Best known for its elegant and innovative vintage lighting fixtures, the Milan-based firm Fontana Arte pioneered one of the key features of 20th-century and contemporary Italian design: the union of artistry and industry wrought by partnerships between creative talents — chiefly architects — and entrepreneurial businesses. Fontana Arte is further distinguished by having had as artistic director, in succession, four of Italy’s most inventive modernist designers: Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, French transplant Max Ingrand and Gae Aulenti.
The bread and butter of the glassmaking company that Luigi Fontana founded in 1881 was plate-glass panels for the construction industry. In 1930, Fontana met Ponti — then the artistic director of the Richard Ginori ceramics workshop and the editor of the influential magazine Domus — at a biannual design exhibition that became the precursor to today’s Milan Design Triennale, and the two hatched an idea for a furniture and housewares firm. Fontana Arte was incorporated in 1932 with Ponti as its chief of design. He contributed several lamps that remain among the company’s signature works, including the orb-atop-cone Bilia table lamp and the 0024 pendant — a stratified hanging sphere.
The following year, Fontana Arte partnered with the influential Milan studio glassmaker and retailer Pietro Chiesa, who took over as artistic director. Chiesa’s designs for lighting — as well as for tables and items including vases and ashtrays — express an appreciation for fluidity and simplicity of line, as seen in works such as his flute-shaped Luminator floor lamp and the 1932 Fontana table — an arched sheet of glass that is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Six years after Chiesa’s 1948 death, the École des Beaux Arts–trained Max Ingrand took over as head of design at Fontana Arte. Ingrand brought a similarly expressive formal sensibility to wares such as lamps and mirrors, but he also had a masterful eye for the manipulation of glass surfaces — whether they be cut, frosted, acid-etched or sand-blasted. His classic design is the Fontana table lamp of 1954, which has a truncated cone shade and curved body, both of which are made of pure, chic white-frosted glass.
Following Ingrand, the often-audacious Italian architect Gae Aulenti served as the company’s artistic director from 1979 to 1996, and while she generally insisted that furnishings take second place aesthetically to architecture, she made an exception for Fontana Arte pieces such as the Tavolo con Ruote series of glass coffee and dining tables on wheels, bold lighting pieces such as the Parola series and the Giova, a combination flower vase and table lamp. As a key incubator of modern design under Aulenti’s tenure, Fontana Arte remained true to its long-held commitment — creating objects that have never been less than daring.
Find vintage Fontana Arte lighting fixtures such as pendants, table lamps and more on 1stDibs.
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434, set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Green and white curved glass, enameled metal frame. 1 candelabra socket each. FREE US rew...
Metal
Pair of Model "1963" Brass Wall Lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An iconic and rare pair of large-scale wall lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, produced around 1963. These sculptural sconces embody the refined material sensibility and moderni...
Brass
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte, Model 1944 Thick Glass Sconces 5 Pieces, Italy, 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Five (5) of Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, chiseled thick glass sconces, Italy, 1960- they are priced individually. Formidable, beautiful set of three deep-beveled oval wall lamps in...
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte model 1829 pair of Italian wall sconces 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Palermo, IT
These vintage wall lamps were designed by the famous Max Ingrand and produced by Fontana Arte in Milan, Italy, around the 1960s. The wall sconces feature a sophisticated and luxurio...
Aluminum, Brass
"Lampira" Sconce by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti for Fontana Arte, Italy
By Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti, Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte sconce "Lampira" ( Ladybug) Designed by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti and manufactured in Italy in 1970s. Stamped "Fontana Arte" on the back. Shades can be open at dif...
Glass, Acrylic
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount light. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Intricate textured glass, chromed and enameled metal frame. Four candelabra sockets each. FREE US rewirin...
Metal
Model 2225 Sconce by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original model 2225 wall light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte with thick beveled glass and brass, circa 1960s / Made in Milan, Italy circa 1960s 2 lights / original E14 type / max 4...
Brass
Mod. 1938 wall sconces produced by Fontana Arte 1968
By Fontana Arte
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Rare pair of wall lamps model 1938 produced by Fontana Arte in 1968. Brass frame, molded glass screens, 2 light points. In 1933, a department specializing in modern furniture was cr...
Brass
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940 textured glass and chrome, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount light, model 1940. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Intricate textured glass, chromed and enameled metal frame. Four candelabra sockets each. FRE...
