Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913–1988) Four-Panel “Libreria” Folding Screen

Four-Panel “Libreria” Folding Screen
Italy, circa 1955
Transfer-printed and painted wood, brass hinges
Each panel: 207 × 50 × 3 cm (81 × 19.5 × 1 in)
A quintessential example of Fornasetti’s trompe-l’œil mastery, this four-panel screen juxtaposes illusion and wit: one side depicts a neoclassical interior with architectural motifs and statuary; the reverse transforms into a library of imagined volumes, meticulously rendered in faux shelving. The duality invites theatrical display and intellectual play, emblematic of Fornasetti’s surrealist leanings and his fascination with domestic fantasy.
Originally conceived as part of his mid-century decorative oeuvre, the “Libreria” screen exemplifies Fornasetti’s ability to merge fine art, furniture, and narrative. Its scale and craftsmanship make it suitable for both residential and gallery settings.