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.
Early 1900 Luigi Fontana Fontana Arte Art Nouveau Table Mirror
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Brescia, IT
Liberty Table Mirror Luigi Fontana, Milano Italy, early 1900 Antique cut mirror with floral silver bronze frame Wood Back side "L. Fontana & C. Milano" signed on the back First and...
Metal
1930s Art Deco Wood and Glass Italian Palette Table Mirror By L. Fontana
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This mirror features a unique, palette-shaped design, resembling an artist's paint palette, which adds a distinctive and creative flair to its appearance. The mirror's frame is const...
Mirror, Wood
Luigi Fontana Brass Toilette Mirror, Fontana Arte, circa 1940
By Fontana Arte, Luigi Fontana
Located in New York, NY
A brass shaped toilette mirror designed by Luigi Fontana for Fontana Arte, circa 1940. With a charming shape and decoration to the crest, with brass feet used for table support and ...
Brass
Italian chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Luigi in brass and glass
By Luigi Fontana, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Milano, IT
Italian chandelier by designer Pietro Chiesa for Luigi Fontana, this extraordinary 12-light chandelier made in Italy in the 1930s is a perfect example of the refined aesthetics betwe...
Brass
20th Century, Pietro Chiesa Wall Mirror with Copper Frame Galvanit Fontana, 40s
By Pietro Chiesa, Luigi Fontana
Located in Turin, Turin
After an apprenticeship with the glassmaker Giannotti Pietro Chiesa opened his own glass workshop in 1921. In the early 1920s he participated in the Monza Biennale, the Venice Bienna...
Crystal, Copper
Luigi Fontana Madonna and Child In Glass Wall Decoration.
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Luigi Fontana: Madonna and Child in Gold-Backed Lacquered Glass Wall Decoration.
Brass
Fontana Arte Rare Adjustable Pivoting Brass Vanity Table Mirror, Italy, 1940s
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Fontana Arte rare exquisite adjustable vanity or table mirror composed of curvaceous shaped brass frame with central top brass scroll decoration resting on a curved stand with decora...
Brass
Rectangolar table mirror of Luigi Fontana & C, Italy 1950s.
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Simple rectangolar table mirror of Luigi Fontana & C, Italy 1950s. The table mirror owns some traces of time and usage, which do no harm to the charm of the...
Metal
Round table mirror of Luigi Fontana & C, Italy 1950s.
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Simple round table mirror of Luigi Fontana & C, Italy 1950s. The table mirror owns some traces of time and usage, which do no harm to the charm of the mirro...
Metal
1930s Art Deco Italian Table Mirror by Luigi Fontana
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Aci Castello, IT
this is an exceptional and authentic 1930s Art Deco Italian Table Mirror, produced by Luigi Fontana & C. Milano. Luigi Fontana, whose company evolved into the renowned Fontana Ar...
Metal
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
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
Mid Century Italian Green Tapered Mirror Attributed to Fontana Arte, c. 1940s
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
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
1930 Vedar Luigi Fontana Art Deco Murano Glass Ceiling Lamp
By Luigi Fontana, Vedar - Vetri d'Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Ceiling Lamp Luigi Fontana, Vedar 1920 Rare lamp Hand Painted frosted glass Gold silk cord Excellent condiction just micro chip on the edge (look the picture) H glass : 22 cm diam ...
Art Glass
Table Mirror of Luigi Fontana & C of the 1950s
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Wolfurt, AT
The table mirror of Luigi Fontana & C, Milano, of the 1950s in Italy brings a special, playful accessoire into your home. Caused by it's form of a color palette.
Mirror
Early Luigi Fontana & C. Table Mirror in Glass and Wood, Italy 1920s
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Milan, IT
Early Luigi Fontana & C. Table Mirror in Glass and Wood, Italy 1920s Reference: Cristalli / Luigi Fontana & . Catalog 1925 p. 55.
Metal
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 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
Mid-20th Century Rattan Inlay Brass Framed Wall Mirror
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
This stunning Mid-20th Century mirror showcases an intricate brass frame adorned with meticulously arranged rattan inlays, creating a geometric, layered design reminiscent of Gabriel...
Brass
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
$364Sale Price|40% Off
H 21.26 in W 18.71 in D 4.73 in
Midcentury Fontana Arte Style Glided Brass Table Mirror, 50s, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
Tilting rectangular table mirror in gilded brass, with decorative elements. In the style of Fontana Arte 1950s. Original patina. Wear consistent with age and use.
