The Essential Muse: Fornasetti "Themes & Variations" Plate #6 (Floating Face)

A surreal and minimalist porcelain wall plate from the celebrated "Themes & Variations" (Tema e Variazioni) series by Atelier Fornasetti (circa 1990s).

This iconic variation, identified as Number 6 in the series, strips Piero Fornasetti's muse, Lina Cavalieri, down to her absolute essence. The design removes the outline of her face, hair, and neck, leaving only her hypnotic eyes, nose, and lips floating against the stark white porcelain ground. By isolating these features, Fornasetti emphasizes the perfect symmetry and graphic power of her visage, creating a "ghostly" or dreamlike effect that is both unsettling and beautiful. It is one of the most recognizable and pure expressions of the series' concept.

Markings:

Reverse: Bears the standard Fornasetti mark (eye, hand, and brush logo) inscribed Tema e Variazioni / Fornasetti Milano / Made in Italy over green circle with Azburg mark for porcelain blank maker.

Number: Printed 6 (referencing the specific variation).

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or surface wear to the transfer print.

Measurements:
Diameter: 10 1/4 inches (26.0 cm)
Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm)

Historical Context:

Variation #6 demonstrates Fornasetti's surrealist roots, playing with the concept of presence and absence. By removing the context of the head, the viewer is forced to engage directly with the gaze of the subject, highlighting why Cavalieri's face became such a powerful archetype for the artist.

The "Themes & Variations" Series:

The "Themes & Variations" (Tema e Variazioni) series is arguably Piero Fornasetti's most famous and enduring artistic legacy. The series began in 1952 after Fornasetti stumbled upon the face of Lina Cavalieri, a 19th-century operatic soprano and celebrated beauty, in an old French magazine. Captivated by her classically perfect, enigmatic features, he adopted her visage as his ultimate muse and archetype. Over the course of his life, he obsessively reimagined her face in more than 350 distinct variations"”transforming her into everything from a sun, a thief, and a clock, to surreal objects like the "Floating Face" seen here. As Fornasetti famously explained, "I began to make them and I never stopped," proving that a single idea could provide endless creative possibilities.

(Ref: NY10980-crn)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good condition

Dimensions:
Height: 10 in.
Width: 10 in.
Depth: 0.75 in.

Category: Decorative Plates
Origin: Italy
Materials: Porcelain
Creator: Brand: Fornasetti; Artist: Piero Fornasetti

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $19.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

International: No International Shipping for this auction.

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Location: This item ships from Downingtown, PA

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good condition