As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
Vico Magistretti 'Atollo' Medium Metal Satin Bronze Lamp by Oluce, In Stock Now
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 Manufactured by Oluce, Italy. Designed in 1977 by Vico Magistretti, over the years, Atollo has become the archetype of the table lamp...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Lambda Wall Lamp for Artemide, Opaline Crystal, 1961
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Vico Magistretti was among the first external collaborators of the young company Artemide, founded in 1959 originally for the production of lamps only, to which furniture was later a...
Crystal, Brass
Vico Magistretti for Artemide "Manai" Glass Brass Wall Lights, Italy 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design sconces or wall lamps model Mania designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1963 with Murano white glass models and brass detail with Murano Glass...
Brass
Vico Magistretti, Wall Lights, Glass, Brass, Italy, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white opaline glass and brass wall lights, model Mania, designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, 1960s. Some staining to backplate. Wear consistent wi...
Brass
first edition Atollo table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 Oluce Italy
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
This rare “Atollo” table lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977 for Oluce, is a true icon of Italian modern design. Awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1979, the Atollo is celebrated w...
Metal
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce 'Atollo' First Edition '233' Table Lamp
By Vico Magistretti, O-Luce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, 'Atollo' lamp, first edition model '233', aluminum, Italy, 1977 The Atollo lighting object, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977, stands as one of his m...
Aluminum
Vico Magistretti Sconce "Mania" in Glass, Italy circa 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vico Magistretti wall lamp "Mania" Made in Italy, 1960s. Two shells in Murano opaline glass, brass hardware, enameled metal frame. An earlier version made with glass (not acrylic) an...
Metal
Vico Magistretti, “L’Impiccato” ceiling lamp for Artemide, Italy, 1972
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The L’Impiccato ceiling lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1972 for Artemide, is a masterful synthesis of geometry, balance, and function — an example of how Magistretti transform...
Steel
'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Hagenbach, DE
The iconic “Omega” flush mount, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in Italy around 1960, is a masterful example of Italian modernist lighting. Defined by its sculptural, layer...
Metal
Vico Magistretti 'Eclisse' Table Lamp in Orange for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vico Magistretti 'Eclisse' table lamp in orange for Artemide. Designed in 1967, the authorized re-edition Eclisse is a bedside table, or wall-mounted (pin-up), lamp for direct and ...
Aluminum, Steel
Vico Magistretti Outdoor Wall Lamp 'Lyndon' Medium by Oluce
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall lamp 'Lyndon' designed by Vico Magistretti in 1980. Outside wall lamp. Zinc-plated and black lacquered metal structure, globes in transparent po...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Sconce "Grande Mania" in Glass, circa 1960s Large
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vico Magistretti sconce "Grande Mania", Large Made in Italy, 1960s. Two shells in Murano opaline glass, brass hardware, enameled metal frame. An earlier version made with glass (not ...
Metal
Vico Magistretti for Artemide Chimera Floor Lamp, Italy, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Naples, IT
Designer floor lamp from the 1970s, created by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. The "Chimera" model is made of methacrylate and white lacquered metal . An iconic piece that can add st...
Metal
Large Snow Table lamp by Vico Magistretti for O-luce, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Large Snow table lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973 and manufactured by O-luce. The table lamp features a round base in white marble, a black metal stem and an opal methacrylate cone shaped shade. The end of the stem is shaped like a ball and contains the two light bulb holders (E27, maximum 60W). The shade rests by gravity only, without the use of screws. The Snow series consists of a pendant, floor lamp and a table lamp. According to Archivio Vico Magistretti Snow...
Marble, Metal
White Eclisse Table Lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide Italy
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic Italian Midcentury Modern white eclisse lamps were designed by Vico Magistretti in 1965 and have been produced by Artemide. The design won the Compasso d’Oro Award in 19...
Metal
Large Ceiling Lamp PENTACLINIO, designed by Vico MAGISTRETTI for Artemide, 1961
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Ceiling lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1961. Italy, Artemide. The 'Pentaclinio' ceiling lamp by Magistretti, uses 5 double diffuser glass shades. Opaline glass pieces and brus...
Opaline Glass
Pair of 'Omicron’ Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Omicron' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, in 1961. Industrial steel frame wall sconce with vertical height adjustment and two-par...
Brass, Nickel
"Mezzachimera" Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1969
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Brescia, Brescia
The "Mezzachimera" Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed in 1969, is a quintessential example of timeless design. Its sinuous curves, formed by molding a sheet of opa...
Metal
Vico Magistretti for O-Luce: Pair of "Adam" Wall Lamps, Chrome Steel, 1975
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in bari, IT
This pair features a chrome-plated steel stem attached to a circular, white-lacquered metal wall base, with an articulated black thermoplastic joint that allows the cylindrical refle...
