Giuseppe Scapinelli reissued by Etel

Giuseppe Scapinelli was born in 1891 in Modena, Italy. One of thirteen siblings, Peppe – the endearing nickname he went by – grew up in an aristocratic family, receiving a classical education before earning his degree in architecture. Like many of his Italian peers, he left post-war Italy for Brazil, where he started a new life. An accomplished painter, ceramist, and sculptor, he began his career as an architect and furniture designer in the early 1950s.

Known as the “designer of emotion,” Scapinelli’s style, influenced by his artistic background and experiences with the Italian avant-gardes, set him apart and garnered instant recognition within the design community. Catering to the São Paulo elite, he delivered many interesting architectural projects defined by a subtle mix of European and Brazilian aesthetics. Artists would often gather in his studio to discuss world trends and inspirations for furniture and architecture design.

Soft shapes and elegant, winding lines characterised his designs, which bore an unexpected, futuristic quality and a strong identity. Although more conservative than his contemporary peers, he loved to play with curves, slender tapered legs, and delicate metal details.

A successful furniture maker and retailer, he soon opened his own furniture factory, Fábrica de Móveis Giesse, and a rug factory, Fábrica de Tapetes Santa Helena, where he produced many outstanding, impeccably crafted pieces for distinctive São Paulo homes. Both sensual and bold, his work is imbued with timeless elegance revisited with a sensuous, almost playful twist.

Unlike some of his famous contemporaries, Scapinelli sank into relative obscurity after passing away in 1982. It took almost 30 years for connoisseurs and collectors to rediscover him and his fantastic designs. Finally, Scapinelli is back where he belongs, among the great masters of Brazilian Modern.

Shop a selection of his most iconic pieces, re-edited by Etel.