With their curvaceous metal surfaces and shapes often resembling sheets of folded paper, Mathieu Matégot's inspiring furniture and lighting designs are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. By working with perforated sheet metal and metal tubing, the Hungarian-born French architect, artist and designer — who is known by aficionados for his “rigitulle” technique — created tables, chairs and decorative objects that are celebrated works of French modernism and make a statement in any interior.
Matégot attended the Budapest School of Fine Arts and Architecture. He graduated in 1929 and traveled before settling in Paris in 1931, where he worked as a window dresser for department stores and as a set designer for cabaret halls.
In 1939, Matégot joined the French army in resistance to invading Nazi forces. He was soon captured and sent to work in a German factory. It was at this factory where Matégot became familiar with the materials and techniques that would inform and inspire his trademark rigitulle method.
After the war ended, Matégot opened a workshop in Paris and began to create handcrafted furniture that didn't conform to established styles of the time. Matégot explored merging traditional and non-traditional materials — he worked with formica, glass and natural materials such as rattan — and engaged in other forward-looking experiments. Matégot soon patented his career-defining rigitulle technique and material, which saw the designer working with metal tubing and perforated metal sheets and producing thin, airy folds into the metal as if he were manipulating fabric or paper.
Many of Matégot’s designs for table lamps, pendants, tables and more are reflective of the rigitulle technique, but the best-known work that exemplifies this process is his elegant three-legged Nagasaki chair, which he exhibited in 1954 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. The original Nagasaki chair gave way to a collection that included a stool and an armchair. Matégot’s Nagasaki dining chair has been reissued by Gubi and is part of the permanent collection at the Vitra Design Museum, which is home to one of the world’s most important furniture collections.
Matégot created a range of smaller items for the home — serveware, side tables and magazine racks, each distinctive in their fluid and organic forms — but halted his career in design and moved to Angers in the early 1960s in order to turn to creating art. Today he is known for his abstract tapestries as well as his furnishings.
Find vintage Mathieu Matégot furniture on 1stDibs.
Pendant by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pendant designed my Mathieu Matégot, France, circa 1950s. Opal glass shade with clear textured glass diffuser and lacquered aluminum. Original paint. Marked on glass: Made in Fra...
Mathieu Matégot's Chandelier, Designed in France in 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mathieu Matégot's chandelier, designed in France in 1950, is an iconic piece of modern design. Matégot, known for his skill in creating furniture and decorative objects using lightwe...
Metal, Brass
Original Mathieu Matégot "Java" Pendant in Red Lacquer, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
This striking piece of design, the "Java" pendant by Mathieu Matégot in red, is a brilliant testament to the designer's mastery of form and material. Crafted in the 1950s, this piece...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for Gubi in Cream
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for Gubi in Cream Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work with...
Metal
Large Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black and Cream Metal for GUBI
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black and Cream Metal for GUBI Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his w...
Metal
Set of 2 Mathieu Matégot for Holophane Ceiling Lamps in Metal and Glass, 1960's
By Holophane, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Set of 2 Mathieu Matégot for Holophane Ceiling Lamps in Metal and Glass, 1960's Unique set of two pendants designed by Mathieu Matégot for Holophane, France, circa 1960s. These pend...
Metal
Large Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black for GUBI
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black for GUBI Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work with scrupul...
Metal
Four French Pendant lights by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Antwerp, BE
Four pendant lights in enameled metal and opaline. Four pendant lights designed my Mathieu Matégot, France, circa 1950s. Opal glass shade with clea...
Metal
Set of 4 Mathieu Mategot for Holophane Ceiling Lamps in Metal and Glass, 1950's
By Holophane, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Unique set of four pendant lamps by Mathieu Matégot. The pendant consists of downturned hemispherical shade complete with original two-part prisma...
Metal
Customizable Gubi Satellite Outdoor Pendant by Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Building on the Satellite Collection of whimsical, modernist sculptural lamps, the Satellite Outdoor Pendant and Satellite Outdoor Floor Lamp are GUBI...
