Fornasetti Sun King Wall Art
About the Item
- Creator:Piero Fornasetti (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 34 in (86.36 cm)Width: 34 in (86.36 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1990-1999
- Date of Manufacture:1990s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition. Various surface scratches, rubs, and wear.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU871831117372
Piero Fornasetti
The Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative 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 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.
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 Fornasetti's 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 the artist's collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking 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.
Find vintage Piero Fornasetti dinner plates, chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Atlanta, GA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Greg Copeland Three-Dimensional Wall SculptureBy Greg CopelandLocated in Atlanta, GAThree-dimensional wall sculpture, designed by Greg Copeland, circa 1970s. All pieces signed by the artist. They retain their original alumin...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsAluminum
- Etched Brass Artwork by Bernhard RohneBy Bernhard RohneLocated in Atlanta, GAEtched brass artwork plaque by Bernhard Rohne for Metallic Design Studio, circa 1960s. Rohne has become famous for his work with Mastercraft, but also pr...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsBrass, Metal
- Selection of Modern Art or Gallery WallLocated in Atlanta, GASelection of Modern Art or Gallery Wall, circa 1960s. From left to right they are: 1) Watercolor of male nude on blue paper, circa 1960s. It h...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Drawings
MaterialsGlass, Wood, Paper
- Selection of Modernist Art or Gallery WallBy (after) Henri MatisseLocated in Atlanta, GASelection of Modernist Art, circa 1950s. From top left to right, then bottom left to right, they are: 1) *ON HOLD* Abstract lithograph by , circa 1960s. Pencil signed by the artist, ...Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Prints
MaterialsGlass, Wood, Paper
- Collection of Vintage Painter's Palettes, Wall SculptureLocated in Atlanta, GACollection of Vintage Artist's Palettes, American, circa 1940s - 1960s. The largest palette measures 15.5"H x 19.5"W. The smallest measures 7.5"H x 10.5"W.Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
MaterialsWood, Paint
- Large Scale Abstract Wall Sculpture by Alan WisniewskiLocated in Atlanta, GALarge scale three dimensional wall sculpture, hand made by Alan Wisniewski, American, circa 1970s. It measures an impressive 48" length x " height x 4" depth.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsMetal
- RE:03 wall art brass on oak 'Golden Apple of the Sun'By EXPERIMENTALLocated in Riga, LV'Golden Apple of the Sun' (2024) in style of organic minimalism offers bold shapes that are expressed with combination: high polished - authentic and raw. Featuring wood, driftwood...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Baltic Organic Modern Contemporary Art
MaterialsRock Crystal, Brass
- Contemporary Design 'Sun Rise Wall Piece, by Andredottir & BobekBy Andredottir & BobekLocated in copenhagen, DKOne-off a kind - contemporary design, sun rise wall piece, embody the surface of the sun. Made by the art and design duo Andredottir & Bobek They have in ...Category
2010s Danish Modern Contemporary Art
MaterialsFoam
- Contemporary Modern Abstract Metal Wall ArtLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis unique piece adds a unique modern feel to any room, it's unique design and color scheme make it a wonderful choice for home or business. Location: Brooklyn NY.Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsMetal
- Flower Wall Art Norihiko Terayama A3By Norihiko TerayamaLocated in Shibuya-ku, TokyoTitle: Artificial and dried flowers that were arranged Unique wall art by Norihiko Terayama. Small cut out piece of artificial flowers and dried flowers are stuck with needles in goo...Category
2010s Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
MaterialsWood
- Flower Wall Art Norihiko Terayama A2By Norihiko TerayamaLocated in Shibuya-ku, TokyoTitle: Artificial and dried flowers that were arranged Unique wall art by Norihiko Terayama. Small cut out piece of artificial flowers and dried flowers are stuck with needles in goo...Category
2010s Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
MaterialsWood
- Flower Wall Art Norihiko Terayama A1By Norihiko TerayamaLocated in Shibuya-ku, TokyoTitle: Artificial and dried flowers that were arranged Unique wall art by Norihiko Terayama. Small cut out piece of artificial flowers and dried flowers are stuck with needles in goo...Category
2010s Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
MaterialsWood