Metal, Chrome
“Clessidra” glass wall lamp by Bobo Piccoli for Fontana Arte 70s
By Fontana Arte, Bobo Piccoli
Located in Padova, IT
The Clessidra wall lamp designed by Bobo Piccoli for FontanaArte in the 1970s is a rare and iconic piece of Italian Mid-Century Modern design. Unlike modern technical versions, this ...
Metal
$2,691Sale Price|25% Off
Fontana Arte coppia di vetro colorato blu 1960 vintage design (2 speakers).
By Fontana Arte, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Lampade da Parete Fontana Arte 1960. For each wall sconce we have two lights, one diffuser emitting light toward the bottom of the lamp and the other toward the top. They are made of...
Art Glass, Stained Glass
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434, set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Green and white curved glass, enameled metal frame. 1 candelabra socket each. FREE US rew...
Metal
Max Ingrand Mod. 1636 Fontana Arte Glass Brass Sconces Pair, Italy, 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of large Max Ingrand Fontana Arte sconces model #1636, Italy, 1960. Formidable pair of 15.7" large wall lights in brass and aci...
Brass
Pair of Max Ingrand Model 1943 Wall Lights in Frosted and Bevelled Glass, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and exquisitely preserved pair of Model 1943 wall lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, produced in the 1950s. These sculptural appliques display all the hallmarks of Ingran...
Metal, Brass
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Model 1537 Wall Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Naples, IT
Wall lamp model 1537 from 1940 by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, made of opaline glass and brass. A highly refined design by one of the greatest masters of lighting, this exceptiona...
Brass
Three Fontana Arte Wall Lights, Gianni Celada, 1980
By Gianni Celada, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of three large Postmodern wall lights designed by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1980. Set at an angle of 45° these large wall lights (model ‚Sisten‘) are made of chromed and la...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of 2052 Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand Wall Sconces
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of sconces model 2052, designed by Max Ingrand circa 1960 for Fontana Arte. Each features a brass rectangular structure and a combination of three clear beveled and frosted glas...
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Pair of Wall Lamps Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Milan, IT
Max Ingrand Model No. 1963 Wall Lamps for Fontana Arte Italy 1960s Reference: Quaderni Fontana Arte n. 6.
Chrome
Fontana Arte Italian Midcentury Metal Glass Sconces Wall Lamps 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design sconces wall lamps or ceiling lamps ‘1940" model produced by Fontana Arte with varnished metal, chrome-plated brass, moulded glass, 1950s Italy produ...
Metal
'Clessidra' Large Wall Lamp by Bobo Piccoli for Fontana Arte, 1970s, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Bobo Piccoli
Located in Hagenbach, DE
'Clessidra' Large Wall Lamp by Bobo Piccoli for Fontana Arte, 1970s, Italy Mod.2572 Note: 5 available in stock. Large Minimalist and rare design. Lampshade is in good condition ...
Metal
Fontana Arte sconces model 2434, set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte sconces model 2434. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Green and white curved glass, enameled metal frame. 1 candelabra socket each. FREE US rewiring upon requ...
Metal
Max Ingrand “1636” Sconces for Fontana Arte, 1953, Set of 2
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “1636” Sconces for Fontana Arte, glass and brass, Italy, 1950s, set of two Designed in the 1950s by Max Ingrand, one of the most celebrat...
Brass
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount light. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Intricate textured glass, chromed and enameled metal frame. Four candelabra sockets. FREE US rewiring upo...
Metal
Max Ingrand “2240” Sconces for Fontana Arte, 1961, Set of 2
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “2240” sconces for Fontana Arte, brass and glass, 1961, Set of 2 Designed by Max Ingrand during his celebrated artistic direction at Fontana ...
Brass
"Lampira" Sconce for Fontana Arte by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte sconce "Lampira" ( Ladybug) Designed by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti and manufactured in Italy in 1970s. Stamped "Fontana Arte" in the back. Shade can be open at diff...
Glass, Acrylic
Monumental Pair of Fontana Arte ‘Dahlia’ Wall Lights, Model 1461 by Max Ingrand
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinary and iconic pair of large wall lights, model 1461 from the celebrated ‘Dahlia’ series, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in the 1950s. Among the designer’s mos...
