Artemide is an iconic firm in the design world. The mid-century Italian company is one of the best known lighting manufacturers and its award-winning fixtures are held in museum collections everywhere. Vintage Artemide table lamps, pendants, ceiling lamps and other lighting represent a thoughtful merge between functionalism and eye-catching design.
Artemide, which is based in Pregnana, was founded by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza in 1959. During that year, Mazza created the first table lamp for the manufacturer — a modernist work in glass, marble and metal that he called the Alfa. Gismondi, who studied aeronautical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and missile engineering at Rome’s Professional School of Engineering, applied his knowledge of cutting edge technology and materials such as fiberglass resin to Artemide’s designs for lighting and furniture.
In 1967, Artemide won Italy’s Compasso d'Oro design award for its Eclisse table lamp, which was designed by Vico Magistretti two years earlier. Other award-winning fixtures include the Tizio table lamp designed by Richard Sapper and the Tolomeo table lamp.
Designed by Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, the Tolomeo featured the patented George Carwardine mechanism used in the original Anglepoise lamp. De Lucchi would later be recruited to join visionary postmodern design collective the Memphis Group. Artemide’s Gismondi purchased the brand after founder Ettore Sottsass dismantled the collective in 1988, and it was bought by Alberto Bianchi Albrici in 1996.
Artemide’s list of design, innovation, sustainability and other industry awards is long and distinguished. The firm continues to actively collaborate with internationally revered designers and seek out new talent through workshops with design schools. The company’s deeply held values — energy-saving lighting, sustainable design and ethically sourced materials — characterize its current offerings, and Artemide furniture and lighting can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and other institutions.
On 1stDibs, find Artemide tables, seating, floor lamps, chandeliers and more.
Four Wall Applique by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, Italy, 1960
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Roma, IT
Four wall applique with metal structure and 'Sigma' model glass lampshade. Prod. Artemide, Italy, ca. 1960, designed by Sergio Mazza. 12 x 26 x 26cm. Good conditions.
Metal
$380 / set
H 5 in W 14 in D 1 in
Four Flying Swallows Birds wood Mid Century Wall Decoration Vintage, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of four beautiful vintage wooden flying swallows wall decorations. Each would make a beautiful ornament on a wall. They are with some patina and are an excellent craftsmanship. M...
Nutwood
Four plaster wall reliefs. Approx. 1900
Located in København, Copenhagen
Four plaster wall reliefs. Large round plaque with Bertel Thorvaldsen motif, religious motif, and a woman in profile. Circa 1900. In excellent condition. Hanging attachments on the b...
Plaster
$758
H 14.77 in W 7.49 in D 1.19 in
Ceramic Wall Plaque by Ester Wallin for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1960s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glazed ceramic wall plaque, made by Ester Wallin for Upsala Ekeby in the end of 1960s. Depicting a middle eastern male character in sharply defined face p...
Ceramic
$3,967
H 39.38 in W 60.24 in D 1.19 in
Maurice André Large Colored Wall Tapestry for Robert Four Edition
By Maurice André
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Maurice André - Robert Four edition Large wool wall tapestry by Maruice André Realised circa 1960 by Robert Four Studio Original perfect condition Original perfect colors...
Tapestry
Vintage wall decor Scorpio by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1960s
By Salvino Marsura
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Original vintage wall decor Scorpio by Salvino Marsura made in Treviso, Italy in the 1960s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career began in the 1950...
Metal
Ceramic Wall Panel by Marcello Fantoni, Italy 1960s
By Marcello Fantoni
Located in Hellouw, NL
This horizontal ceramic wall panel by Marcello Fantoni captures a visual narrative rooted in ancient procession and mid-century modern abstraction. Spanning over 1.5 metres, this wor...
Ceramic
Carlo Zauli bronze wall sculpture made in Italy 1960s
By Carlo Zauli
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning abstract wall sculpture beautifully handmade by Carlo Zauli in his Italian workshop during the 1960s. It's a substantial piece, expertly made from solid bronze. The organic ...
Bronze
$375
H 18.5 in W 22.88 in D 1 in
Watercolor of St. Paul's Cathedral in London Sergio Manfredi, Italian
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Watercolor A view of St. Paul's Cathedral in London- Sergio Manfredi (1932-?) Italian painter, Signed and dated "S. Manfredi 1958" lower left and inscribed "London St. Paul's Cathedr...
Paper
Italian Laurana Rame D' Arte Copper Enamel Wall Mask, 1960s
Located in Delft, NL
Italian Laurana Rame D' Arte Copper Enamel Wall Mask, 1960s Studio Laurana founded by Franco Bastianello in 1958. Beautiful artist signed enamel mask c...
Copper, Enamel
$641
H 26.78 in W 10.24 in D 0.79 in
Vintage metal Brutalist wall decor by Salvino Marsura, Italy 1960s
By Salvino Marsura
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Rare mid-century modern metal Brutalist wall decor by Salvino Marsura, made in Italy in the 1960s. Salvino Marsura is an Italian artist born in Treviso in 1938. His career began in ...
Iron
Morbelli “Il Giorno“ Porcelain Wall Plate Pure Gold, 1960, Italy
By Arte Morbelli
Located in Milano, IT
Morbelli “ Il Giorno “ Porcelain wall plate pure gold 1960, Italy.
Porcelain
Curtis Jere Large Gold Leaf Wall Applique, 1991
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Hastings, GB
Monumental leaf wall applique, hand crafted by C Jere in their California based workshop, and fully signed C Jere 1991 The huge brass leaves are intricately cut and bonded together ...
Brass
Sigma Ceiling Lights by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, Italy, 1960s
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Roma, IT
Sergio Mazza for Artemide, Pair of large "Sigma" ceiling lights, 1960s. Structure in nickel-plated brass, diffuser in molded glass. diameter 36 cm (no electrical system). Good con...
Brass