Aluminum
1 of 12 Perforated Metal and Glass Pendants by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot, Holophane
Located in Echt, NL
Industrial pendants in very good original condition. Designed by Mathieu Mategot in the 1950s. Produced by ‘Holophane' We have 12 of these pendants available. The pendants consis...
Metal
MidCentury White Enamel and Holophane Glass Diffuser Pendant by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist pendant chandelier epitomizes the streamlined elegance and industrial design aesthetic of the 1950s. Crafted in Holophane glass, and white enameled steel, ...
Aluminum, Steel
Brass Suspension Lamp 4 Lights Design Mathieu Mategot, 1960s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in taranto, IT
Rare original 60s chandelier, design mathieu mategot, made of sage green perforated sheet metal on a brass structure with four lights and as many opalines in white murano glass It...
Brass
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for GUBI in Mustard
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for GUBI in Mustard Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work wit...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black and Cream for GUBI
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Pendant in Black and Cream for GUBI Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work with scru...
Metal
Gubi Satellite Outdoor Pendant by Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Building on the Satellite Collection of whimsical, modernist sculptural lamps, the Satellite Outdoor Pendant and Satellite Outdoor Floor Lamp are GUBI...
Aluminum
Satellite Pendant, Medium, Black
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Satellite pendant of two sizes is designed by Mathieu Matégot in 1953 with geometrical shapes and an organic shade to create outstanding sculptur...
Metal
Satellite Pendant Large Black
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Satellite Pendant of two sizes is designed by Mathieu Matégot in 1953 with geometrical shapes and an organic shade to create outstanding sculptur...
Metal
Satellite Pendant, Medium, White
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Satellite Pendant of two sizes is designed by Mathieu Matégot in 1953 with geometrical shapes and an organic shade to create outstanding sculptur...
Metal
Satellite Pendant, Large, White
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Satellite Pendant of two sizes is designed by Mathieu Matégot in 1953 with geometrical shapes and an organic shade to create outstanding sculptur...
Metal
H 39.38 in Dm 15.75 in
Brass Suspension Lamp 4 Lights Design Mathieu Mategot, 1960s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in taranto, IT
Rare original 60s chandelier, design mathieu mategot, made of sage green perforated sheet metal on a brass structure with four lights and as many opalines in white murano glass It...
Brass
H 18.12 in Dm 14.18 in
French Pendant Light Attributed to Mathieu Matégot for Holophane
By Holophane, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century pendant attributed by French designer Mathieu Mategot designed in the late 1940 or early 1950s Perforated metal conical shaped down rod opaline glass shade. The total on ...
Steel
H 41 in W 55 in D 55 in
Massive French Chandelier in the Style of Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extremely unique chandelier in the style of Mathieu Matégot. 12 painted metal cones with perforated metal diffusers and brass hardware, suspend from brass arms, brass canopy and bras...
Brass, Steel
H 22.84 in Dm 13.78 in
1 of 12 Perforated Metal and Glass Pendants by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot, Holophane
Located in Echt, NL
Industrial pendants in very good original condition. Designed by Mathieu Mategot in the 1950s. Produced by ‘Holophane' We have 12 of these pendants available. The pendants consis...
Metal
H 9.85 in W 13.39 in D 13.39 in
Vintage Antique Industrial Holophane Glass Ceiling Pendant Light Lamp
By Holophane
Located in Sale, GB
- A beautiful 'Ripple-Lite' Holophane ceiling pendant with original gallery, England circa 1910. - The light comprises of two prismatic glass saucers held together by their original ...
Glass
H 7.88 in Dm 17.13 in
1980s Post-Modern White Metal Cone Pendant Light, Matégot Style
By Mathieu Matégot, Memphis Group
Located in Copenhagen, DK
French vintage perforated metal wide cone pendant from the 1980s. Post-modern atomic age piece in the style of Mathieu Matégot and the Memphis group. Crisp white shade with bright re...
Metal
H 24.41 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
French Midcentury Pendant Lights by Mathieu Matégot for Holophane
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
A run of lighting by Mathieu Matégot for Holophane. The downturned hemispherical shade complete with original two-part prismatic glass lens, suspended from a conical perforated st...
