With a love that some may believe borders on an obsession, Piero Fornasetti created a collection of housewares that produced over 350 varying designs of Lina Cavalieri’s face. The Milanese artist’s use of black & white in addition to heavy use of Greek and Roman architecture is present in his housewares as it is in other aspects of his impressive collection of work.
Known as the “most beautiful woman in the world”, the Italian Opera soprano was first seen in a 19th-century French magazine by Fornasetti. In 1952, Fornasetti began transforming her face as he saw fit.
With his son at the helm since Piero Fornasetti’s death in the 1980’s, Barnaba Fornasetti has added some new collections which contribute to his father’s eclectic and unique style.
There are still great examples of Fornasetti’s collectible ceramics available at auction and through reputable antique dealers, enjoy the hunt!!
Piero Fornasetti in front of some of his beloved plates.
Image courtesy of: Granmilano
Plates are roughly 10″ in diameter and for decorative use only
Image courtesy of: EverSwoon
A photograph of Italian Opera Soprano singer Lina Cavalieri… known as the pinnacle in beauty back in the early 1900’s.
Image courtesy of: Gramilano