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.
Brass and Glass Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1950s, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
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
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Chandelier Suspension Light Mod. 1088 Glass Brass, 1959
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare 26.4" suspension lamp Mod. 1088, Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Milano circa 1959 Early vintage original chandelier with 9 dual lense sets of thick studio glass, sand blasted at...
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 Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, 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 '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
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, 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
Three-Light Pendant in Green Nilo Glass by Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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 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
Rare Single Sconce by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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 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
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, 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
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
Floor Lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Floor lamp designed by Pietro Chiesa in 1933 and reissued by Fontana Arte in the 1960s. With a brass structure and two linen panels, it emits a warm and balanced light. Its vertical,...
Brass
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
Max Ingrad For Fontana Arte Drop Pendant Lamp, Model 2259, Italy, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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
Table Lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Mod. 0836 Brass Glass, Italy
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in München, BY
Stunning Pietro Chiesa desk lamp manufactured by Fontana Arte type 0836, Italy. Made from Fontana Arte's signature green glass base, a brass frame and a lever adjustable white opali...
Brass
Fontana Arte sconces model 2434, set of 2, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, 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
Rare Max Inrgand for Fontana Arte Chandelier Model 2338
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte rare chandelier or ceiling light model 2338 with five polished teardrop shaped double glass shades with partial sand-blasted centers suspended by brass s...
Brass
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte Semi Flush Mount Chandelier Mod. 1748 Glass Brass, 1957
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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 flush mount ceiling light Model 1485, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, 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
Pair of Pendants by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Model 1933, Italy, 1961
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of iconic design pendants by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Model 1933, Italy, 1961. Organically shaped double lens cut panels of thick profiled polished Murano glass with san...
Brass
Max Ingrand per Fontana Arte Plafoniera a sospensione Modello 1748
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Max Ingrand per Fontana Arte è una squisita sospensione o plafoniera modello 1648 composta da uno spesso diffusore in cristallo acidato smussato di forma irregolare e curvilinea con ...
Brass
$19,508 / item
Max Ingrand 2210 pendant lamp Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This exquisite triple pendant lamp, model 2210, was designed by Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte in Italy, 1960s. A testament to timeless elegance and exceptional craftsm...
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
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
Max Ingrand '2254' wall sconce for Fontana Arte in crystal and nickel-plated brass
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
White curved frosted glass diffuser screen, brushed nickel-plated brass body. 1950s-60s in very good original condition
Crystal, Brass
Stunning Large Glass Table Lamps by Fontana Arte, Italy , 1980s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Aachen, NRW
Max Ingrand Model 1853 Table Lamp for Fontana Arte – Large Version This lamp is a timeless design classic by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. It features a white satin-blown glass shad...
Opal
Fontana Arte Model 2404 Frosted glass and Chrome Sconces, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Two pairs of Fontana Arte Model 2404 sconces in chrome-plated brass and frosted glass.
Brass, Chrome
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 high quality marble, thick etched hand blown opaline glass and galvanized gold colored metal....
Marble, Metal
Model 1485 Flush Mounts by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
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
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
Fontana Arte flush mount light model 1940, Italy circa 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, 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
Pietro Chiesa Table Lamp for Fontana Arte in Glass and Brass
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Elegant table lamp crafted in brass and exquisite smoked glass, attributed to the designs of Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, as evidenced by a pair of documented floor lamps featured...
Brass
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
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
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
Mongolfiera Mid Century Modern Lamp by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful Mongolfiera Model 241 Italian mid century oversized modern lamp designed by Gianna Celada for Fontana Arte with three lights and opaline glass shades on a chrome frame. T...
Chrome
Max ingrand Fontana Arte Brass and Glass Pendant Mod. 2409, Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Diameter 34 height 90 including the chain Beautiful Fontana Arte pendant designed by Max Ingrand featuring a thick glass screen and patinated brass mounting. Height can be easily ad...
