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.
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Art Deco brass pendant light, Italy, 1940s
By Arredoluce, Stilnovo, Fontana Arte, Oscar Torlasco, Pietro Chiesa
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Mid-Century and Art Deco style pendant lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s. This chandelier is composed of a brass ...
Metal, Brass, Enamel, Chrome
Rare Table Lamp by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1955-1956, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A rare table lamp designed by Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte, 1955-1956, Milano, Italy. This table lamp is made of blackened cast aluminium with fabric shade in an eleg...
Aluminum
Pair of wall lights by Pietro Chiesa produced by Fontana Arte, Italy 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare pair of brass and etched glass wall lights by Pietro Chiesa and produced by Fontana Arte, circa 1940. Each fixture is composed of a curved satin-finished crystal diffuser held ...
Brass
$4,500 / item
1960s Max Ingrand '1963' Wall Light for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Max Ingrand Vintage '1963' Wall Light for FontanaArte Designed in 1963 by the famous French Master glassmaker and decorator Max Ingrand, this increasingly hard-to-find vintage wall ...
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Pair of ‘Micro’ Sconces, Model 2240, 1950s, Signed
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and authentic pair of ‘Micro’ sconces, model 2240, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in the 1950s. Each sconce features double profiled glass panels: two thick, polishe...
Brass
Mid-Century wall mirror with gold glass frame Fontana Arte for Veca
By VECA, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Glass with gold-colored side edge Elegant wall mirror made by Fontana Arte for Veca, traceable to Italian production of the mid-20th century. The mirror features a refined, slightl...
Murano Glass, Stained Glass
$25,419Sale Price / set|20% Off
Max ingrand coffee tables - mid-century art fountain 1958's
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Max Ingrand coppia tavolini bassi Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s-1960s wooden base and interlocking shaped crystal top. Side tables feature circular glass tops beveled, characterized b...
Crystal
Set of 3 Painted Metal Suspensions, Fontana Arte, Italy 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Set of 3 metal hanging lamps painted in dark green, yellow and red, produced by Fontana arte in the 1970s. The lamps have all been rewired and are in excellent condition. Dimension...
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
Fontana Arte, Coffee Table, Walnut, Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and smoked glass coffee table, model 2461, designed and produced by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.5"H x 50....
Glass, Walnut
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte, Model 1944 Thick Glass Sconces 5 Pieces, Italy, 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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 five (5) deep-beveled oval wall lamps...
Brass
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
1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Fontana Arte, Glass & Chrome
By Fontana Arte
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful geometric all Glass and Chrome Coffee table . Architectural Deign . so stylish . Good condition . Fontana Arte 1970s Italy
Glass
$37,658Sale Price|20% Off
Model 1829 Wall Lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Italy c. 1961
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
These vintage wall lamps were designed by the renowned Max Ingrand and produced by Fontana Arte in Milan, Italy, around the 1960s. The wall lamps feature a sophisticated and luxuriou...
Brass
A Radical MURANO Glass TABLE LAMP by FRANCO RAGGI, by FONTANA ARTE, Italy 1970
By Fontana Arte
Located in PARIS, FR
A large and airy table lamp, Post-Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Memphis, circular base in cast aluminum with integrated dimmer, 2 axes supporting 2 sheets of glass with white diffusing dec...
Metal, Chrome
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Rare Pair of Large Sconces, Italy 1955
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Designed in 1955 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, this rare pair of large wall sconces exemplifies the poetic elegance and technical mastery that defined postwar Italian lighting. Ea...
Brass, Metal
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Small Table Lamb for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Small Table Lamb for Fontana Arte Designed in 1954 by the famous French Master glassmaker and decorator Max Ingrand, this lamp was originally named 1853 a...
Metal
Fontana Arte Max Ingrand Pendant Lamp 2259, Glass Pantinated Brass, Italy, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic pendant light model no. 2259 designed by famous designer Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960. It is made of solid brass with a na...
Brass
Floor Lamp mod. 1967, Gio Ponti, Prod. Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950's
By Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Piacenza, Italy
This elegant floor lamp, model 1967, was designed by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte in the 1950's. It features a brass stem with joints, a crystal base, and a lacquered metal reflector. ...
