Gaetano Pesce was of a generation of Italian architects who in the early 1960s rebelled against the industrial perfection of modernism by conceiving new furniture and objects that were at once expressive and eccentric in form; or you might say they were more like art than functionalist design.
Born in the picturesque coastal Italian city of La Spezia in 1939, Pesce was a precocious talent who could have forged a career as an artist but opted instead to go to Venice to study architecture because, as he has said, it was “the most complex of all the arts.” Rather than having new worlds opened to him at design school, however, Pesce found the rationalist curriculum oppressive in its insistence on standardization and prescribed materials and technologies.
Pesce wanted to explore the latest of both materials and technologies to create objects and buildings never before imagined, with what he called “personalities” that spoke to the issues of the day. He was keen to examine ways to diversify mass production so that each manufactured work could be distinct.
In 1964, Pesce met Cesare Cassina, of the forward-looking furniture company C&B Italia in Milan (now known as B&B Italia), for whom he would create many important designs, beginning with a collection of what he called “transformational furniture” — two chairs and a loveseat — made entirely out of high-density polyurethane foam. To make the pieces easy to ship and cost-efficient, he proposed that after being covered in a stretch jersey, they be put in a vacuum, then heat-sealed flat between vinyl sheets. Once the foam was removed from its packaging, the piece returned to its original shape — hence, the name Up for the series, which debuted in 1969.
In addition to these pieces, Pesce proposed for the collection something he referred to as an “anti-armchair,” which took the shape of a reclining fertility goddess, the iconic Donna.
Producing the piece's complex form turned out to be a technical challenge. Bayer, the foam’s manufacturer, deemed it impossible to accomplish. Pesce persisted and came up with a new procedure, demonstrating not only the designer’s key role in researching the nature and potential of new materials but also his vital importance in “doubting rules.” The Up chair and accompanying ottoman were born, and they were revolutionary in more ways than one.
In the early 1970s, Pesce began exploring one of his key concepts, the idea of the industrial originals. Employing a mold without air holes, and adding a blood-red dye to the polyurethane, he cast a bookcase that resembled a demolished wall, the rough edges of the shelves and posts resulting from fissures in the material made by trapped air.
Through his research into polyurethane, Pesce figured out a way to make a loveseat and armchair using only a simple wood frame and strong canvas covering as a mold. Since the fabric developed random folds during the injection process, the pieces were similar but not identical. Cassina named the suite of furnishings Sit Down and introduced it in 1975. By experimenting with felt soaked in polyurethane and resin, Pesce conceived I Feltri, another collection of armchairs introduced by Cassina in 1987.
Pesce went on to live a life that defied expectation and convention and along the way became one of the most seminal figures in art and design.
Find vintage Gaetano Pesce chairs, sofas, vases and more on 1stDibs.
'Salvatore' Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
The "Salvatore" lamp by Gaetano Pesce embodies the artist's signature design that combines artistry and function. Handcrafted out of red and yellow resin and supported by a metal wir...
Metal
Meritalia Alda Lamp, Small by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Rare Gaetano Pesce Resin Lamp
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Austin, TX
Rare post modern resin lamp by collectible artist Gaetano Pesce from his Olo series. "Olo" translates to "feeling" in English. Transformer and bulb...
Resin
$12,000
Gaetano Pesce Olo Lamp
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
Monumental table lamp by the Maestro himself. Fully functional and all original in excellent condition. Signed and numbered.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Chador Table Lamp From The Open Sky Series
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Kansas City, MO
Multicolored Chador Table Lamp From The Open Sky Series designed by Gaetano Pesce. Made of Resin, very sturdy. The Open Sky series was produced in a very limited edition for Fish De...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Table Lamp "Abat-Jour", 1995
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, ES
Table Lamp Model "Abat-Jour" by Gaetano Pesce Manufactured by Fish Design Italy, 1995 Cast Polyurethane over steel wire frame with three resin feet 30 cm diameter x 50h cm 11,8 in...