Metal, Steel
Pairs of Lambda Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pairs of 'Lambda' sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Milan, Italy circa the 1960s. Two pressed crystal glass diffusers are nestled together with a...
Crystal, Brass, Chrome, Nickel
'Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Mania” sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed and manufactured in Italy circa the 1960s, exemplifies the refined simplicity and thoughtful geometry of mid‑century Ita...
Brass
Pair of Mania Wall Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Originally a set of four, this listing is for a pair only. A rare and striking pair of Mania wall sconces designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy. These sculptural fixtures...
Plexiglass
Vico Magistretti table lamp 'Telegono' by Artimide, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Stockholm, SE
Original Telegono table lamp designed in 1968 by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy. The pale white hemispherical inner shade can be swiveled.
Plastic
Omega pendant lamp, Vico Magistretti, Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Omega pendant lamp, Vico Magistretti for Artemide
Steel
'Clinio' Wall Lights by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
‘Clinio’ Wall Lights by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960s The ‘Clinio’ wall lights by Vico Magistretti reflect the spatial intelligence and formal refinement that placed M...
Brass, Nickel
Vico Magistretti, Wall Lights, Acrylic, Italy, 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white acrylic wall light, model Mania, designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, 1960s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with ag...
Acrylic
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Pentaclinio Magistretti Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern chandelier Pentaclinio Magistretti Artemide, 1970s Ceiling lamp or chandelier model Pentaclinio with five opaline glass diffusers. Each cylindrical diffuse...
Brass
Large 'Grande Mania' Wall Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Large 'Grande Mania' Wall Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide Large version of glass wall sconce called "Grande Mania" in the shape of a mushroom, designed by Vico Magistretti ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Vintage “Lambda” Wall Sconces by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Refined pair of “Lambda” wall sconces designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in the 1970s, showcasing the designer’s signature blend of sculptural clarity and functional elegance....
Metal
Vico Magistretti Grande Mania Sconce, Murano Glass, Brass, 1960s Italy
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vico Magistretti sconce "Grande Mania", Large Made in Italy, 1960s. Two shells in Murano opaline glass, brass hardware, enameled metal frame. An earlier version made with glass (not ...
Metal
Vico Magistretti “Triclinio” Ceiling Lamp for Artemide, 1967
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti “Triclinio” ceiling lamp for Artemide, steel and glass, Italy, 1967. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1967, the Triclinio ceiling lamp belongs to the Cl...
Steel
Vico Magistretti, Table Lamp, Plastic, Italy, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
An orange-colored plastic "Dalú" table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, c. 1960s. Light discoloration present to acrylic consistent with age and us...
Plastic
Ronda wall lamp Oluce Vico Magistretti 80s style
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Postmodern style Lamp "Ronda" wall lamp. Silver painted model. Designed by Vico Magistretti for Oluce. Unused condition. Light source E27 light bulbs. Using with 100-120V Able to ...
Steel
OMEGA Hanging Lamp by Vico MAGISTRETTI, Artemide 1962
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Hanging lamp designed by Vico Magistretti. Italy, Artemide, 1962. The OMEGA lamp consists of two pieces of opaline glass on a brushed metal frame. Please note: All lighting fixtur...
Aluminum
$3,440
Magastretti Chandelier
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Chicago, IL
Lyndon by Vico Magistretti for Oluce; chrome-plated finished candelabra-style body, enclose transparent glass spheres, inside which the light bulb is hosted.
Chrome
'Triclinio' Chandelier by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Triclinio' Chandelier by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960s This 'Triclinio' chandelier by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960s, r...
Brass
$2,621 / item
Vico Magistretti Omega lamps by Artemide Italy 1967
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
The 'Omega' pendant lamps, designed by the renowned Vico Magistretti and manufactured by Artemide in Italy in 1964, are a stunning example of mid-century modern lighting design. Thes...
Steel
Vico Magistretti Omega Opal Glass Pendant Lamps, Italy, 1960
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of Vico Magistretti Pendant Lamps 'Omega' for Artemide, 1960 Large pair of opal glass suspension lights with nickeled brass frames from the sought-after Eptaclinio line from Ma...
Brass, Nickel
Pair of Vico Magistretti Eclisse Italia 65s Mid-Century table lamps
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Palermo, IT
Set of two iconic Eclisse table lamps, a masterpiece of vintage Italian Space Age design created by Vico Magistretti in 1965 for the Artemide brand. Design Features has a unique mech...
Metal
Atollo Table Lamps by Vico Magistretti, Black Aluminum, Italy, 1977
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
ATOLLO 233 Table Lamps (Matched Set of 2) Vico Magistretti (Italian) OLUCE srl (Italy) / Vintage Original Versions / 1977 Wear consistent with age Aluminum in black lacquer H 28” x D...