Crystal, Aluminum, Brass
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Table Lamb for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Table Lamb for Fontana Arte Designed in 1954 by the famous French Master glassmaker and decorator Max Ingrand, this lamp was originally named 1853 and, la...
Metal
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Semi Flush Mount Chandelier Mod. 1462 Glass Brass, 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare original Max Ingrand Fontana Arte semi flush mount Mod. 1642 Beautiful 28" ceiling fixture from blue-ish polished and satin glass, partially with clear and satin finish and smo...
Brass
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Semi Flush Mount Chandelier Mod. 1748 Glass Brass, 1957
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte semi flush mount Mod. 1748, Italy, 1957. Beautiful 22" ceiling fixture from very thick profiled glass, partially with clear and satin finish and smooth cut...
Brass
Fontana Arte Glass Flush Mount Model 1990, Mid Century
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Max Ingrand Large Fontana Arte Flush Mount Model 1990, circa 1960 Rare Max Ingrand semi flush mount lamp for Fontana Arte, 1960. Painted metal, brass, frosted glass, glass. It's i...
Brass, Aluminum
Pair frame no.1371 by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Italia c. 1946 20th century
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Palermo, IT
Timeless elegance encapsulated in a set of photo frames designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana arte. mod 1370\1 composed of a brass band, which in its curvature keeps the two hand-cut c...
Brass
Max Ingrand Table Lamp Brass Glass Mod. 2278, Italy 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
An old version of the mod. 2278 for Fontana Arte, with green interior shade and flat glass diffuser. The brass has had a beautiful patina over the years. A heavy and elegant table la...
Brass
Three-Light Pendant in Green Nilo Glass by Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This pendant light presents itself as a vertically articulated composition, defined by a measured balance between structural rigor and visual fluidity. Its proportions are slender an...
Brass
Max Ingrand Floor Lamp for Fontana Arte Model 2020, Italy, 1961
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
An elegant floor lamp designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Model 2020, Italy, 1961. Organically shaped double lens cutted with chisel panels of thick Murano polished glass with ...
Brass, Metal
Fontana Arte Scintilla Sommatoria sculptural lighting Livio Castiglioni
By Livio Castiglioni, Fontana Arte
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Sculptural hanging light designed by Livio Castiglioni in 1972. Produced by Fontana Arte. This lighting fixture consists of one base and six hanging units and one weight. Hanging u...
Steel
Gio Ponti 'Bilia' Table Lamp in Satin Nickel and Opaline Glass for Fontana Arte
By Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gio Ponti 'Bilia' table lamp in satin nickel and opaline glass for Fontana Arte. In 1931, Gio Ponti and Pietro Chiesa approached the Luigi Fontana Company to manufacture their desi...
Metal
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Chandelier in Satin Crystal and Brass
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, chandelier, model '2054', nickel-plated brass, satin crystal glass, Italy, circa 1960 This chandelier (c. 1960) by the esteemed French master glass wor...
Crystal, Brass, Nickel
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Attributed Mirror
By Max Ingrand, Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte, Paolo Buffa
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Attributed Mirror. Offered mirror is rectangular in shape and has a beautifully detailed frosted etched design around the interior perimeter of this lovel...
Mirror
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Glass Wall Sconces, circa 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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
"Lampira" Sconce for Fontana Arte by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti, 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" in the back. Shade can be open at diff...
Glass, Acrylic
Mid-century Fontana Arte mirror for Veca with green frame stamp 1960s
By VECA, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
This vintage wall mirror, a masterpiece of Italian Mid-Century Modern design, is the result of the prestigious collaboration between Fontana Arte and Veca, dating back to the 1960s. ...
Metal
Vintage disk chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy 1940s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Vintage disk chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte made in Italy in the 1940s. Three exquisitely sculpted and sandblasted glass discs interact with light in contrasting manner...
Brass
"Parola" wall lamp, Gae Aulenti, Piero Castiglioni, Fontana Arte, 1981
By Gae Aulenti, Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Parola wall lamp, mod. 2689 with adjustable opaline blown glass diffuser and satin-finish brass frame, designed by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni for Fontana Arte. Year 1981. Avai...
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
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Semi Flush Mount Chandelier Mod. 1748 Glass Brass, 1957
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte semi flush mount Mod. 1748, Italy, 1957. Beautiful 22" ceiling fixture from very thick profiled glass, partially wit...
