Villa Argentina

Both for its architecture and for its handmade decoration, Villa Argentina can be considered as the most important expression of the Modernist style, not only in Viareggio but all throughout Versilia.
Galileo Chini's ceramics, which are characterised by Modernist decoration, adorn its façades.
As a matter of fact, the villa exhibits one of the greatest examples of ceramics destined for architecture which were produced by the Chini kilns in Borgo San Lorenzo.
The crowning fascias below the eaves are formed by panels made of different types of tiles. Secession style chequered motifs frame cupids bearing vegetable wealth which alternate with stylized designs of orientalized "trees of happiness". Its decorative style, even as far as the colours are concerned, recalls the traditional Florentine Renaissance majolica motifs, an important point of reference for the Chini "Arte della Ceramica" production.
In the internal lounge on the ground floor a large painted cloth triptych covers the entire wall. It
depicts a "Persian marriage" which takes place in an oriental background. The paintings, which were realised in 1930 for the counts of Sant'Elia, at that time the owners, are the work of the painter Giuseppe Biasi (Sassari 1885 - Adorno Micca 1945). The artist reveals a descriptive taste which pays attention to every minimum clothing and posture detail. This attention to detail is also upheld by a chromaticism which takes into consideration the oriental characterisation of those portrayed.
The view of the East is accentuated by the image of the walled city which acts as a backdrop to the scene action. This is focused on a bridal procession which follows the newlyweds who are sitting on an elephant's palanquin.
The large panels are framed by a vast floral weaving of stucco decoration (white and gold); these too have an oriental flavour and are multiplied by the optical illusion created by the mirrors in the lounge.