Metal
Vico Magistretti 'Atollo' Opaline Glass Table Lamp for Oluce
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vico Magistretti 'Atollo' opaline glass table lamp for Oluce. Originally designed in 1977, this iconic re-edition is still crafted by Oluce in I...
Metal
Vico Magistretti, Wall Lights, Acrylic, Italy, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A white acrylic wall light, model Mania, designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Artemide, Italy, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 9.0"H x...
Acrylic
Atollo 239 Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce
By Vico Magistretti, Oluce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Atollo lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, circa 1977. Designed by Magistretti in 1977, it was awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1979. Repainted with a Terracotta enamel. Wired for the U...
Aluminum, Steel
Pair of Vico Magistretti Eclisse Table Lamps for Artemide
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vico Magistretti Eclisse table lamps for Artemide. Designed in 1967, the authorized re-edition Eclisse is a bedside table, or wall-m...
Aluminum, Steel
"Teti" ceiling lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1970
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Teti is an iconic lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1970, embodying simplicity and timeless elegance. Made of thermoplastic, its simple design allows for versatile use as a ceilin...
Plastic
Italian modern white table lamp Eclisse by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white table lamp Eclisse by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1970s Table lamp model Eclisse with round base, in white metal. The spherical diffuser is composed by a fixe...
Metal
Vico Magistretti, Snow 201, Table lamp, O'luce, Italy, 1974
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Paris, FR
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006) Snow 201 A metal and methacrylate table lamp, the white methacrylate conical shade resting on a black lacquered metal sphere issuing two light bulbs on...
Metal
Vico Magistretti Pair of Lyndon wall lamps for Oluce, Italy 1980s
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milan, IT
Vico Magistretti Pair of indoor or outdoor Lyndon wall lamps for Oluce, Italy 1980s
Metal
Vico Magistretti, "Snow" Table Lamp, Metal, Acrylic, Marble, Italy, 1973
By O-Luce, Vico Magistretti
Located in High Point, NC
A large acrylic, black-lacquered metal and marble "Snow" table lamp designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973 and produced by O-Luce, Italy, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25.75”...
Marble, Metal
'Grande Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Grande Mania Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960. Minimal half layered half sphere sconce made from delicate opaline glass....
Brass, Aluminum
Telegono lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Telegono lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Made in Italy, 1960s. Telegono table lamp, Design Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1969. The lamp is original and working. Very ...
Plastic
Vistosi Alega Table Lamp Transparent Base Glass And White Diffuser
By Vico Magistretti, Vistosi
Located in Mogliano Veneto, Treviso
A design that combines a classical concept with a retro inspiration. The transparent base and the white diffuser give a warm accent to the light. Shade in glossy white, base in cryst...
Murano Glass
Italian mid-century modern plastic wall lamps Mania Magistretti Artemide, 1960s
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern plastic wall lamps Mania by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s Pair of Mania wall lamps with round diffuser composed of two hemispherical elements made o...
Metal
Pair of Kuta wall lamps by Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, 1980s
By O-Luce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Pair of Kuta wall lamps by Vico Magistretti for O-Luce, designed in the 1970s and manufactured in the 1980s. The lamp is designed for indirect lighting. It consists of a white-paint...
Metal
Pair of Vico Magistretti ‘Mezzachimera’ Table Lamps for Artemide, Italy, 1969
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Milano, IT
An exceptional pair of Mezzachimera lamps designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in 1969, among the most recognizable and celebrated creations of post-war Italian lighting design....
Plastic
Slalom Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, 1981
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in Roma, IT
Slalom table light is a work realized by Vico Magistretti in 1981. H. 45 x 24 x 25 cm. Made by Oluce, Milan. Tubular metal, painted black and yellow, plastic, black. Ref. Gramig...
Metal
Opaline Glass, Brass Omega ceiling Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, 1960s
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This large "Omega" ceiling lamp was designed in the 1960s by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. It is made from a white painted metal structure, 3 brass stops with 2 white opaline glass ...
Metal, Nickel
Omega pendant lamp, Vico Magistretti, Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Omega pendant lamp, Vico Magistretti for Artemide
Steel
Set of 2 'Mania' wall lamps by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 2 "Mania" wall lamps in white glass and metal by Vico Magistretti. "Mania" is one of the first lamps designed by Vico Magistretti, presented at the XIII Triennale di Milano (1...
Brass
Italian modern floor lamp Pascal by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, 1980s
By Oluce, Vico Magistretti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern floor lamp Pascal by Vico Magistretti for Oluce, 1980s Floor lamp with double adjustable conical diffusers in black enameled metal. One diffuser has an opaline plexig...
Metal