Glass
H 15.75 in Dm 11.82 in
Charming pendant light in the style of Mathieu Mategot circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in NICE, FR
This pendant light combines elegance and function with a mid-century modern aesthetic, reminiscent of the style of Mathieu Matégot. Crafted from brass, lacquered perforated red metal...
Metal, Brass
H 23.63 in Dm 13.78 in
Set of 4 Mathieu Mategot for Holophane Ceiling Lamps in Metal and Glass, 1950's
By Holophane, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Unique set of four pendant lamps by Mathieu Matégot. The pendant consists of downturned hemispherical shade complete with original two-part prisma...
Metal
H 11.03 in W 11.03 in D 10.24 in
Antique Vintage Industrial Holophane Prismatic Glass Ceiling Pendant Light Lamp
By Holophane
Located in Sale, GB
- A single 'Ripple-Lite' Holophane ceiling pendant with original stamped copper gallery, England circa 1910. - The light comprises of two pr...
Glass
H 14.57 in Dm 7.5 in
Mathieu Matégot Baghdad Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" lamp. Red perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Original European socket with new wiring for US. Great condition. Ma...
Metal, Brass
Large Danish Satellite Pendant Light by Vilhelm Wohlert for Louis Poulsen 1960s
By Vilhelm Wohlert
Located in Lisse, NL
Mid-Century modern hanging lamp, model “Satellite”. This Midcentury pendant was designed by Vilhelm Wohlert and manufactured by Louis Poulsen in the 1960s. It made from white opal g...
Glass
H 27.56 in Dm 11.82 in
Original Mathieu Matégot "Java" Pendant in Black Lacquer, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
This striking piece of design, the "Java" pendant by Mathieu Matégot, is a brilliant testament to the designer's mastery of form and material. Crafted in the 1950s, this piece featur...
Metal
H 51.19 in Dm 11.03 in
Mathieu Matégot Pendant Lamps in Opal Glass, Red Metal, 1950s French Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful Mid-Century pendant lamps in opaline glass, red enamelled perforated metal and brass. This incredibly elegant and unique pendants were designed by Mathieu Matégot in Franc...
Metal, Brass, Iron
H 39.38 in Dm 21.66 in
1953's Original Satellite Pendant by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
An original first edition Satellite pendant by the iconic French mid-century designer Mathieu Matégot, 1953 in red and black. This model is currently being re-edited by Gubi. In it...
Metal
H 12.41 in W 17.72 in D 10.63 in
Mathieu Matégot Satellite Outdoor Pendant
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Dronten, NL
Based on Mathieu Matégot’s original design concept from 1953, the design features an ovoid shade crafted from a perforated sheet of stainless steel, topped with an aluminum cap that ...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
H 37.41 in Dm 13.78 in
French Mid-Century Chandelier by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare perforated metal chandelier by Mathieu Matégot. The chandelier has three uplighter lightpoints with brass arms. The light is in ...
Metal, Brass
H 18 in Dm 13.98 in
French Midcentury Pendant by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Midcentury pendant by French designer Mathieu Matégot with a white holophene shade and a perforated metal conical shaped down rod.
Metal
H 18 in Dm 13.98 in
French Midcentury Pendant by Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Midcentury pendant by French designer Mathieu Mategot with a white holophene shade and a perforated metal conical shaped down rod.
Metal
H 33.25 in Dm 14 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Painted Aluminium Pendants by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated pair of pendants were designed by the legendary Mathieu Matégot in France, circa 1950s. They feature Opalescent glass domed bodies; gently arced circular glass sha...
Aluminum
H 9.45 in Dm 3.94 in
1 of 6 Small White Metal Pendants by Mathieu Matégot, 1960s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Echt, NL
Six white metal pendants by Mathieu Matégot in very good condition White perforated metal shades with the typical Matégot cross / hole pattern The shades hang on a white lacque...
Metal
H 21 in Dm 14 in
White Perforated Metal and Glass Chandeliers by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of ten white perforated metal and glass pendant chandeliers by Mathieu Matégot. Sold individually.
Metal
H 20 in Dm 20.5 in
Mathieu Mategot Ceiling Fixture
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hanging lamp.
Iron