"Sicilian Surrealism": Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" Trinacria Plate,
(Face with Three Legs),
1990's

A striking and surreal porcelain wall plate from the iconic "Themes & Variations" (Tema e Variazioni) series by Atelier Fornasetti.

This witty variation features the enigmatic face of Piero Fornasetti's muse, the opera singer Lina Cavalieri, reimagined as a Triskelion (or Trinacria)-the ancient symbol of Sicily (and the Isle of Man). In this playful design, three naked human legs radiate from her head in rotational symmetry, replacing her hair and neck. The graphic black and white printing on the white porcelain ground emphasizes the stark, oddball humor that defines Fornasetti's most collectible work.

Markings:

Reverse: Bears the standard Fornasetti mark (typically the eye, hand, and brush logo) inscribed Tema e Variazioni / Fornasetti Milano / Made in Italy over a green cirlcle with Artzburg for the source of the porcelain.

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

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

Historical Context:

The Triskelion is an ancient motif consisting of three spirals or bent legs. Fornasetti, known for his love of classical antiquity and surrealist juxtapositions, adapted this symbol (most famously associated with the flag of Sicily) by merging it with the "archetypal" beauty of Lina Cavalieri. This plate exemplifies his ability to turn a classical icon into something playful and slightly unsettling.

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 "Trinacria" 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: NY10977-crn)


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

Origin:
Italy

Creator:
Brand: Atelier Fornasetti; Artist: Piero Fornasetti

Materials & Techniques:
Porcelain

Details:
Country of Origin: Italy
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; God condition