A remarkable new publication titled Memento Vivere is now available, celebrating the exquisite artistic legacy of the late Attilio Codognato, who passed away in 2023. The stewardship of this enduring legacy now rests with his heirs: Mario Codognato, an esteemed art curator with an impressive international portfolio, and his sister Cristina Codognato, who operates a psychotherapy practice in London. Together, they are dedicated to preserving and advancing their family’s heritage in the world of high jewelry.
Attilio Codognato’s Venetian palazzo.
Photo: Matteo de Mayda/ Courtesy of Codognato
“Neither of us anticipated taking the reins of the family business—our careers were charted in different directions. However, as our father aged, we began assisting him, particularly with relocating the store, and gradually we immersed ourselves in a world we had long admired from a distance. It became clear that letting this story conclude would be a disservice,” Mario reflected from the elegant piano nobile of the palazzo his father cherished, encircled by a remarkable assortment of art that includes Old Masters, Surrealists, Warhols, Twomblys, Rauschenbergs, and a remarkable collection of Duchamp pieces, which was his father’s favorite. “Interacting with the artisans—true masters of their craft—who collaborated with our father over the decades helped us recognize the immense value of this legacy. Our father’s extensive archive continues to guide and inspire our efforts,” Cristina added. The artisans possess an exceptional ability to revive historical designs while creating new pieces that resonate with the unique philosophy of their father: every jewel must stand as a distinctive variation of an overarching theme. “We adhere to this principle, further enriching our story with pieces that embody history, such as the antique cameos we recently transformed into exquisite necklaces,” they shared. They maintain a commitment to producing limited quantities of unique creations exclusively available at their Venetian storefront. “Our father resisted expanding beyond the confines of Venice, and we intend to follow suit,” they asserted. At Codognato, the idea of major retail expansion feels unnecessary—thanks to a compelling archive, talented artisans, and a rich heritage imbued with a delightful dash of dark genius, which have flourished for generations.
Indeed, the Codognato legacy has captivated Venice and connoisseurs worldwide since 1866, when the 22-year-old Simeone Codognato opened an antiquarian shop a stone’s throw from St. Mark’s Square. Initially catering to the aristocratic travelers of the Grand Tour, he soon began to craft jewelry that beautifully fused Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance influences—an embodiment of wearable history and decadence. In 1897, his son Attilio took ownership and drew inspiration from contemporary Etruscan archaeological findings, giving rise to the skull-shaped Vanitas jewels. These mysterious and opulent creations enchanted a circle of avant-garde thinkers and artists, including the likes of Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau, Sergei Diaghilev, and Serge Lifar, each captivated by the eerie elegance of Codognato’s work. By 1958, following his father’s passing, Attilio Codognato embraced the legacy with a fusion of historical depth, philosophical insight, and a glamorous touch of dark humor.
The house of Codognato has indeed been a source of fascination in Venice since its inception in 1866, when Simeone Codognato established his antiquarian shop so close to St. Mark’s Square.
Photo: Courtesy of Codognato
Cristina Codognato, as a psychotherapist, provides unique insights into the subconscious symbolism present in her father’s creations. She interprets his fascination with memento mori imagery as significant on a psychological level: “The skull symbolizes the unconscious recognition of death—inevitable, yet often repressed. Rituals that utilize skulls or skeletal motifs draw us closer to the concept of death without overwhelming us,” she stated, showcasing that the family’s appreciation for unconventional scholarship is a core value. “From a psychoanalytical standpoint, this serves as a form of exorcism: transforming unspoken fears into symbolic expressions, language, and rituals. The evolution of the danse macabre from the medieval era to Baroque vanitas, from Mexico’s Día de los Muertos to Christian relics, reveals how the skull tames our terror, rendering it comprehensible, even aesthetically pleasing.”
Photo: Courtesy of Codognato
A constellation of collectors has long been drawn to the enigmatic allure of Codognato’s talismans. Among the most dedicated supporters is Maria Grazia Chiuri, who hosted the book’s launch at the family’s palazzo during the Venice Film Festival, accompanied by her daughter Rachele Regini, who has been enchanted by the Codognato mystique. The event unfolded as a vibrant celebration, welcoming a dazzling array of family friends including Julian Schnabel, Anish Kapoor, Dries Van Noten, Juergen Teller, Willem Dafoe, Francesca Bellettini, and many others who gathered to honor the latest chapter in the story of Codognato.
The cover of the book, Memento Vivere, published by Marsilio Arte.
Photo: Courtesy of Codognato
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