Piero Fornasetti Mid-Century Modern “Vincenzo Bellini” Plate

Piero FORNASETTI (1913-1988)
Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835)
No.8. from Fornasetti's "Grandi Maestri" Series
Porcelain with black-printed lithograph and hand-gilding
Fornasetti, Milan,
Italian, 1967

Measures:-
25.5 cm diameter 

Literature:-
See p.264, Mariuccia Casadio and Barnaba Fornasetti, "Fornasetti: L'artista Alchimista: La Bottega Fantastica", Milan, Mondadori Electa, 2009.

An original issue Piero Fornasetti piece. With the "Grandi Maestri" Lyre mark and Fornasetti Logo with "FORNASETTI-MILANO / MADE IN ITALY". Manuscript "8" and decorator's mark etc.

Fornasetti's "Grandi Maestri" Series commemorates his choice of the most famous Italian maestro composers. The full set consists of twelve plates (Claudio Monteverdi, Pierluigi da Palestrina, Giovanni Paisiello, Alessandro Scarlatti, Antonio Vivaldi, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi, Gaetano Donizetti, Giacomo Puccini, Gioacchino Rossini and Arrigo Boito) with antique images sourced from the designer's extensive collection. The borders have a decorative design formed from historical instruments and music.

The plate here depicts Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835) after a portrait by Giuseppe Tivoli and is number 8 in the "Grandi Maestri" Series. Bellini was one of the leading opera composers of his era and a key proponent of the 'bel canto' style. He forms an important link between the early and late 19th century Italian musical traditions.

Excellent condition. Slight rubbing to the gilt, else perfect.