Mariano Fortuny

Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949) was born in Granada, Spain, and grew up in Paris and Venice. Alongside his wife Henriette Negrin, he worked on innovative projects in their Venetian studio, Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei, now a museum. In 1922, they opened a factory in Giudecca, still in operation today, where Fortuny's secret techniques for creating iconic fabrics remain undisclosed per his will. Fortuny's curiosity and interdisciplinary approach drew inspiration from ancient cultures, transforming historical sources into modern expressions. He developed unique dyes and pigments using ancient methods, imbuing his work with authenticity and durability, earning him the nickname "the magician of Venice."