Illy Collection Espresso Set - Facce Italiane

Sandro Chia

In 1993, Italian artist Sandro Chia created one of the earliest and most iconic entries in the Illy Art Collection with his set titled _Facce Italiane_ (“Italian Faces”). A leading figure of the Transavanguardia movement, Chia brought his bold, expressive style to six espresso cups and saucers, each featuring stylized portraits that represent different Italian cities: Venice, Milan, Rome, Florence, Siena, and Trieste. The set is a vivid fusion of contemporary art and traditional espresso culture, with Chia’s signature vibrant colors and graphic forms transforming the everyday coffee ritual into a celebration of Italian identity and artistry.