Codognato Masterpiece, Baroque jewels and the legacy of an Italian genius.
Venice, the city of canals and mysteries, has been the cradle of a jewelry institution for generations: Casa Codognato. As the lagoon mourns the recent passing of Attilio Codognato, the last guardian of this Venetian treasure, the Editions Assouline reveal a beautiful tribute to the House’s Baroque heritage, entitled Codognato Masterpiece.
Founded in 1866 by Simeone Codognato, Casa Codognato emerged as a haven of refinement in the heart of Venice, just a few steps from Saint Mark's Square.
First a dealer in art and antiques, Simeone infuses his creations with a unique aesthetic, whose «memento mori» creations capture the collective imagination. However, it is the prodigal son, the first Attilio, who brings an unprecedented innovation to the time by integrating ancient Etruscan urns and urns into the house’s creations.
© Chadwick Tyler
Over the generations, it became synonymous with originality and distinction. Attracting connoisseurs like Gabrielle Chanel and Jean Cocteau. Also during the golden years of Venice, when the city was the scene of legendary social soirées.
So, the Codognato jewels were indispensable for the jet set. They were worn by icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, Jacqueline Kennedy and Lee Radziwill. From 1958 onwards, Attilio Codognato, the great-grandson of the founder, took the helm of the house with a passion for perpetuating the family creative legacy. Drawing inspiration from the Roman and Byzantine empires, as well as the Renaissance. He transformed Codognato into a symbol of refinement, an unparalleled cabinet of curiosities.
The luxurious work of Editions Assouline, reveals a dive into this baroque universe. Presenting the most unique jewels from Codognato, the pages of this work are also imbued with evocative images of Venice La Serenissima. An eternal muse for poets and artists. Let’s not forget that among the collectors are some of the most prominent minds in the artistic, entertainment and fashion worlds, such as Larry Gagosian, Cindy Sherman, Elton John, Nicole Kidman, Ralph Rucci and Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Codognato Masterpiece It offers an intimate insight into these Baroque creations, evoking the exuberance and extravagance that characterize the House.
This book immerses readers in the baroque and captivating universe of this legendary house. Attilio Codognato himself expressed his artistic credo with these memorable words: «I only love excess. Without excess, beauty does not exist.» It is precisely this excess, this artistic excess, that continues to make Codognato an inexhaustible source of fascination and admiration.
