Skip to main content

Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Italian, b. 1939

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.

to
7
7
7
7
1
Height
to
Width
to
15
3
1
7
8
6
1
4
14
14
4
3
1
10
10
4
4
15
15
15
586
1,425
1,200
1,088
1,077
Creator: Gaetano Pesce
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...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Blown Glass, 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...
Category

Early 2000s American Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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 through its form, bringing a distinct, visionary presence to ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin

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...
Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin

Fuoco Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Italy, 2000s.
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Lille, FR
Fuoco Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2007. Signed and Boxed
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin

Fuoco Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Italy, 2000s.
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Lille, FR
Fuoco Lamp by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2007. Signed and Boxed
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin

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.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

1990s Italian Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Steel

Meritalia Alda Lamp, Small 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 ...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Metal

Gaetano Pesce Alda Wall Lamp in Rubber and Steel Rod 2004
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Montecatini Terme, IT
Alda wall lamp in rubber and steel rod, designed by Gaetano Pesce and realized in 2004. The lamp has a US plug (type A) Gaetano Pesce is a prominent contemporary Italian designer and architect known for his bold experimentation with materials and color. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with some of Italy's leading design companies, including Artemide, Vitra, Cassina, and B&B Italia. Born in 1939 in La Spezia, near Genoa, Pesce enrolled at the University of Venice in 1959 to study architecture and graduated in 1965. During the final years of his studies, he also participated in courses at the Venice College of Industrial Design, where he was influenced by distinguished faculty members like Ernesto Nathan Rogers and Mario Bellini. Encouraged by their teachings to embrace innovation in modern design, Pesce became involved with an avant-garde architectural collective called “Gruppo N,” which drew inspiration from the streamlined aesthetics of the Bauhaus. These diverse inspirations equipped Pesce to embrace contemporary materials and explore the forms they enabled. His designs range from small decorative objects to large architectural spaces and reflect deep contemplation of the modern era. Notable works include his iconic La Mamma chair...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin

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...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Epoxy 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
Category

1990s Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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.
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Steel

Related Items
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Lamp "Fuoco" by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2000s
Lamp "Fuoco" by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, 2000s
$3,567
H 5.91 in W 3.55 in D 3.94 in
Set of two resin floor lamp, 1980
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Milano, Lombardia
pair of resin floor lamps, probably inspired by Gaetano Pesce's work on resin, these two lamps are really something unique and unobtainable. Coming from a villa in Tuscany, along wit...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Metal

Set of two resin floor lamp, 1980
Set of two resin floor lamp, 1980
$11,893 / set
H 63 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Pair of cactus brass lamps, Italy 2000s
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of large cactus table lamps, Italy circa 2000s. The Mid-Century Modern pair of lamps is made of hammered brass and a white glass globe, nesting the light. The Italian lamps have...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of cactus brass lamps, Italy 2000s
Pair of cactus brass lamps, Italy 2000s
$3,900 / set
H 29.53 in Dm 11.82 in
1960s Glowing Waterfall Glass Rod Floor Lamp by Gaetano Sciolari for Lightolier
By Lightolier, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This Gaetano Sciolari waterfall lamp is oozing with Tom Ford sex appeal dazzling from top to bottom in brass and glass rods. Popular in both film an...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Brass

Robert Sonneman Cathedral Table or Desk Lamp, 2000s
Located in Miami, FL
Originally designed in the 1960s, this re-issue Robert Sonneman designed chrome lamp features four interior bulbs and a dimmer switch on the backside. Not for use with LED.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Robert Sonneman Cathedral Table or Desk Lamp, 2000s
Robert Sonneman Cathedral Table or Desk Lamp, 2000s
$1,280 Sale Price
20% Off
H 31.25 in W 15 in D 15 in
Pair of Sconces by Gaetano Pesce, Italy, 1970s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
Nickel-plated and polished brass structure holding four square acid-etched glass shades.
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Pair of Sconces by Gaetano Pesce, Italy, 1970s
Pair of Sconces by Gaetano Pesce, Italy, 1970s
$9,500 / set
H 12.75 in W 12.75 in D 10.75 in
20th Century Gabriella Crespi Table Lamp in Brass and Plexiglass, '70s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Turin, Turin
Gabriella Crespi was an Italian designer and sculptor. She produced over the course of her career more than two thousand pieces. Her working methods are reminiscent of Renaissance wo...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Brass

New Italian Midcentury Chrome and Murano Glass Desk Lamp, 2000s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning new table lamp in chrome and Murano glass, Italy, 2000. The lamp has a beautiful design and is made up of a chrome base and a white Murano glass lampshade, the characterist...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Gaetano Missaglia Table Lamp
By Gaetano Missaglia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monumental by Gaetano Missaglia is stunning in its craftsmanships and a really rare find.
Category

Early 17th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Gaetano Missaglia Table Lamp
Gaetano Missaglia Table Lamp
$5,500
H 24 in Dm 17 in
Vintage Italian Articulated Metal Table Lamp from 70s
Located in Catania, CT
Articulated table lamp produced in Italy during the 70s. Fair vintage condition with trace of age and use. Some scratches on the brown lacquer. Made from metal. Full working with EU ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Articulated Metal Table Lamp from 70s
Vintage Italian Articulated Metal Table Lamp from 70s
$218 Sale Price
20% Off
H 13.78 in W 7.09 in D 6.3 in
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...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Brass

Rare Table Lamp in Brass, 1950's
Rare Table Lamp in Brass, 1950's
$5,946
H 15.95 in Dm 13.39 in
Previously Available Items
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...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Metal

Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia Table Lamp "Moss," Edizioni del Pesce, 2000s
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
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...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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.
Category

1990s American Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin

Gaetano Pesce Rag Wall Lamp for Fish Design
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
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
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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
Category

1990s Italian Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin

Rare Gaetano Pesce 'Some of Us' Floor/Table Lamp for Meritalia, 2002
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Bagnolo Mella, 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 ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Resin, Epoxy Resin

Gaetano Pesce "WTC" Lamp, 2000s, Symbolic Illumination of Resilience and Love
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Bagnolo Mella, 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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.
Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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,...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

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.
Category

1990s Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Gaetano Pesce Cloud Lamp, circa 1990, Italy
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Girona, Spain
Gaetano Pesce cloud lamp Sculptural wall light A light hanging on the wall reminiscent of clouds in the sky: sometimes with soft colors, sometimes with st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Gaetano Pesce Lighting

Materials

Plastic

Gaetano Pesce lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Gaetano Pesce lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of resin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gaetano Pesce lighting, although orange editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 8 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original lighting by Gaetano Pesce were created in the modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Pier Giuseppe Ramella, Stefano Cevoli, and Mario Arnaboldi. Prices for Gaetano Pesce lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,317 and can go as high as $75,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,250.
Questions About Gaetano Pesce Lighting
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
    Gaetano Pesce is famous because he 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. Pesce wanted to explore the latest in 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. 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. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Gaetano Pesce furniture.

Recently Viewed

View All