Among the most recognizable icons of Radical Italian Design, the
Capitello by
Studio 65 x Gufram transformed the solemn fragment of a fallen Greek column into a playful, soft seat. Its original version, now housed in major museums such as the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum in New York, stands as a symbol of how postmodern irony could reshape cultural heritage. The
Guframini Capitello condenses this same spirit into a collectible 1:8 scale miniature. Far from being a mere reproduction, it embodies the idea that history itself can be reimagined, and that even ruins can live anew in the domestic sphere.
Craftsmanship and Illusion
Made from
polyurethane and finished in pure white, the
Capitello miniature retains the delicate fluting, smooth surfaces, and theatrical proportions of the original. Despite its small size, the object conveys the same duality that defined the full-scale version: it looks monumental but is soft, lightweight, and unexpectedly approachable. This deliberate paradox, where appearances are subverted and familiar symbols acquire new meanings, has hand-finished details that highlight the craftsmanship that elevates the piece from simple model to collectible design object.
Connections with Other Icons
The
Guframini Capitello is part of the broader
Guframini series, which celebrates the brand’s icons in collectible form. Displayed alongside the
Cactus by Drocco & Mello and
Cactus miniatures, it contributes to a radical anthology that encapsulates both the irony of
Studio 65 and the broader creativity of the Radical Design movement. It also resonates with works by
Ceretti/Derossi/Rosso x Gufram like their iconic
Pratone, enabling collectors to curate unique juxtapositions that span eras and styles.
A Postmodern Legacy Preserved
Owning the
Gufram Capitello miniature means more than acquiring a decorative item. It is a way of participating in a cultural dialogue where ruins are reborn as domestic sculptures and postmodern humor becomes part of daily life. More than a miniature, it is a symbol of continuity: proof that even in reduced form, radical design retains its conceptual strength and theatrical presence. The
Guframini Capitello is a small-scale masterpiece that keeps alive the provocative energy of the Radical Design movement for contemporary collectors.