The bread and butter of the glassmaking company that Luigi Fontana founded in 1881 in Milan, Italy, was plate-glass panels for the construction industry. In 1930, Fontana met Gio 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.
Best known for its elegant and innovative vintage lighting fixtures, 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.
Ponti 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.
In 1933, 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 table 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 Luigi Fontana mirrors, lighting and more on 1stDibs.
Mid Century Italian Green Tapered Mirror Attributed to Fontana Arte, c. 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Luigi Fontana
Located in Westport, CT
A lovely modern scalloped and tapered shield shape mirror in a lovely green glass joined with gold leaf water gilded baguettes Origin: Italy, Dating: 1940ca Condition: Very good,...
Art Glass
Chiseled crystal glass mirror by Max Ingrand, Ed. Luigi Fontana & C. 1950
By Max Ingrand, Luigi Fontana
Located in Renens, CH
Exceptional wall mirror in chiseled crystal glass by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy. The French glass master Max Ingrand served as the artistic director of Fontana Arte from 19...
Crystal
Luigi Fontana Early 20th Century Italian Oval Mirror, 1927
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing early 20th century oval mirror with external mirror frame. This piece is signed by Luigi Fontana, dated October 14, 1927 and designed in Palermo, Italy. This piece has some signs and chipping but it is definitively a museum piece as it was designed by Luigi Fontana, founder of Fontana Arte, before the foundation of this company. Thanks to its sculped frame, this piece will smarten a living room or a bedroom. Fontana Arte (established in 1933) was founded by Luigi Fontana, Gio Ponti, and Pietro Chiesa as a premier producer and marketer of furniture, lighting, and furnishing accessories, and distinguished itself applying the highest standards of glass craftsmanship and techniques. Throughout Fontana Arte’s history, its lamps and furniture have been highly sought after due to their superior glass craftsmanship and innovative design. Saint-Gobain Invests in Luigi Fontanta e Compagni The origins of Fontana Arte go back to 1881 when Luigi Fontana established Luigi Fontana e Compagni to produce and market sheet glass for the construction industry. Luigi’s success as an entrepreneur in the growing Italian construction sector attracted the attention of the French glass-making company Saint-Gobain, which, in 1910, took a majority stake in the ownership of Luigi Fontana e Compagni transforming it into a “Società Anonima” still under the direction of Luigi Fontana. By the mid-1920s, Fontana e Compagni’s capabilities included the creation of artistic stained glass that was mostly used in functional and decorative settings of churches and cathedrals. Gio Ponti Becomes Fontana e Compagni’s Artistic Director In just a few years, the production of such artistic stained-glass products had become of such importance that a different division within the Fontana e Compagni was created to further its development. In 1930, Luigi Fontana met the successful young Milanese architect Gio Ponti, who was then the art director of Richard-Ginori pottery company, and they formed a partnership, under the name of Luigi Fontana SA, for the production of light fixtures, furniture, and furnishing objects. During this initial period, Gio Ponti designed from Fontana Arte the now-iconic 0024 Pendant light (1931) and the Bilia Table Lamp (1931). Pietro Chiesa, Gio Ponti, and Luigi Fontana Found Fontana Arte In 1932, Gio Ponti approached Pietro Chiesa to join him and Luigi Fontana and to become Luigi Fontana SA’s artistic director. In 1933, Pietro Chiesa merged his studio, the Bottega di Pietro Chiesa, with Fontana SA, and together Luigi Fontana, Gio Ponti, and Chiesa founded Fontana Arte. During Chiesa’s tenure as artistic director, Fontana Arte’s production became rich and varied. It included furniture, tables, mirrors, sculptures, and stained glass, but it was certainly in the lighting sector where Fontana Arte excelled by creating lamps and lights with the highest standards in glass craftsmanship and modern designs. From this period came the Luminator floor lamp, the Cartoccio glass vase, and the Fontana Arte table made out of a single band of bent clear glass, (all designed by Pietro Chiesa, in 1932); and the Naska lamp...
