Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 13

Fontana Arte's Diaframma Sconce, 60s

$2,121.52per item
£1,597.93per item
€1,800per item
CA$2,925.67per item
A$3,286.86per item
CHF 1,717.39per item
MX$40,117.63per item
NOK 21,805.81per item
SEK 20,525.58per item
DKK 13,700.92per item
Quantity

About the Item

A rare 1960s "Diaframma" wall lamp by the visionary collective Gianemilio, Piero & Anna Monti (G.P.A. Monti) for Fontana Arte - where engineering meets artistry. Crafted in chromed brass and satin acid etched glass, this mid-century adjustable masterpiece mimics a camera's diaphragm, casting light with sculptural precision. A hallmark of Italian Modernism, the Diaframma Sconce transcends trends, offering collectible brilliance for a discerning aesthete. The Diaphragm Sconce is exceptional because of its: • Rarity: few originals survive with such patina and integrity; • Origin: it was designed during Fontana Arte's golden era when designer Max Ingrand created many pieces for the renowned Italian firm; • Versatility: the sconces adjustable panels create dynamic illumination, sublime in both contemporary and vintage contexts. When closed, the sconce is 24 cm wide; when open, it measures 45 cm. The wall lamp is preserved in good condition, but with some signs of the time only, such as the patina on the surface. The final shipping quote will be provided by the seller at a later time according to the customer's location. The Milanese trio Gianemilio, Piero & Anna Monti (active 1948-1980s) used to fuse architectural discipline with material innovation. Their legacy includes: • Lighting: the Diaframma (1968), Lampira (1970s), and Tapira series for Fontana Arte; • Furniture: peculiar plastic works for famous firms Kartell and De Padova. • Architecture: villas in Piona and Forte dei Marmi, blending modernist rigor with organic fluidity. Their ethos? "Design without dogma"-a balance of technical mastery and poetic form. Fontana Arte: a Milanese Design Dynasty Founded in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and Gio Ponti, this atelier became synonymous with light-as-art under directors like Pietro Chiesa (1930s) and Max Ingrand (1950s-60s). Fontana Arte's hallmarks are: • Mastery of Glass: layered crystal, bent diffusers, and metallic finishes. • Timeless Creations: from Ponti's Bilia table lamp to Ingrand's Dahlia chandeliers. • Accolades: 1998 Compasso d'Oro winner, cementing its status as Italy's lighting avant-garde.
  • Attributed to:
    G.P.A. Monti (Designer)Fontana Arte (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 17.72 in (45 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Glass,Frosted
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1960s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The wall lamp is preserved in good condition, but with some signs of the time only, such as the patina on the surface. The final shipping quote will be provided by the seller at a later time according to the customer's location.
  • Seller Location:
    Medesano, IT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7754245359202

More From This Seller

View All
Italian Brass Colored Wall Lights
By Pier Giulio Magistretti
Located in Medesano, Parma
Made in exclusive for an hotel in Salsomaggiore, is all in brass, very elegant and perfect proportion, the quality is top level for thickness of the brass and way of construction, lo...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Italian Brass Colored Wall Lights
$565 Sale Price / item
20% Off
French Vintage Stainless Steel Applique by Maria Pergay, 1970s
By Maria Pergay
Located in Medesano, Parma
This stunning Vintage stainless steel wall light is a rare find, perfect for adding a touch of French elegance and luxury to any home. Made of durable stainless steel, this timeless...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Sconces French Thick Vintage Pair by Maria Pergay, 1970s
Located in Medesano, Parma
This stunning set of Vintage stainless steel wall lights are a rare find, perfect for adding a touch of French elegance and luxury to any home. The lights feature two large, round f...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Stainless Steel

cast brass brutalist onyx wall lights
By Cierre
Located in Medesano, Parma
6 sconces brutalist in cast brass and onyx made by cierre lampadari for exclusive building near Milan
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Brutalist Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Onyx, Brass

cast brass brutalist onyx wall lights
$612 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Huge wall lamp 100% italian craftmanship
Located in Medesano, Parma
Huge wall lamp 100% italian craftmanship, The lamp has beautiful textured, ribbed and scalloped glass with polished brass with brutalist elements.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Huge wall lamp 100% italian craftmanship
$1,414 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Mid-Century Classic Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Medesano, Parma
Bring a touch of mid-century charm to your space with this vintage table lamp from the 1960s, crafted in elegant brass with timeless appeal. ...
Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

You May Also Like

Midcentury "Diaframma" Sconce by Piero & Monti Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1968
By Fontana Arte, Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti
Located in Merida, Yucatan
"Diaframma" wall light, circa 1968 Chrome-plated metal, opaque glass, lacquered metal. Measures: 12 in. (30.5 cm) deep, 19 in. (48.3 cm) wide when fully opened. Manufactured by Font...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Italian Wall or Ceiling Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Imposing Mid-Century wall lamp. The lamp consists of two parts. The curved reflector trough and the shiny front element. The front shields the light source and protects against glar...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Model 2225 Sconce by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original model 2225 wall light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte with thick beveled glass and brass, circa 1960s / Made in Milan, Italy circa 1960s 2 lights / original E14 type / max 4...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

"Lampira" Sconce by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti for Fontana Arte
By Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fontana Arte sconce "Lampira" ( Ladybug) Designed by Gianemilio Piero and Anna Monti and manufactured in Italy in 1970s. Stamped "Fontana Arte" on the back. Shades can be open at dif...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Rare double signed Arteluce wall sconce by Vittoriano Vigano
By Arteluce
Located in Munich, DE
very nice, double signed arteluce wall sconce. rare version.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian Mid Century Style Double-Shade Sconce
Located in New York, NY
An impressive contemporary sconce in the style of the classic designs of the Mid Century period. Made in Italy, contemporary. Made in brass and off-white enamel covered metal shades ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel