Ponti & Fornasetti
One of the most historic collaborations of the 20th century was that between Italian designers Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti. Though their styles differ, their creative genius is evident in all of their projects and each designer made vital contributions to the history of art and architecture.
Ponti and Fornasetti first worked together in the 1933 forming an important relationship that would last for decades and over the years they completed many prestigious projects according to an established and well-tested pattern: Ponti designed and Fornasetti decorated. Together the duo completed many notable interiors including those for ships, villas and hotels as well as private commissions for the Italian bourgeoisie. While their collaborative designs were included in the 1951 Triennale they were never mass produced.
The present lot features Fornasetti’s Chiavi e Pistole decoration on a sleek armchair designed by Gio Ponti.
Piero Fornasetti (center left) and Gio Ponti (center right) among friends and colleagues. (Photograph courtesy of Fornasetti)
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti first worked together in 1933 forming an important relationship that would last for decades. Their collaboration intensified in the 1950s when Ponti brought Fornasetti to work with him on numerous prestigious projects. Ships, villas, hotels and above all the Italian bourgeoisie reaped the benefits of the duo’s partnership which proceeded according to an established and well-tested pattern: Ponti designed, Fornasetti decorated and Pietro Chiesa executed the designs.
Auction Results Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
Important sideboard
result: $240,000
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
Madrepore dining suite
estimate: $70,000–90,000
result: $173,000
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
secretaire
estimate: $90,000–120,000
result: $140,000
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
armchair
estimate: $50,000–70,000
result: $60,000
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
Important bookcase
estimate: $50,000–70,000
result: $50,000
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
Madrepore table and four armchairs
estimate: $25,000–30,000
result: $48,000
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
lounge chair from Vembi-Burroughs, Genoa
estimate: $30,000–40,000
result: $36,000
Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
Architettura cabinet
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $21,850