Mirror
Luigi Fontana 1940's Brass Shaped Wall Mirror with Decorative Scroll Crest
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Fontana Arte 1940's Brass Shaped Wall Mirror with Decorative Scroll Crest A Luigi Fontana brass framed shaped wall mirror, featuring an expressive silhouette with soft, organic cur...
Brass
Rare Blue Bevelled Glass Mirror by Pietro Chiesa for Luigi Fontana & C. Italy
By Pietro Chiesa, Luigi Fontana
Located in London, GB
A rare glass mirror with a stunning blue bevel designed by Pietro Chiesa for Luigi Fontana & C., Italy, c.1940. The exquisite blue colour of the cut and champered bevel really highli...
Glass, Wood
Luigi Fontana Fontana Arte Etched Glass Shaped Brass Wall Mirror, 1940s, Stamped
By Fontana Arte, Luigi Fontana
Located in New York, NY
Luigi Fontana for Fontana Arte rare shaped wall mirror in etched glass and brass by Luigi Fontana, Italy, 1940s. Manufacturer's stamp to the reverse. The elegant rectangular form is...
Brass
Midcentury Round Wall Glass Mirror by Luigi Fontana for Fontanit, Italy 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Luigi Fontana
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing round wall mirror by Luigi Fontana for Fontanit. The mirror is made of a concave, green glass frame with the mirror in the centre. Made in Italy in the 1950s. T...
Metal, Chrome
Luigi Fontana BlueCobalt Mirror Years40 Design Pietro Chiesa Attributed to
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Biella, IT
Luigi Fontana design blue cobalt mirror deco' years '40 design Pietro Chiesa attributed to exclusive double mirror in a blue glass frame measure glas...
Art 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
$876
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 1.19 in
20th-Century Vintage Gold Frame Wood Bed Mirror with Flowers, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A mirror in a golden decorative frame with flowers. The frame is made of wood. Perfect for bedroom as a decoration over the bed. Mirror is in very good vintage condition, no damage o...
Mirror, Giltwood
$4,200
H 27.5 in W 18 in D 1 in
Mid-Century Italian Shield-Shaped Brass Wall Mirror with Scrolls, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Elegant mid-century Italian shield-shaped wall mirror in brass, Italy, circa 1950s. The mirror features a refined shield-form silhouette with gently curved sides and a softly rounded...
Brass
$4,011Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 40.16 in W 28.94 in D 1.19 in
Oval mirror attributed to Luigi Brusotti or Fontana Arte
By Luigi Brusotti, Pietro Chiesa, Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Lugo, IT
Oval mirror attributed to Luigi Brusotti or Fontana Arte. Good condition. Thanks
Mirror
$11,970 / set
H 34.5 in W 13.25 in D 1.5 in
Pair of Italian Murano Glass, Shield Form Mirrors, Max Ingrand & Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Mirrors attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. These exquisite pieces combine a timeless neoclassical shield b...
Mirror, Murano Glass
Fontana Arte Blue Glass and Brass Wall Mirror, Italy, 1950
By Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
A Fontana Arte blue glass and brass wall mirror; exuding charm and grace in a simple and refined design; with a clear rectangular mirror plate ...
Brass
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Inspired Beveled Mirror
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand, Pietro Chiesa, Cristal Arte
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Inspired Beveled Mirror. Offered is a stunning rectangular beveled mirror in the spirit of Fontana Arte. This mirror has a beautiful shapely blue/green be...
Mirror
$81,825
H 20.08 in W 20.08 in D 1.19 in
Max Ingrand mirror Fontana Arte sculpture Butterfly shape mid-century.
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Palermo, IT
Fountain art mirror to be positioned in two ways with wings, downward, upward to your liking. The side parts include a unique bevel for objects machined from max magnitude. Talk abou...
Art Glass, Stained Glass
$2,600
H 16.12 in W 13.37 in D 0.87 in
Fontana Arte Attribution, Wall Mirror, Brass, Mirror Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror; design and production attributed to Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s.