Steel
Fuoco Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Italy, 2000s.
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Lille, FR
Fuoco Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2007. Signed and Boxed
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Light from the Open Sky Collection, 1999
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Exceptionally rare light by resin maestro Gaetano Pesce from his “Open Sky” collection, 1999. Good overall condition with age-related wear.
Resin
Meritalia Chadore Lamp / Yellow, Red and Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce - some of us lamp by Open Sky - signed & dated
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
rare lamp from the series "some of us" for the 2002 New York exhibition. From this series only a few were made by Gaetano Pesce himself in his Studio. The others were made by Merita...
Resin
"Some of Us" Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
The "Some of Us" lamp by Gaetano Pesce is a truly unique artistic fixture. This exceptional piece makes a bold statement in the form of a face peering back at us. Turning to the side...
Resin
Meritalia Alda Lamp, Big by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Edizioni del Pesce Ghost Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Moss Lamp / White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Lamp "Fuoco" by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Gaetano Pesce fuoco lamp for Meritalia. Very few items edited. Molded manufacturer's mark and signature to rooftop written : ‘L’architettura astratta ripetitiva standard globalizzante e legna da ardere? Gaetano Pesce Meritalia...
Epoxy Resin
$10,000
Gaetano Pesce Moss Lamp 2009
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
Rare Gaetano Pesce "Moss" lamp originally designed as a tribute to Murray Moss. Edizione del Pesce for Meritalia circa 2009. The lamp appears to be a solid structure, but is complete...
Resin
Salvatore lamp, Gaetano Pesce, Open Sky, 1999
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
lampe Salvatore de Gaetano Pesce, Seroe Open Sky, 1999 Dimensions: 33 × 16 × 50cm
Resin
Meritalia Some of Us Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Sculpture lamp both table and wall lamp made in italy 20th century 70s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Palermo, IT
Sculpture- Made in Italy . Gaetano Pesce's works are imbued with color, fun and self-mockery but, at the same time, many of them are also transformed into political and social symbol...
Blown Glass, Resin
Meritalia Love Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Moss Lamp / Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Cloud Lamp / Blue, Yellow and Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Moonshine wall sconce 1999
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
Rare wall sconce by Gaetano Pesce Studio, New York. This example was originally hardwired but has been rewired with a plug and switch for more functionality. A functional sculpture t...
Steel
European, Silhouette Table Lamp by Margit Wittig, Bronze Resin
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
New collection: This contemporary Margit Wittig table lamp sits on a round base . The material Wittig chose for this unique 21st century table lamp is bio-resin, with 40% recycled co...
Brass
Oriental abat-jour in pliqué a jour
Located in Torino, IT
Oriental abat-jour made with the plique à jour technique. Fine table lamp of Chinese origin from the early 1900' Made with a difficult technique similar to the cloisonné technique....
Brass, Enamel
OLO Floor Lamp
Located in Renton, WA
The OLO Table and Floor Lamps are the newest additions to the OLO Family. The hollow rotatable lamp shade is embedded with cutting-edge design, offer a h...
Steel
Abat Jour Table Lamp in Violet, Amethyst and Wisteria by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Abat Jour table lamp with white fabric shade, chromium-plated stand and hand-made blown glass elliptical elements. Its combination of white and color make it a subtle yet playful add...
Art Glass
Lamp "Fuoco" by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Gaetano Pesce fuoco lamp for Meritalia. Very few items edited. Molded manufacturer's mark and signature to rooftop written : ‘L’architettura astratta ripetitiva standard globalizzante e legna da ardere? Gaetano Pesce Meritalia...
Epoxy Resin
FORNASETTI Rare Ceramic Snail Table Lamp
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage original white ceramic giant snail lamp / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: length 13.8 inches, width 9.8 inches, height 19.3 inches...
Ceramic
Rare Table Lamp in Brass, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Table Lamp in Brass, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Boréns in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 34 x 34 x 40.5 cm Cond...
