20th Century Porcelain Tema e Variazioni 223 and 205 Plates from Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1950s, Set of 2

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Pair of porcelain plates “Tema e Variazioni 223 and 205”, Fornasetti Milano, 20th century – Italy

Material: Porcelain
Signature: Fornasetti … Read more Pair of porcelain plates “Tema e Variazioni 223 and 205”, Fornasetti Milano, 20th century – Italy

Material: Porcelain
Signature: Fornasetti – Milano
Model: “Tema e Variazioni” models 223 and 205
Period: Mid-20th century
Country of origin: Milan, Italy
Good condition considering age and use
Dimensions (2 pieces): 26 x 26 x 3 cm

A magnificent pair of porcelain plates, hand-decorated with different depictions of the star Lina Cavalieri, created during the second half of the 20th century by the Italian artist Piero Fornasetti. Models 223 and 205 are from a series of over 400 different models in total, distinguished by their surreal and creative style, all in black and white. In model 223, Lina Cavalieri's face is silhouetted against an Italian street, like a mural on a wall, observed by a small human figure; while in model 205, the face of Lina Cavalieri is repeated, set against the backdrop of classical sculptures, expressionless and serene.

Lina Cavalieri was a renowned opera singer and actress of the 20th century, dubbed "the most beautiful woman in the world," portrayed by artists such as Giovanni Boldini and Cesare Tallone, but above all by Piero Fornasetti, who dedicated his series "Tema e Variazioni" to depicting the singer in various ways. Fornasetti maintains a surrealist style, though he employs elements of classical antiquity and a great deal of humor to represent her in numerous ways: crying, sticking out her tongue, as an astronaut, with a mustache, with binoculars…

Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) was born in Milan, in his parents' mansion, into a well-to-do family with somewhat eccentric tastes, which explains his unique artistic talent. He remains one of the most admired Italian artists of the 20th century to this day. He began his artistic career at just 10 years old, inspired by the Surrealist artists of the time, such as Giorgio de Chirico, capturing the beauty of classical tradition alongside the modern movements of his era. He specialized in landscape painting until he discovered the face of his muse, Lina Cavalieri. This piece has an attribution mark,
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