Art Déco Exhibition in Forlì Explores the Glittering Shadow of Modernity

A major exhibition at the Musei San Domenico in Forlì examines the Art Déco movement, tracing its rise from the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels in Paris to its global influence. The show highlights how Italian craftsmanship, particularly from manufacturers like Ginori, earned international acclaim through the work of Gio Ponti. The exhibition features over 250 works, including Fortunato Depero's 'Danza di diavoli' (1922) from the Mart in Rovereto, and Tamara de Lempicka's 'Les confidences' (1928). Curated by Serena Tacchini, the display covers furniture, fashion, architecture, ceramics, jewelry, and posters, illustrating Déco's pervasive elegance across elite lifestyles. The exhibition also delves into the movement's darker undertones, suggesting that its hedonism masked a conscious awareness of impending totalitarianism. Key pieces include a rug by Depero, an Isotta Fraschini car associated with Gabriele D'Annunzio, and works by Alberto Martini depicting Wally Toscanini as the Queen of Sheba. The Chrysler Building's spire and Hollywood's jazz-age glamour are cited as transatlantic echoes of the style.