Brass
1950s Tony Paul Table Lamp from the Wire Series , USA
By Westwood Industries, Tony Paul
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Rare , iconic lighting art piece made of enameled steel wire from Tony Paul . Pictured shade and milkglass diffuser come with order . Contain...
Steel
Meritalia Some of Us Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
Meritalia Chadore Lamp / Yellow, Red and Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Resin
Italian Desk Lamp by Gaetano Scolari for Ecolight Milano
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Table lamp by Ecolight Milano this company is founded at 1960 s Table lamp is Design by Gaetano Sciolari Pivoting shade, extending neck multi position. Professional lamp ...
Chrome
Chic Fractal Resin 1960 Table / Desk Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic fractal resin table / desk lamp.
Cord, Linen, Resin
Sold
H 90 in W 60 in D 19 in
Rare Vintage Gaetano Pesce Attributed Moloch Oversized Black Drafting Floor Lamp
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare vintage Gaetano Pesce attributed oversized Moloch drafting style floor lamp. A truly remarkable find, this rare vintage original giant drafting floor lamp from the 1970s, designed in the iconic style of Gaetano Pesce's The Moloch Lamp...
Metal
Fuoco Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Italy, 2000s.
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Lille, FR
Fuoco Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2007. Signed and Boxed
Resin
Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Table Lamp "Moss," Edizioni del Pesce, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Naples, IT
Rare Gaetano Pesce "Moss" lamp originally designed as a tribute to Murray Moss. Edizione del Pesce for Meritalia circa 2009. The lamp appears to be a solid structure, but is complete...
Metal
Salvatore lamp by Gaetano Pesce, Open Sky series, 1999
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Salvatore lamp by Gaetano Pesce from the Open Sky Collection. The lamp is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Art and Design, NYC. This lamp is no longer in production.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Rag Wall Lamp for Fish Design
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Chicago, IL
Gaetano Pesce Rag Wall Lamp for Fish Design, Italy 1993 [stamped on lower side Fish Design] Materials: resin, turned wood, metal Dimensions: 30 h × 19 w × 4.25d in
Metal
Friend lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 1995
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Friend lamp in resin by Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia, 1995 Very rare piece in perfect condition. 50 x 38 x 20 cm
Resin
Sold
H 30.71 in W 22.05 in D 5.91 in
Rare Gaetano Pesce 'Some of Us' Floor/Table Lamp for Meritalia, 2002
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Rare Gaetano Pesce 'Some of Us' Floor/Table Lamp for Meritalia, 2002 (Unique Artistic Statement Piece) Illuminate your space with an artistic statement piece unlike any other – the ...
Resin, Epoxy Resin
Sold
H 15.75 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in
Gaetano Pesce "WTC" Lamp, 2000s, Symbolic Illumination of Resilience and Love
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Illuminate your space with a profound piece of artistry and symbolism - the "WTC" Table Lamp by renowned Italian designer Gaetano Pesce. Crafted in the 2000s, this unique lamp pays h...
Resin, Epoxy Resin
Fire Lamp Fuoco by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Gaeto Pesce fuoco lamp for Meritalia. Very few items edited. Excellent condition, totaly functional, like new and still in his original box.
Epoxy Resin
Gaetano Pesce Rag Lamp, 1995
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gaetano Pesce Rag lamp for Fish Designs, 1995. Beautiful example of Pesce’s ability in resin. Delicate draping and a gorgeous multi-color finish with shades of green, yellow, orange,...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Rag Lamp, 1995
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gaetano Pesce Rag lamp for Fish Designs, 1995. Excellent example of Pesce’s ability with resin showcasing delicate draping and folds in a gorgeous orange-yellow. Slight wear consiste...
Resin
Resin "Salvatore" by Gaetano Pesce, NYC, 1990s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Green and yellow resin "Salvatore" table / desk lamp by Gaetano Pesce from the 1990s, in excellent vintage condition. Base depth (metal + feet): 5 inches.