Piero Fornasetti Themes & Variation Porcelain Plate, Rosenthal, Motiv 20

Details

Description

The Face of Time: Fornasetti’s Enigmatic Muse
Germany, circa 1980–1989

This striking porcelain plate, produced by the esteemed manufacturer Rosenthal, … Read more The Face of Time: Fornasetti’s Enigmatic Muse
Germany, circa 1980–1989

This striking porcelain plate, produced by the esteemed manufacturer Rosenthal, features Motiv 20 from Piero Fornasetti’s legendary "Tema e Variazioni" (Themes and Variations) series. The design centers on the enigmatic, monochromatic face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, reimagined here as a clock face with her piercing eyes positioned behind the numerals. The plate is meticulously printed in high-contrast black and white and finished with a refined gold-gilt rim that frames the surrealist composition. This specific motif playfully integrates the concept of time with classical beauty, transforming the archetypal features of Fornasetti's muse into a functional-looking graphic work of art.

Dimensions
9 1/4 inches (23.5 cm) Diameter

Condition Report
The plate is in excellent vintage condition, showing no chips, cracks, or visible repairs. The black and white transfer print remains crisp and vibrant, while the gold-gilt rim retains its original luster.

Provenance
Private Collection.

Historical Context
During the 1980s, the German porcelain manufacturer Rosenthal played a crucial role in reviving the international reputation of Italian designer Piero Fornasetti by applying his most enduring illustrations to their high-quality ceramic wares. The "Tema e Variazioni" series began when Fornasetti discovered the face of Lina Cavalieri—a 19th-century opera singer once celebrated as the most beautiful woman in the world—while leafing through a vintage French magazine. He became captivated by her classic, statuesque features, which he likened to a Greek statue or the "Gioconda". Over the course of his prolific career, Fornasetti used her face as a versatile template, creating more than 350 variations that ranged from the whimsical to the provocative. This collaboration with Rosenthal allowed these iconic motifs to be reproduced on everyday objects, cementing the Cavalieri face as one of the most recognizable and enduring archetypes in the history of 20th-century decorative arts.

(Ref: NY1100-nmrx) See less