Brass
Luigi Fontana "4605/M" Sconces for Fontana Arte, 1950s, Set of 2
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Luigi Fontana "4605/M" Sconce for Fontana Arte, 1950s The "4605/M" was designed by Luigi Fontana and produced by Fontana Arte in the 1950s — a moment when the Milan-based manufactur...
Brass
Original Mod. 2240 'Micro' Appliques by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, c.1961
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
An original and rare pair of Mod. 2240 'Micro' wall lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, c.1961. The Micro design features a sleek oval brass frame that surrounds two profi...
Brass
Max Ingrand Sconce for Fontana Arte, 1955
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand sconce for Fontana Arte, glass and brass, Italy, 1955 Designed in 1955 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, this sconce exemplifies the poetic elegance and technical mastery...
Brass
Fontana Arte Sconces, Model Diamond 2762. 3 pairs available
By Fontana Arte
Located in Miami, FL
Fontana arte diamond wall lamp in aluminum 1x160w r7s tempered printed glass Diamante by FontanaArte is a wall luminaire made up of a die-cast aluminum frame. The diffuser is made o...
Aluminum
Max Ingrand Ceiling Mounted Wall Lights for Fontana Arte, Italy 1959
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
These rare lights were custom made for an apartment in Valenza, Italy. We believe they are four of only eight made, the other four kept by the family. They mount to the ceiling but t...
Brass
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434, set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand sconces model 2434. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Green and white curved glass, enameled metal frame. 1 candelabra socket each. FREE US rew...
Metal
Pair of Model No. 1963 Sconce by Max Ingrand for Fontanta Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of model no. 1963 sconce by Max Ingrand for Fontanta Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, 1960. Chrome and opaline glass diffusers. Each sconce holds a single E27 socket ty...
Chrome
Max Ingrand “1844” Sconce for Fontana Arte, 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “1844” sconce for Fontana Arte, brass and glass, Italy, 1960 Designed in 1960, the “1844” sconce is built around contrast: strict structure against an intentionally irre...
Brass
Clessidra Wall Lamp by Bobo Piccoli for Fontana Arte, 1970s
By Bobo Piccoli, Fontana Arte
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Large Clessidra wall or ceiling lamp designed by Bobo Piccoli and produced by Fontana Arte in the 1970s. The lamp consists of a polished white square glass diffuser with frosted orn...
Metal
Rare pair Max Ingrand wall lights Model 1598. Italy c1956
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in London, GB
Rare pair of wall lamps /sconces Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Model "1598" Italy c1956. Thick curved glass diffusors, partially satin-finished with 5 chiseled sections in each. ...
Bronze
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte documented mod 2224 set of 4 wall sconces 1958'
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
The four wall lamps designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte date from 1958-1960 and are a masterpiece of mid-century modern Italian design. Made of the highest quality materials and...
Opal, Metal
Wall Lamp by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1970s, Italy
By Gianni Celada, Fontana Arte
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Wall Lamp by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1970s, Italy Lamp is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E14 light bulb. Wired and suitable to use with 220V and 11...
Brass, Chrome
$14,359 / set
Bobo Piccoli Wall Light for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Bobo Piccoli
Located in Milano, IT
An exceptional and highly decorative set of six wall sconces, Model 'Hourglass', designed by Bobo Piccoli for Fontana Arte in the 1970s. These striking wall lights are not only funct...
Aluminum
Fontana Arte Italian Midcentury Brass Glass Sconce Wall Light , 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design large sconce wall lamp produced by Fontana Arte (attributed) with curved frosted glass diffuser and structure with polished brass details, Italy circ...
Brass
Italian modern glass and metal adjustable wall lamp Nobi by Fontana Arte, 1990s
By Fontana Arte
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern satin-finish glass and chromed metal adjustable wall lamp Nobi by Fontana Arte, 1990s Wall lamp model Nobi 3356 with a round and adjustable diffuser, composed of two c...
Metal
Pair of Dalia wall lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1955
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Refined pair of Dalia model wall lamps designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1955. Each applique features two curved, colored, and bevelled crystal shades mounted on...
Crystal, Brass
Max Ingrand “1943” Sconce for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “1943” Sconce for Fontana Arte, brass and glass, Italy, 1960s. Designed by Max Ingrand, the “1943” wall sconce for Fontana Arte captures the house’s signature balance of...
