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.
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
By Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, 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
Pair of Model "1963" Brass Wall Lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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 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 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
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
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Pair of Wall Lamps Italy 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Max Ingrand Model No. 1963 Wall Lamps for Fontana Arte Italy 1960s Reference: Quaderni Fontana Arte n. 6.
Chrome
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
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
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Light Fixture, Italy, 1960's
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Light fixture by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in original patina. This example is the largest known, as the ones currently on the market are 15x15. It comes out of a Lele...
Glass
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 Chandelier for Fontana Arte, Brass & Glass, Italian Design
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Turin, Turin
Fontana Arte is an Italian company founded in Milan (as Fontana Arte) in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and Giò Ponti and specializing in glass processing and the production of furnishing acc...
Brass
Fontana Arte Orange Glass Frame Wall Mirror by Max Ingrand, Italy, circa 1958
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Fontana Arte mirror by Max Ingrand, Italy, circa 1958. We have the same model with a smokey frame available also. Beautiful mirror with an anomic (non-geometrical or organic) orange...
Brass
Fontana Arte by Pietro Chiesa suspension ceiling light, Italy circa 1940s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte by Pietro Chiesa suspension ceiling light. Designed and made in Italy in 1940s. Etched glass diffuser with a floral motif and a second diffuser in acid etched glass. Tak...
Brass
Fontana Arte Midcentury Black Glass Sofa Table with Metal Structure, Italy 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design large coffe table or sofa table produced by Fontana Arte with nickel-plated metal frame and a removable, thick black polished glass top; the manufact...
Metal
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
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
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
Rare Pair of Table Lamps by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1955-1956, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A rare pair of table lamps designed by Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte, 1955-1956, Milano, Italy. These specific table lamps are made of blackened cast aluminium with f...
Aluminum
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
1960 Fontana Arte Max Ingrand Italian Design Mid Century Modernist Crystal Bowl
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Bowl Fontana Arte 1960-1969 Smoked Crystal Ground Crystal on the edge Perfect Condiction
Crystal
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
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Attributed Mirror
By Paolo Buffa, Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa, Max Ingrand
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
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
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
1 of 2 Dahlia Murano chandeliers by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s
By BD Lumica, Angelo Vittorio Mazzega, Zero Quattro, Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Two units available. "Dahlia" pendant light in the style of Max Ingrand's designs for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s. This sculptural pendant light is composed of a gold and silver chro...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Gae Aulenti Tavolo Con Ruote Low Glass Coffee Table on Casters for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Gae Aulenti
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Gae Aulenti, this low coffee table consists of a tempered glass top supported by four black industrial wheels and was produced by Fontana Arte and imported by Luminaire. ...
Steel
Max Ingrand For Fontana Arte Drop Pendant Lamp, Model 2259, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning Mid-century ceiling pendant light chandelier dating back to the 1960s. Model no. 2259, handcrafted by Fontana Arte in Italy and designed by the renowned Max Ingrand. This ...
Brass
Fontana Arte Scintilla Sommatoria sculptural lighting Livio Castiglioni
By Fontana Arte, Livio Castiglioni
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
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte Floor Lamp mod. 1967
By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Crystal, Aluminum, Brass
Vintage disk chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
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
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
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Rare Pair of Large Sconces, Italy 1955
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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
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
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
Max ingrand coffee tables - mid-century art fountain 1958's
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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
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
Monumental Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Rare 7-Light Glass Sconces, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An important and exceptionally rare pair of seven-light wall sconces by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s. These striking architectural appliques perfectly embody the poe...
Metal, 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
Rare One of Two Table Lamps 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
"Lampira" Sconce by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti for Fontana Arte, 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" 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
Table lamp Daruma by Sergio Asti for Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s
By Sergio Asti, Fontana Arte
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Daruma table lamp designed by Sergio Asti in 1968 for Fontana Arte. Daruma table lamp is presented in show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The rounded structure consists of ...
Opaline Glass
Fontana Arte, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1940s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror designed and produced by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s.
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 rectangular decorative box in wood and art glass with reverse painted glass by Erwin Burger for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1950s.
Crystal
Fontana Arte Mirrored Crystal Italian Design, 1960s Ashtray Bowl
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Fontana Arte 1960s Mirrored crystal Perfect condiction Measure: Diameter 16.5 cm, height 2.5 cm.
Crystal
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
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
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
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Small Table Lamb for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Glendale, 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
Model 1485 Flush Mounts by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model 1485 Flush Mounts by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte (Italy, 1950s) Textured glass, brass trim, enameled off white housing. Each sconce carries four e12 socket-types. We recommen...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Mid-century 'Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Duilio Barnabè' coffee table.
By Duilio Dubé Bernabe, Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Palermo, IT
Small table designed in 1958 by the great master of Crystal ''Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte and painted by Duilio Bernabè known as Dubè.'' Duilio Barnabè, known artistically as Dubé, ...
Crystal
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
"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
Large Bobo Piccoli 'Re' Table or Floor Lamp in Blown Glass for Fontana Arte
By Bobo Piccoli, Fontana Arte
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bobo Piccoli 'RE' table or floor lamp in blown glass for Fontana Arte. Originally designed by Bobo Piccoli in 1968 and executed in satin blown glass with black painted metal ba...
Metal
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
Fontana Arte flush mount ceiling light Model 1485, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte ceiling light model 1485 Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1960s Takes 4 medium base bulbs. Complimentary US rewiring upon request. Price is for 1 light. 2 lights ar...
Metal, Brass
Medium 'Pinecone' Table Lamp in Opaline Glass & Gold Metal for Fontana Arte
By Paola Navone, Fontana Arte
Located in Glendale, CA
Medium 'Pinecone' table lamp in opaline glass & gold metal for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass tech...
Metal, Brass
Fontana Arte Glass & Brass Table Lamp, Italy, C. 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Westport, CT
A refined example of Italian modernist lighting from the 1960s, this original table lamp by Fontana Arte showcases the brand’s signature combination of architectural glass and warm m...
Brass
Model 2014 mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Model 2014 mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Features a floating glass surround with nickel clip details.
Nickel