Leopard chest a front-runner at Sworders
Sworders will offer a ‘Leopard’ chest of drawers by Piero Fornasetti (1913-88) as a highlight of their June 21st Decorative Art & Design Sale at Stansted Mountfitchet.
The 84.5cm high by 99.5cm wide piece, with brass handles and tapered legs, is in fine condition and a classic piece by the Italian painter, sculptor, interior decorator and engraver who lived most of his life in Milan and enjoyed the patronage of the architect Gio Ponti.
Fornasetti’s Leopard designs form part of a tradition featuring furniture, ceramics and other works of art that have made him an increasing favourite among designers and interior decorators in recent years.
As well as the Leopard motif, he created stunning pieces of furniture inspired by Palladian architecture, astrology and playing cards, as well as his signature black-and-white designs based on the face of 19th century opera singer Lina Cavalieri.
The last three years in particular have seen auction prices for Fornasetti climb significantly, with further interest expected after the Atelier Fornasetti website launched a video tour of its workshop’s ten floors last month, giving customers access to the atelier for the first time.
“Fornasetti ticks every box for developing tastes today,” says Sworders’ Director of Decorative Art, John Black, who has pitched the chest of drawers at £15,000-20,000 for the sale. “Pieces like the Leopard chest of drawers are stunning conversation pieces that provide a strong focus to almost any interior, adding colour, glamour and style.”