Piero Fornasetti

Private Collection, Dallas, TX
Acquired from the above by the present owners, circa 2001

Patrick Mauriès, Fornasetti:  Designer of Dreams, London, 1991, p. 179
Mariuccia Casadio and Barnaba Fornasetti, Fornasetti:  L’artista Alchimista:  La Bottega Fantastica, Milan, 2009, p. 356
Mariuccia Casadio, Fornasetti:  The Complete Universe, New York, 2010, p. 348

Overall in very good original condition. The surfaces of the trumeau are decorated with a vivid green malachite pattern that distinguishes this rare work. The trumeau with a few small and minor surface scratches and a few minute edge nicks consistent with age and gentle handling. The extraordinary malachite pattern to the exterior of the work continues to the interior of the upper compartment and the interior of the fall front desk. This is a wonderful detail demonstrating the continuity the design and superior craftsmanship of this offering. The interior of the desk element is fitted with a single fluorescent fixture and a single fluorescent fixture to the top portion (located behind the concave display shelf), which are electrically stable. The interior of the desk and drawers with minor surface scratches and very light rubbing consistent with age and gentle use. The reverse is painted in the same green tone, but lacks the malachite decorative scheme, and therefore the piece is intended for use against the wall. The lower portion of the legs with a few scattered minor nicks and dings commensurate with gentle use. A rare example of this important decorative scheme that presents with a vibrant and deeply saturated green in person. This magnificent trumeau is a true masterwork of sculpture displaying superb scale and decoration throughout.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This iconic Trumeau by Piero Fornasetti exemplifies the artist’s playful trompe l’oeil effects in furniture design. Fornasetti’s fascination with malachite, a rare green stone, is evidenced by a suite of designs produced in the mid-1950s with the same surface treatment, including all manner of interior furnishings as well as a bicycle model.  The present lot displays a vibrant green hue with rhythmic patterning to imitate the stone surface, highlighting two contrasting design elements: the inspiration from the natural world and the manmade industrial manufacturing methods used to execute the lithographic transfer print technique.  

The Fornasetti Archive has confirmed that the "Malachite" Trumeau offered here is one of only three examples ever produced, highlighting its rarity and importance in the firm's history.