Brass
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Style Blue Beveled Mirror
By Pietro Chiesa, Cristal Arte, Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Fontana Arte Style Blue Beveled Mirror. We offer a stunning Italian mid century modern shapely mirror of blue glass and blue beveled mirror surrounding a central silve...
Glass, Mirror
French Early 19th Century Mirror
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French early 19th century mirror.
Mercury Glass, Gesso, Wood
Italian Modern Green Beveled Mirror Inspired By Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Cristal Arte
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Green Beveled Mirror Inspired By Fontana Arte This lovely Fontana Arte style mirror has a decorative indented design around the pe...
Mirror, Glass
Sold
H 37.41 in W 22.05 in D 1.19 in
20th Century Gio Ponti Wall Mirror with Brass Frame for Luigi Fontana, 1930s
By Luigi Fontana, Gio Ponti
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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...
Brass
Sold
H 31.7 in W 19.69 in D 1.97 in
Pair of Gio Ponti Brass Mirror Produced and Labelled Luigi Fontana, Italy, 1940s
By Luigi Fontana, Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare to find pair of Gio Ponti brass mirrors with solid wooden frames, produced by Luigi Fontana in the 1940s. Measuring 80.5 cm in height and 50 cm in width, these mirrors are of a medium size that makes them versatile and adaptable to various interior design styles. The proportions are carefully considered, creating a balanced and harmonious aesthetic that is both functional and visually appealing. Whether hung on a wall or leaned against a surface, these mirrors become a captivating focal point in any space, reflecting light and adding a sense of depth. One notable aspect of these mirrors is their very good vintage condition, with both mirrors labeled to indicate their authenticity and origin. This attests to their provenance as genuine Luigi Fontana (Fontana Arte) creations, adding to their value and desirability among collectors and design enthusiasts. About the designer: Gio Ponti (1891-1979) was an Italian architect, industrial designer, and artist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th century Italian design. Born in Milan, Italy, Ponti was known for his multifaceted career that spanned architecture, interior design, furniture design, and art, and his work left an indelible mark on the fields of modern design and architecture. As an architect, Ponti's style was characterised by his innovative use of materials, attention to detail, and his ability to create functional yet visually striking spaces. He designed numerous iconic buildings, including the Pirelli Tower in Milan, which is considered a masterpiece of Italian modernist architecture. Ponti's architectural designs were often characterszed by clean lines, open spaces, and a sense of elegance and sophistication. In addition to architecture, Ponti also made significant contributions to the field of industrial and furniture design. He designed a wide range of products, from furniture and lighting to ceramics and glassware, often incorporating bold shapes, vibrant colours, and experimental materials. Ponti's designs were known for their functionality, comfort, and beauty, and he was recognised for his ability to bridge the gap between art and design, creating objects that were both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing. About the manufacturer: Luigi Fontana (1887-1968) was an Italian glassmaker and entrepreneur who founded the renowned Italian glassware...
Brass
Italian Brass Mirror by Luigi Fontana
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early Italian brass mirror by Luigi Fontana. Made in Italy circa 1940s. Retains original label.
Brass
Sold
H 51.19 in W 29.53 in D 7.88 in
Mirror in Pink Glass Design Gio Ponti for Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte, 1940s
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid and very rare mirror in pink glass with inclusions in wood treated with gold leaf, Luigi Fontana production for Fontana Arte, 1930s / 40s on the back covering in solid wo...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Large Polygonal Mirror by Luigi Fontana
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
The mirror is held by four decorative brass screws to a wood structure. Marked: Fontanit, Luigi Fontana Milano, Italy, circa 1950 Measures: Height 121 cm, 47.6 in. Width 121 c...
Brass
Rare wall mirror by Gio Ponti, expertised Gio Ponti Archives
By Gio Ponti, Luigi Fontana
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Solid nickel-plated brass frame, pink glass bevelled. Stamped Luigi Fontana on the back of the mirror. Italy 1930's Expertise Gio Ponti archives.