Author: Capitani, F. di
Title: Francesco di Capitani. [Manuscript design examples].
Description: Roma, di Capitani, [ca. 1935]. Large, oblong cardboard binder with two metal pins. Folio (36.5 x 53.5 cm). 64 leaves with original drawings, of which 61 in full colour (crayon). Black morocco boards with embossed title and patterned pastedowns. Stiff brown endpapers. = Rare, most probably unique, large portfolio of original Italian Rationalist interior designs. Stamped in 1936, so probably dating from 1935 or early 1936. Rationalism was the favourite architectural style in pre-WWII Italy. It is related to the near contemporary German Bauhaus architecture, developed by Walter Gropius. Its chief characteristics are the functionality, uniformity, minimalism, and open spaces, which are "en vogue" again today. However, in several illustrations we see this combined in a provocative eclectic way with some seemingly more traditional, ornamented, furniture. A fine suite of truly inspirational designs, and a great rarity indeed. One leaf detached, a few creased, a few with pencilled notes. Light foxing to five plates. Otherwise in a very good condition.

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