Flight of Fantasy: Piero Fornasetti "Mongolfiere" Hot Air Balloon Plate (Motiv 1)

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Flight of Fantasy: Piero Fornasetti "Mongolfiere" Hot Air Balloon Plate (Motiv 1)

This captivating porcelain plate by Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988), … Read more Flight of Fantasy: Piero Fornasetti "Mongolfiere" Hot Air Balloon Plate (Motiv 1)

This captivating porcelain plate by Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988), produced by Rosenthal in the 1980s, features the enchanting "Mongolfiere" (Hot Air Balloon) pattern. This piece, designated Motiv 1 in the series, is a wonderful illustration of Fornasetti's deep fascination with historical machinery, graphic detail, and fantastical travel.

Design and Historical Narrative
The plate’s central motif is a detailed depiction of a historical hot air balloon floating against a clean white ground. The image is rendered with the precision of an 18th-century engraving, a hallmark of Fornasetti's graphic style.

The accompanying text panel identifies the subject: "1784 / Aerostato Dell'Accademia Di Digione / Con a Bordo Guitton E Bertrand." This text references a specific, pioneering event in aviation history: the 1784 flight of the Dijon Academy balloon, piloted by Guiton de Morveau and Bertrand. It was notable as one of the first flights where oars were used in an attempt to assist with steering, blending the new technology of flight with antiquated naval methods.

The title Mongolfiere is an homage to the French brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, who invented the first practical hot air balloon in 1783, ushering in the age of aerial exploration. Fornasetti transforms this historical record into a whimsical piece of decorative art.

Production and Context
This plate is a product of the collaboration between the Fornasetti studio and the esteemed German porcelain manufacturer Rosenthal during the 1980s. This partnership was instrumental in the later 20th-century revival of Fornasetti’s work, which included applying his designs to high-quality porcelain blanks. While Rosenthal is best known for producing the Tema e Variazioni series, the inclusion of the Mongolfiere pattern underscores Fornasetti's diverse range of compelling graphic motifs.

Dimensions: 10 1/2 inches diameter × 1 inch high (26.67cm diameter).

Marking: The reverse is marked with a distinctive circular black-ground stamp featuring yellow writing. It includes the inscription Rosenthal Classic/Germany above the central Fornasetti brush and hand logo, and the details below: Fornasetti (with registration mark) / Dekor Mongolfiere / Motiv 1.

This plate stands as a charming blend of history, scientific wonder, and graphic elegance, capturing the period’s spirit of innovation and the timeless appeal of Fornasetti's imaginative vision.

Reference Notes
Catalogue Raisonné: Fornasetti: The Complete Universe, Edited by Barnaba Fornasetti (Rizzoli, 2010), is the authoritative reference for the designer's work. The Mongolfiere pattern is illustrated on Page 616, #167 for earlier examples from the set.

Historical Context: The plate documents a specific event in the history of the Montgolfier brothers' pioneering balloon flights.

Production: The markings confirm the 1980s production run by Rosenthal, which helped maintain the commercial continuity of the Fornasetti archive.

(Ref: NY10746-irr) See less