Brass
20th century Swedish wall segmented mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
20th century Swedish wall segmented mirror circa 1950. Here we present a Swedish 1950's wall mirror likely to have been made by Glas & Tra (g&t). Arranged cut mirrored panels, with...
Mirror, Beech
Fontana Arte "Luigi Fontana" Mirror Glass Brass, 1940, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte “Luigi Fontana“ mirror brass glass, 1940, Italy.
Glass
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Vanity Mirror, 1930s
By Barovier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A refined and sculptural Barovier Murano Glass vanity mirror, Italy, circa 1930s, executed in ribbed, hand-formed Murano glass with warm champagne undertones enhanced by the addition...
Brass
$8,200
H 32 in W 21 in D 2.25 in
Mid Century Italian Green Tapered Mirror Attributed to Fontana Arte, c. 1940s
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
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
$1,113Sale Price|60% Off
H 36.23 in W 9.45 in D 7.88 in
1940s vintage chandelier designed by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in None, IT
Chandelier with a gilt brass frame, two lights with clear beveled glass shades. Design Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1940s. CONDITION: In good condition, working, has chipping on ...
Brass
Rare Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1940s. A gorgeous drop chandelier consisting of molded vertical paneling and intricate interior construction. The exterior g...
Brass
$1,645Sale Price|69% Off
H 21.66 in W 17.72 in D 4.73 in
Italian Mid-Century Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Elegant and stylish Italian mid-century chandelier of Pietro Chiesa per Fontana Arte, from the 1940s. Two lights, polished brass structure, green aluminum lamp...
Aluminum, Brass
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Decorated Red Frame Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A fine Chinoiserie decorated hanging wall mirror. Measures 20" in width and 36" in height
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Seguso Vetri D'arte, Table Mirror, Glass, Brass, Italy, 1930s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in High Point, NC
A pink murano glass and brass table mirror produced by Seguso Vetri D'arte, Italy, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.5"H x 11.0"W x 8.5"D Measured as it sits with stand out...
Brass
Pendant Light By Luigi Fontana Milan 70'S
By Luigi Fontana
Located in London, GB
Pendant light by Luigi Fontana, Milan c.1970's with brass structure and six glass panels. Wired for UK standards
Brass
Sold
H 1.19 in W 9.45 in D 3.94 in
Max Ingrand rectangular pocket emptier, Fountain with signature 1950s
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Palermo, IT
Ashtray by Fontana arte Italy, 1950's. Be won over by the elegance of this exquisite ashtray or Vide-Poche, made in Italy during the heyday of the prestigious Fontana Arte in the 195...
Crystal
Pair of XL Wall Lights by Pietro Chiesa for Luigi Fontana, Milano
By Pietro Chiesa, Luigi Fontana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of XL Wall Lights by Pietro Chiesa for Luigi Fontana, Milano. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1940s. Heavy bodied shield wall lights...
Brass
Sconces by Luigi Fontana for Fontana Arte
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sconces by Luigi Fontana for Fontana Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1940s. Triple panel etched glass diffusers paired with polished brass housing. Each sconce ho...
Brass
Sold
H 11.42 in W 10.24 in D 3.55 in
1940s Art Deco Verde Nilo Glass and Brass Picture Frame by Luigi Fontana
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Picture Frame by Luigi Fontana is an exquisite example of mid-20th century design and craftsmanship. Luigi Fontana was a renowned Italian glassmaker known for his innovative des...
Brass
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 Turin, Turin
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 Gio Ponti, Luigi Fontana, 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 14.18 in Dm 31.11 in
Max Ingrand Round Low Table in Wood and Mirrored Crystal by Luigi Fontana 1960
By Max Ingrand, Luigi Fontana
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Low table with a round-shaped top in mirrored crystal, and structure in high-quality wood. The crystal on top presents a peculiar orangy shade. It was designed by Max Ingrand and...
Crystal
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 Gio Ponti, Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
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
Curved Glass Lantern by Luigi Fontana, circa 1940
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare glass lantern designed by Luigi Fontana in the 1930-1940s. Six tapered and curved pale-aquamarine glass panes are arranged around a delicate brass structure. Three original bras...
Brass
Vanity Mirror by Luigi Fontana for Fontana Arte, 1940
By Luigi Fontana, Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful vanity mirror designed by Luigi Fontana for Fontana Arte in the 1940s. The vanity mirror by Luigi Fontana has a sweet shaped and emulated form, it was made with mirrored g...
Iron