Brass
Fontana Arte Ceiling Light, Vintage Italian Flush Mount in glass and chrome
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte flush mount ceiling light. Made in Italy in 1960s. Two kinds of glass. Takes 3 halogen G9 bulbs. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. FREE US rewiring upon request. F...
Metal, Chrome
Fontana Arte Thick Nile Green Chiseled Crystal & Brass Photo Frame, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and incredibly rare photo frame in thick hand-sculpted Nile green crystal and solid brass. This stunning piece was designed by Pietro Chiesa and produced by Fontana Arte ...
Crystal, Brass
$1,412Sale Price|20% Off
Cristal Art Italiana rosé gold 1959 mirror.
By Fontana Arte, Cristal Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
The Fontana Arte mirror is a work of art that captures the essence of Italian elegance and design. Composed of three overlapping mirrors, it creates an interplay of depth and reflect...
Glass, Mirror, Stained Glass, Wood
Fontana Arte Attribution, Wall Mirror, Brass, Mirror Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror; design and production attributed to Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s.
Brass
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
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
$1,902 / item
Fontana Arte 'Bis/Tris' Table Lamp in Brass & Glass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fontana Arte 'Bis/Tris' table lamp in brass & glass. Designed in 1954, the 'Bis / Tris' table lamp is one of the most classic yet contemporary table lamps produced by Fontana Arte....
Metal, Brass
$329Sale Price|64% Off
Fontana Arte tray with mirrored edges and mid-century brass.
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
This refined tray embodies the sophisticated aesthetic and attention to detail that made Fontana Arte's design famous in the 1960s. With its clean lines and harmonious combination of...
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte: 1950s Mid-Century Colored Glass Wall Mirror
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
A renowned piece of historic design, this is a rare rectangular wall mirror designed by the famous French designer Max Ingrand for the Italian company Fontana Arte and produced aroun...
Brass
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Glass and Brass Flush Mount, 1950s, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant ceiling light by Fontana Arte from the 1950s showcases the timeless sophistication of Italian mid-century design. Featuring a gently curved frosted glass diffuser, it em...
Brass
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Large Table Lamb for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Large Table Lamb for Fontana Arte Designed in 1954 by the famous French Master glassmaker and decorator Max Ingrand, this lamp was originally named 1853 a...
Metal
1950 Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Design Italy Crystal Ashtray
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Bowl Fontana Arte Italy, 1950 Chiseled Crystal Excellent Conditions Vintage Original
Crystal
Tavolo Con Ruote Low Table with Glass Top by Gae Aulenti for Fontana Arte
By Gae Aulenti, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An Industrial trolley used at the Fontana Arte plant to transport glass: This was the object that inspired Gae Aulenti to design her Tavolo con Ruote. Thi...
Glass
Pair of Dalia wall lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1955
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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
Midcentury Box Wood and Art Glass by Erwin Burger for Fontana Arte, Italy 1950s
By Erwin Burger, Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing little rectangular decorative box in wood and art glass with reverse painted glass by Erwin Burger for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1950s.
Glass, Art Glass, Cut Glass, Wood
Wall Lamp by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1970s, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Gianni Celada
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
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte documented mod 2224 set of 4 wall sconces 1958'
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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
Rare Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Model #1088 Chandelier 1959
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Rare Model 1088 chandelier with 9 dual lense sets of thick studio glass, sand blasted at the center to diffuse light and configured arround a suspended ring of nickel plated brass. D...
Nickel
Max Ingrand Mod. 1636 Fontana Arte Glass Brass Sconces Pair, Italy, 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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
20th Century Max Ingrand Picture Frame for Fontana Arte Mod 1371 Glass and Brass
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Picture frame model n. 1371 designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in 1960s. The picture frame is in glass and brass, with its own patina of time.
Brass
Italian Grinded & Cut Glass 1960s Bowl/Centerpiece by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Glass bowl/centerpiece made of cut and grinded glass by Fontana Arte. Very good condition.
Cut Glass
$16,500 / item
Model 2098 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Model 2098 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. Smoked brown tinted panels paired with an etched bottom diffuser. This fixture...
Crystal, Brass