Black & white

"Life is in color, but black and white is more realistic," they said in an eighties film by Win Wenders. Anita Ekberg shouting "Marcellus, come here!" while soaking in the Trevi Fountain, Bogart with a cigar on his lips and a match in his hand, Chaplin reciting a memorable speech, Guernica, the Times Square kiss, the workers eating lunch on scaffolding atop Rockefeller Center, black-and-white images gain class and humanity. They are timeless. They evoke mystery and nostalgia. They never go out of style. The Cistercian monks of the 12th century believed that painting in black and white eliminated distractions and focused interest on the spiritual. The absence of tonalities makes us appreciate nuances that color hides. The smoke, the fog, the sea, the wrinkles, a body, kisses, everything is more beautiful in monochrome.

Decorative paintings and prints with black and white designs

Painters, historians say, restricted the use of color when they wanted to demonstrate the superiority of painting over other arts. The artist has no choice but to play with shapes, structures, lights and volumes to convey sensations. The result is purer, more inspiring. Would Robert Capa's photographs tell us the same thing (we are not going to go into whether or not they are his or if this Robert existed) if behind his soldiers a bright and shining clear sky appeared? Decidedly, no. To prove that we are right, at Stendio you will find a wide range of black and white paintings and decorative prints. Illustrations, natural motifs, photographs, abstract designs... images and compositions full of strength and meaning that will fill the room with their powerful charm. Timeless, sophisticated and simple, if the best artists have been using black and white for centuries, it will be for a reason. From the Renaissance to contemporary art, if it went with all eras it will go with your furniture.

Black and white art for your walls

Black and white art impacts on our senses. It suggests, evokes, stands the test of time better and, of course, decorates. It doesn't matter if your sofa is green or your walls as red as fire, monochrome black and white prints go with everything and offer the possibility of creating compositions with other paintings in different shades. We often assume that black and white prints and paintings are exclusively for minimalist environments. Why? Are Picasso's Las Meninas or the famous photograph of Marilyn posing with a cat minimalist? Create contrasts and seek balance. The two-color palette supports any staging and when it comes to dressing an environment you can bet on monochrome paintings and rustic, modern or industrial furniture. It can be warm and cozy. Who hasn't wanted to stroll through Sinatra's New York in black and white or ride a scooter through the Rome of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck? You provide the style and we'll provide the art. Is it a deal?