Lot Essay
The cityscape was one of Fornasetti's favorite subjects, which he interpreted and manipulated on countless surfaces and objects. Here he depicts Jerusalem as a tranquil sea of domes and spires, with a repeating pattern that stimulates the optical effect. A superb sense of scale and subtle hints of irony provoke and surprise the eye. This particular panel hung in the Fornasetti house in Milan. The lobby and passages were covered with wallpaper of the same design.
cf. Mauris, p. 13, for a period photograph of the wallpaper in the house.
cf. Mauris, p. 13, for a period photograph of the wallpaper in the house.