TWO SKETCHES FOR THE INTERIOR OF THE 'ANDREA DORIA'

PIERO FORNASETTI, CIRCA 1950-1952

Details

TWO SKETCHES FOR THE INTERIOR OF THE 'ANDREA DORIA'
Piero Fornasetti, circa 1950-1952
The first a watercolor, pen and ink, pencil and collage on paper, signed l/r Piero Fornasetti and ANDREA DORIA/DECORAZIONE VERANDA, depicting an unrealized proposal for the Saloni a Doria; the second a pen and ink, crayon and chalk on paper, depicting the interior of a 1st Class cabin
the first 11 x 18in. (29.8 x 47cm.), framed; the second 11.7/8 x 17in. (30.2 x 43.2cm.), framed (2)

Literature

Piero Fornasetti: Memorie E Illusioni (Nova Galleria Del Teatro exh. cat.) 1989, np.

Exhibited

Parma, Italy, Nuova Galleria Del Teatro, Piero Fornasetti: Memorie E Illusioni, 8 April - 30 April 1989; London, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Fornasetti: Designer of Dreams, 2 October 1991 - 19 January 1992

Lot Essay

Launched in 1953 by the Italian Line, the Andrea Doria was meant to symbolize the postwar rebirth of the Italian passenger ship industry, but unfortunately is remembered more for its calamitous collision with the Stockholm in the North Atlantic in July 1956. Twelve hours after the ramming, the Andrea Doria sank, and 47 lives were lost. It was a terrible blow to the nation's pride, with the complete loss of the ship and its stylish furnishings and decorations designed by an exclusive Italian atelier. Gio Ponti and several of his contemporaries were responsible for the architectural interiors, with Fornasetti decorating many of the cabins and suites. cf. William H. Miller, The Fabulous Interiors of the Great Ocean Liners, 1985, p. 117, for a period photograph of Fornasetti's Zodiac Suite, with its walls, ceilings and decorations covered with Zodiac signs taken from 17th Century astrological maps. Also see Mauris, pp. 65-67, for other sketches by Fornasetti of the cabins.