Brass
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Intricate textured glass, brass and enameled metal frame. Four candelabra sockets. FREE US rew...
Metal, Brass
Veca For Fontana Arte Pair Of Italian Wall Sconces Steel And Seven Crystal
By Fontana Arte, VECA
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Elegant and streamlined pair of vintage Italian wall sconces in polished, nickel-plated brass. Each sconce features a solid metal frame with two shaped brackets at the ends, supporti...
Crystal, Steel
Max Ingrand “2240” Sconce for Fontana Arte, 1961
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “2240” sconce for Fontana Arte, brass and glass, 1961 Designed by Max Ingrand during his celebrated artistic direction at Fontana Arte, this ...
Brass
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount light. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Intricate textured glass, brass and enameled metal frame. Four candelabra sockets. FREE US rewiring upon ...
Metal, Brass
Max Ingrand conical sconces by Fontana Arte Italy 1955
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
An extraordinarily rare pair of large cone-shaped wall lights, designed by Max Ingrand and produced by Fontana Arte in Italy in 1955. These lamps feature sizable conical satin glass ...
Brass
20th Century French Pair of Beveled Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Max Ingrand
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern pair of French, Italian large wall sconces made of hand blown beveled Murano glass, designed by Max Ingrand and produced by FontanaArte in good condition...
Metal, Brass
Max Ingrand “1943” Sconces for Fontana Arte, 1960s, Set of 2
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “1943” sconces for Fontana Arte, brass and glass, Italy, 1960s, Set of 2 Designed by Max Ingrand, the “1943” wall sconces for Fontana Arte capture the brand’s signature ...
Brass
Rare Pair of Model 1937 Wall Lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1958
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and atmospheric pair of wall lights, model 1937, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in the late 1950s — an iconic example of the designer’s refined use of glass, light, ...
Metal, Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Glass Wall Sconces, circa 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enhance the elegance and sophistication of your space with these exquisite Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Glass Wall Sconces, circa 1960. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, t...
Metal, Brass
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount light. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Intricate textured glass, chromed and enameled metal frame. Four candelabra sockets. FREE US rewiring upo...
Metal
Fontana Arte Flush Mount Light, Textured Glass & Brass, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount light. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s. Intricate textured glass, brass and enameled metal frame. Four candelabra sockets. FREE US rewiring upon ...
Metal, Brass
Max Ingrand Rare Pair of Larger Sconces, Italy, circa 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
Max Ingrand (1908-1969) for Fontana Arte Rare and larger pair of beveled frosted glass oval shaped sconces with chiseled central motif. Italy, circa 1960. Dimensions: 9.5 W x 9 H x 4 D Ref: Martin-Vivier Max Ingrand, p.202 Rewired for use in the USA with one candelabra...
Glass
FONTANA ARTE - MAX INGRAND - Coppia appliques modello 2093 - ITALIA 1960.
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
FONTANA ARTE - Coppia di appliques disegnati da MAX INGRAND, negli anni 60, modello 2093. I cristalli sono di grosso spessore lavorati alla molla con scavo smerigliato opaco e mo...
Brass
Max Ingrand “1636” Sconce for Fontana Arte, 1953
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Max Ingrand “1636” Sconce for Fontana Arte, glass and brass, Italy, 1953. Designed in the 1950s by Max Ingrand, one of the most celebrated figures in...
Brass
Pair of Model No. 1963 Sconces by Max Ingrand for Fontanta Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large Model No. 1963 Sconces by Max Ingrand for Fontanta Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, 1960. Brushed satin glass diffusers, chrome armature. Custom chrome backpla...
Chrome
Grey Lampira wall lamp by G.P.A. Monti for Fontana Arte, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, G.P.A. Monti, Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Grey Lampira wall lamp designed by Gian Emilio, Piero and Anna Monti for Fontana Arte in the early 1970s. The lamp is made of ABS and opaline glass. Two plastic 'screens' can cover ...
Glass, Plastic
Midcentury "Diaframma" Sconce by Piero & Monti Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1968
By Fontana Arte, Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti
Located in Merida, Yucatan
"Diaframma" wall light, circa 1968 Chrome-plated metal, opaque glass, lacquered metal. Measures: 12 in. (30.5 cm) deep, 19 in. (48.3 cm) wide when fully opened. Manufactured by Font...
Chrome