NEW YORK — Unlike some of his contemporaries who were more interested in producing one-off pieces and custom furniture for wealthy clients, Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) is renowned for democratizing art. The prolific designer, who hailed from Milan, had a large and diverse output, responsible for more than 13,000 examples of furniture and decorative arts pieces […]
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Chan cabinet, est. $25,000-$35,000
CHICAGO – Hindman’s May 25 Modern Design auction will offer a dynamic selection of works spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, highlighted by a striking selection of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne furniture and a pair of double-sided screens by Piero Fornasetti. Contemporary and experimental designs by Tejo Remy and Niels van Eijk for Droog, John Chamberlain and Dan Johnson are also included. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Suspension lamp by Jean-Michel Frank, $87,500
DALLAS – After almost a century of illuminating the conservatory of the same Illinois house, a rare suspension lamp by renowned French designer Jean-Michel Frank has a new place to call home.
Illuminated Architettura bar-cabinet by Piero Fornasetti and Gio Ponti, est. $50,000-$70,000
DALLAS – An Architettura Trumeau bar-cabinet, which has remained for more than half a century in the family of its original owner, will find a new home when it is sold Sept. 30 in Heritage Auctions’ Design Auction. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Folding screens presented a perfect surface for Fornasetti’s inspired imagery; patterns range from the historical to the metaphysical. From an edition of 10, this 1954 design depicting ‘Battaglia Navale’ – a naval battle – was sold for $20,000 by Wright in 2014. Courtesy Wright Auctions
MILAN, Italy – Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) was born in Milan, a city that has produced many gifted designers. While studying painting and traveling to Africa, Fornasetti absorbed many influences, from classic to surrealism and exhibited a fondness for vivid colors. His early paintings were scenes on silk scarves, which he exhibited at the Milan Triennale in 1933.