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.
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Chandelier Suspension Light Mod. 2097 Glass Brass, 1959
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Chandelier Suspension Light Mod. 2097 Glass Brass, 1955 The chandelier model 2097 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte exemplifies the designer’s refined ideas o...
Brass
Brass and Glass Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1950s, Italy
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Brass and Glass Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1950s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 3x E14 light bulbs. Wired and suitable...
Brass
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
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 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
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
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
Fontana Arte Nile Green Chiseled Crystal & Brass Photo Frame, Italy, 1950s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and incredibly rare photo frame in chiseled Nile green crystal and solid brass, designed by Pietro Chiesa and produced by Fontana Arte in Italy during the 1950s. Fully ori...
Crystal, 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
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
Fontana Arte Model 1485 Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Italy 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
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
Fontana Arte Glass Coffee Table 1970, Italy
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
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 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 three deep-beveled oval wall lamps in...
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 Fontana Arte Pendant Lamps Glass Brass Mod. 1995, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Max Ingrand Fontana Arte pendant lamp Mod. 1995, Italy, 1960. Dimensions 7.87" x 12.6" (measurements cone shade only) overall he...
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
Fontana Arte Max Ingrand Pendant Lamp 2259, Glass Pantinated Brass, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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
Fontana Arte by Pietro Chiesa suspension ceiling light, Italy circa 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
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 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
Max Ingrand Pendant Light for Fontana Arte Model 1933, Italy, 1961
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Striking pendant light model 1933 in the marvelous aquamarine glass version, designed by Max Ingrand and produced by Fontana Arte in Italy during the 1960s. Fully original and in am...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
“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
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...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century wall mirror with gold glass frame Fontana Arte for Veca
By Fontana Arte, VECA
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
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
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 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, Coffee Table, Walnut, Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and crystal glass coffee table, model 2461, designed and produced by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960s.
Glass, Walnut
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
Max Ingrand 'Fontana 1853' Small Table Lamb for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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
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
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
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Pair of ‘Micro’ Sconces, Model 2240, 1950s, Signed
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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
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
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
20th Century, Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Vase mod. Cartoccio 30s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Turin, Turin
After an apprenticeship with the glassmaker Giannotti Pietro Chiesa opened his own glass workshop in 1921. In the early 1920s he participated in the Monza Biennale, the Venice Bienna...
Glass
1960s Signed Fontana Arte Glass Picture Frame
By Fontana Arte
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A wonderful find. This perfectly designed heavy glass picture frame in hand-blown turquoise glass was made by Fontana Arte in the 1960s and was found here in Italy. It is signed on t...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
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
Max Ingrand brass and glass picture frame for Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Milan, IT
Max Ingrand Picture Frame for Fontana Arte, Model 1371. Italy 1960s
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte ceiling suspension model 1239, Italy circa 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte ceiling suspension model 1239 Designed and made in Italy, 1960s Takes 3 medium base bulbs. Rewired for US. Brass was beautifully restored. Overall drop i...
Metal, Brass
Rare Single Sconce by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant wall light designed by Max Ingrand exemplifies the designer’s refined approach to geometry, proportion, and material. The fixture features a spherical screen in frosted ...
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
Mirror with a colored glass frame attributed to Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mirror - Art deco style - Italy Measures : 51x4cm H:70cm Art Deco style mirror with a blue beveled edge. Back with a mounting bracket allowing for portrait or landscape orientation....
Mirror, Wood
Pair of 'Canna Fiorita' Table Lamps by Castiglioni & Menghi for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Roberto Menghi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of 'Canna Fiorita' table lamps by Piero Castiglioni and Roberto Menghi for Fontana Arte, produced in Italy in the early 1980s, embodies the experimental spirit of late-Mode...
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
$1,575Sale Price|20% Off
Rare and Exquisite Decorative Bowl by Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Step into the world of mid-century elegance with this rare and exquisite decorative bowl by Fontana Arte, dating back to the 1960s. Radiating with timeless allure, this piece seamles...
Brass
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Glass Flush Mounts (2 available), Italy 1955
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare pair of 36.6" semi glass flush-mounts with deep incisions, Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Milano circa 1955- We have a pair available, please inquire. Early vintage origina...
Brass
"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 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
Studio Buratti 'Tropico' White Marble & Glass Table Lamp for Fontana Arte
By Oscar e Gabriele Buratti, Fontana Arte
Located in Glendale, CA
Studio Buratti 'Tropico' white marble & glass table lamp for Fontana Arte. Executed in solid white Carrara marble with a thick etched hand-blown opaline glass and a black or br...
Marble, Metal
Fontana Arte, Side Table, Walnut, Glass, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut and smoked glass side table designed and produced by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960s. Minor scuffing to legs. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.7"H x 22.5"W x 18.5"D All items s...
Glass, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Gae Aulenti, Glass Top, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Gae Aulenti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern coffee table ( tavolo con route ) from Gae Aulenti, the original for Fontana Arte, with glass top and swivel wheels in good condition. The Italian indust...
Glass, Rubber
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 for Fontana Arte mirror. Rare.
By Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Rare large size wall mirror with brass frame by Fontana Arte. Brass has nice patina Mirror plate has very minimal signs of age.
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 by Max Ingrand ceiling suspension, Italy circa 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte by Max Ingrand ceiling suspension. Designed and made in Italy, 1960s Two large curved acid etched glass shades mounted on a brass frame. Takes 9 candelabra bulbs. Compli...
Brass
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Glass and Brass Flush Mount, 1950s, Italy
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
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
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