Brass
$4,690Sale Price / item|20% Off
Yumi Carbon Fiber Floor Lamp by Shigeru Ban for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Shigeru Ban
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Absolute synthesis destined to become a new universal Classic. Essential design meets a sturdy lightweight structure in a composite of fiberglass and carbon fiber. The 170 dimmable...
Metal
Medium 'Pinecone' Table Lamp in Opaline Glass & Gold Metal for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Paola Navone
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
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 Arte Wall Lights Brass Etched Glass, Model No. 1844, 1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Large pair of Max Ingrand sconces for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1960. Large and beautiful pair of deep-beveled wall lamps in etched inverted wormhole-like decor glass with polished edges...
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...
Brass, Metal
Rare Couple of wall lamps design Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte 1950s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Rare Couple of wall lamps design Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte 1950s
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
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
Angelo Lelii “Stella a 12” Ceiling Lamp for Arredoluce, 1959
By Angelo Lelii, Fontana Arte
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Angelo Lelii “Stella a 12” Ceiling Lamp for Arredoluce, brass and glass, Italy, 1959 Designed in 1959, Lelii’s Stella a 12 hinges on one gesture: ...
Brass
Fontana Arte Model 1485 Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, 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
20th Century Max Ingrand Chandelier mod 1462 A for Fontana Arte in Brass & Glass
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
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Pair of Glass and Brass Lamps, Italy, 1930's
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Fontana Arte table lamps designed by Pietro Chiesa, (1892-1948). The beveled glass column is supported by a brass plinth base, with brass molding surround on the sides. Th...
Brass
$876Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Fontana Arte Three-Sixty Table Lamps
By Sir Norman Foster, Fontana Arte
Located in San Diego, CA
Hinged directional table lamp. Metal structure, base and ballast of zamac metal alloy, resin parabola, one on the arm and one of the shaft, allow each to rotate 300°.
Metal
Gae Aulenti "Giova" Table Lamp, Small Version, Fontana Arte, 1964
By Gae Aulenti, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Experience timeless Italian design with this exquisite "Giova" lamp by the legendary Gae Aulenti for Fontana Arte, designed 1964. A beautiful and collectible light sculpture, the "Gi...
Metal
$13,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Two Model 2098 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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
Gio Ponti 'Bilia Mini' Table Lamp in Black and Opaline Glass for Fontana Arte
By Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'Bilia Mini' table lamp in black and opaline glass for Fontana Arte. In 1931, Gio Ponti and Pietro Chiesa approached the Luigi Fontana Company t...
Metal
Fontana Arte Velo Chandelier Designed by Franco Raggi
By Fontana Arte
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fontana Arte "Velo" Model Chandelier, designed by Franco Raggi, Italy, circa 1990s. We have a pair of these available. The price noted below is for one chandelier. A slim, almost eth...
Aluminum, Steel
$1,223Sale Price / item|20% Off
Fontana Arte "Nobi" LED Floor Lamp in Chrome or Nickel Designed, Metis Lighting
By Metis Lighting, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Nobi" is a floor lamp, designed by Metis Lighting and manufactured by Fontana Arte, featuring a frame in chromed or satin nickel metal, adjustable diffusers in frosted glass and alu...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Gae Aulenti & P. Castiglioni for Fontana Arte "Parolona" Floor Lamp, Italy 1980s
By Gae Aulenti, Fontana Arte
Located in Naples, IT
Designed in 1980 by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni for Fontana Arte. Three different types and processes of glass coexist in the Parolona floor lamp: blown opaline in the adjustab...
Glass
Bobo Piccoli Wall Light for Fontana Arte, nine wall lamps white
By Fontana Arte, Bobo Piccoli
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
An exceptional and highly decorative set of nine wall sconces, Model ‘Hourglass’, designed by Bobo Piccoli for Fontana Arte in the 1970s. These striking wall lights are not only fun...
Iron
Medium 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Opaline Glass & Gold Metal for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Paola Navone
Located in Glendale, CA
Medium 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in opaline glass & gold for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass techn...
Metal, Steel
"1692" Floor Lamp by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Rare floor lamp model 1692 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Brass body and base with glass parts.
Brass