Casa Ferrario, Art Nouveau residence in central Milan, Italy
Casa Ferrario is a four-story residential building on Via Spadari decorated with handcrafted wrought iron elements like griffins and butterfly motifs. The facade features curved forms and floral decorations typical of the Liberty style that spread through Milan around 1900.
Architect Ernesto Pirovano designed the building between 1902 and 1904 as Milan was adopting the Liberty style for new construction. This period marked the city's shift toward modern development, with residential buildings like this reflecting the wealth and artistic values of its expanding population.
The building reflects how Milan's middle class displayed their status through ornate metalwork and refined taste during the early 1900s. These decorative elements were visible signs of wealth and cultural sophistication in a city experiencing rapid growth.
The building is easily located on Via Spadari in central Milan where visitors can view it from the street. The best view of the metalwork details is from the pavement level, especially during daylight when sunlight highlights the craftsmanship.
Master craftsman Alessandro Mazzucotelli, one of the most celebrated metalworkers of the Liberty style, created all the wrought iron elements with exceptional precision. His hand is visible in hidden signatures and monograms scattered throughout the details that reveal themselves upon close inspection.
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