” Four-Panel Folding Screen by Piero FornasettiBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Montreal, QCRare Trompe l’Oeil “Libreria” four-panel folding screen by Piero Fornasetti. The reverse decorated with an Italian cityscape.Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Screens and Room Dividers
MaterialsWood
- Piero Fornasetti Style 6 Panel Architectural Privacy Screen Room DividerBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Wayne, NJLarge decorative Fornasetti Style 6 Panel Architectural privacy screen room divider. Will go well with many types of decor. From Traditional to Modern. This is a heavy in weight piec...Category
Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Screens and Room Dividers
MaterialsBrass
- Vintage Piero Fornasetti Ceramiche Panel/PlaqueBy Piero FornasettiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLA lithographic transfer-printed masonite panel. Originally designed for the Hilton Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey Fornasetti: the complete universe page 456.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Decorative Art
MaterialsMasonite
- Josef Frank Cushion in the Hawaii PatternBy Josef FrankLocated in New York, NYA rectangular cushion with a "Hawaii" pattern fabric by Josef Frank.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Th...
MaterialsFabric
- Rare Silk Cravat by Piero Fornasetti for Pipe EnthusiastsBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Vienna, ATThis tie, designed around 1970's by well-known Italian artist Piero Fornasetti and currently not anymore in production, features an original and classy pipe pattern. Excellently pres...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Collectible Jewelry
MaterialsSilk
- A Fortuny Fabric Cushions in the Orsini PatternBy FortunyLocated in New York, NYA Fortuny fabric cushions in the Orsini pattern. Featuring a gorgeous gold and blue colorway, the Orsini pattern is a 17th century Italian design named for one of the most princely f...Category
2010s American Pillows and Throws
MaterialsFabric, Silk, Down, Feathers
- A Fortuny Fabric Cushion in the DeMedici PatternLocated in New York, NYA Fortuny fabric cushion in the Demedici pattern, patinated silver ground and welt trim with midnight blue wool sateen back, the pattern, a 17th century Italian design named for the ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Baroque Pillows and Throws
MaterialsWool, Cotton, Silk, Down
- Fortuny Fabric Cushion in the Impero PatternBy FortunyLocated in New York, NYA Fortuny fabric cushion in the Impero pattern, copper and silvery gold color way with silk blend backing material and taffeta edging, the pattern, a 19th century French design with ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Pillows and Throws
MaterialsSilk
- A Fortuny Fabric Cushion in the Jupon PatternLocated in New York, NYA Fortuny fabric cushion in the Jupon pattern, ivory silk backs and silk bias edging Newly made using vintage Fortuny fabric, circa 1960 50 down/50 feather insert.Category
2010s American Art Nouveau Pillows and Throws
MaterialsSilk, Cotton, Linen
Recently Viewed
View MoreRead More

Barnaba Fornasetti’s Hallucinatory House Has His Father’s Spirit
Behind a nondescript facade in northeastern Milan is the magical residence of Barnaba Fornasetti. It's a shrine to the style developed by his design-legend father, which still defies categorization.

In Dragonette’s New Palm Desert Digs, Great Design Springs Eternal
Since leaving Los Angeles, Patrick Dragonette is experiencing a new kind of creative freedom.
The 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Trusted Global Delivery