Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1950-1960, Italy
View Similar Items
Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, 1950-1960, Italy
About the Item
- Creator:Gino Sarfatti (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 40.16 in (102 cm)Diameter: 9.85 in (25 cm)
- Style:Hollywood Regency (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950-1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Diemen, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU227536224673
Gino Sarfatti
That a spiky, futuristic chandelier named “Sputnik,” which was highly suggestive of the Soviet satellite of the same name, designed by an Italian engineer could predate the space age and the satellite’s launch by a few decades is the stuff of legend. But in 1939, Venetian-born Gino Sarfatti channeled his obsession with light and expert engineering skills into a design so bold it predicted the future. He would go on to design around 700 lighting products in his lifetime — each table lamp, wall light, pendant and chandelier superb and unorthodox in shape.
Sarfatti’s singular focus on creating opulent lighting designs that were rational in their use of resources makes him one of the most innovative lighting designers in history. He was studying to be an aeronautical engineer at the University of Genoa when his family’s financial troubles led him to drop out and move to Milan to help. During this time, he built a lamp for a friend using a coffee machine’s electric components and a glass vase. This exercise sparked his fascination with lighting, and he went on to found Arteluce in 1939. What followed was a period of working with skilled artisans and tinkering with materials instead of sketching. The self-taught designer soon established himself as a creator of provocative, sculptural luxury lighting. Through the company, he collaborated with some of the 20th century’s most influential designers, such as Vittoriano Viganò, who worked on Arteluce lighting between 1946 and 1960. In the 1950s and ’70s, Franco Albini, Franca Helg, Ico Parisi and Massimo Vignelli all contributed designs.
Sarfatti used resources mindfully and injected functionality into everything he designed. His light fixtures were lightweight, easy to take apart and reassemble and could be affordably repaired. This marriage of utilitarianism and glamour lent Sarfatti’s designs a clean, minimal yet arresting splendor, based on their graphical forms and construction.
After World War II, Sarfatti embraced new wiring technologies and materials like plexiglass, such as his 1972 project with Carlo Mollino that filled the Teatro Regio in Turin with hundreds of plexiglass pipes. In 1973, Sarfatti sold Arteluce to FLOS. His foresight, invention and fearlessness as a designer are revered to this day.
Find a collection of vintage Gino Sarfatti lighting now on 1stDibs.
- Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce 2097/30 Chandelier, Italy 1960'sBy Arteluce, Gino SarfattiLocated in Amsterdam, NLGino Sarfatti for Arteluce 2097/30 chandelier. Chromed metal chandelier with 30x E14 light bulbs. Some fittings are a bit damaged trough age, and the met...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- 1950s, Italy, Gino Sarfatti attr. Pendant Lamp, ArteluceBy Gino SarfattiLocated in Niederdorfelden, HessenElegant mid century pendant designed by Gino Sarfatti (attr.) for Arteluce. The lamp is made of a white plastic ring with black metal rods and frame. The lamp emits smooth indirect l...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- 1950s, Italy, Gino Sarfatti attr. Flush Mount ArteluceBy Gino SarfattiLocated in Niederdorfelden, HessenMid century flush mount designed by Gino Sarfatti attr. for Arteluce. The ceiling fixture is made of a white plastic overlay with black metal rods and frame. The lamp emits a lot of indirect light downwards. Made in Italy, the 1950s. Measures: approx. 19.6" x 19.6" x 5.9" in. (appr. 50 x 50 x 15 cm). Takes three large Edison E27/E26 base screw bulbs. Condition: very good vintage condition. The lamp has been tested with US American light bulbs under 120v and works flawlessly, no tools or rewiring required. All our goods are originally wired for 220v. Delivery without bulbs. We have a matching hanging lamp...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Gino Sarfatti '2097' Chandeliers for Arteluce Milano, 1960sBy Gino SarfattiLocated in Greding, DEPair of chandeliers "2097" designed by Gino Sarfatti in 1958 and manufactured by Arteluce Milano. Radially arranged chandelier arms with black wiring around a central cylindrical chr...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsChrome
- Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce Mod.2042/3 Ceiling Lamp, Italy 1960sBy Arteluce, Gino SarfattiLocated in Naples, ITRare ceiling lamp model 2042/3 designed by Gino Sarfatti and produced by Arteluce, Italy 1960. This version of the 2042 lamp has a gilded metal frame and 3 glass globes that produce ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce Pendant LampBy Arteluce, Gino SarfattiLocated in Waalwijk, NLGino Sarfatti for Arteluce, pendant, aluminum, metal, Italy, 1950. Beautiful and sober pendant lamp designed by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce in the 1950s....Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum