Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 20

René Mathieu "Diabolo" Wall Lamp for Lunel, France 1950s

About the Item

The swing arm “Diabolo” Wall Light was designed by René Mathieu for Lunel, and is a shining example of timeless elegance and innovative design. René Mathieu, was a prominent figure in mid-20th century French design, and was known for his ability to seamlessly merge aesthetics and functionality. His collaboration with Lunel, the French lighting company established in 1912, resulted in the creation of many now iconic lighting models, with this one leading the list. What sets the Diabolo Wall Light apart is its distinctive shape and distinctive details. The fixture features a pair of conical shades, one larger than the other, which creates a visually striking diabolo or hourglass effect. The shades resembling the diabolo toy is most likely what inspired the name. This innovative design not only provides an element of symmetry but also serves a practical purpose. The larger shade emits a diffused, ambient light, while the smaller one directs a more focused beam upwards. This dual functionality makes the Diabolo Wall Light perfect for a variety of settings, from intimate dining spaces to art galleries. The colour scheme, the multiple light sources, and the materials provide an elementally modern look to this model. Additionally, the enamelled aluminium cone shades feature a brass ring and are adorned with star shaped perforations running around their rims. The design does not lack on its other end either, with an articulated metal arm. The structure allows the lamp to be adjusted at multiple points making it a great task light as well. This isn’t surprising as René Mathieu's approach to design was characterized by a commitment to both form and function, and the Diabolo Wall Light famously embodies this philosophy. It showcases the harmony between the designer's creative vision and Lunel's craftsmanship, resulting in a luminary piece that remains a symbol of French design excellence. René Mathieu's creations have been exhibited in numerous museums and exhibitions, including the 1937 World's Fair in Paris. The “Diabolo” is still a prime example of the enduring appeal of innovative design and the creative synergy between renowned designers and forward-thinking manufacturers of the 20th century. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass parts have a beautiful patina with some marks and discolouration. Dimensions: 8.66 in W x 27.75 in D (adjustable) x 7.48 in H 22 cm W x 70.5 cm D (adjustable) x 19 cm H
  • Creator:
    Rene Mathieu (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.49 in (19 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 27.76 in (70.5 cm)
  • Power Source:
    Hardwired
  • Lampshade:
    Included
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The brass parts have a beautiful patina with some marks and discolouration.
  • Seller Location:
    Utrecht, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 202318151stDibs: LU2947336690932
More From This SellerView All
  • Pair of Acrylic Glass Wall Sconces by Maison Lunel, France 1950s
    By Lunel
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    This pair of double sconce wall lights from Maison Lunel are imposing models of an era that saw the creation of some of the most famous light...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Brass

  • Brass and Perspex Wall Lamp, France ca 1950s
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    The best qualities of European mid-century designers’ light fixtures are most often their atmospheric light and disciplined, functionalist execution, perfected by the inclusion of un...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Brass

  • Pierre Guariche "G1" Wall Lamp Edition Disderot, France 1950s
    By Disderot, Pierre Guariche
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    Pierre Guariche's "G1" wall lamp is a quintessential piece of mid-century French design. The “G1” was originally designed by Guariche in 1951, and quickly became a marker of French 1...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Metal, Brass

  • Rare Paavo Tynell Brass Perforated Wall Lamp for Taito Oy, Finland 1950s
    By Paavo Tynell
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    Finnish mid-century design is characterized by simple, elegant forms that Paavo Tynell was a master of. Like Finnish culture he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability and a deep co...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Brass

  • A Pair of Brass and Acrylic Wall Lamps by Jacques Biny, France 1950s
    By Jacques Biny
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    Lighting design has witnessed the emergence of numerous creative geniuses over the decades, but few have left as profound a mark on their era as Jacques Biny. This mid-century French...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Brass

  • Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Wall Lamps, Italy 1950s
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    Italian mid-20th century lighting design was infinitely captivating, featuring one-of-a-kind models crafted by renowned Italian designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Gio Ponti, Gavina a...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Brass

You May Also Like
  • Swing Arm Wall Light by Rene Mathieu for Lunel, 1950
    By Rene Mathieu, Lunel
    Located in Los Angeles, CA
    Wonderful double cone swing arm wall light by Rene Mathieu for Lunel, France 1950, original yellow colored enameled metal shade with decorative ...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Brass, Metal

  • French Articulating Wall Sconce by Rene Mathieu for Lunel
    By Rene Mathieu
    Located in Hanover, MA
    Similar to the Diabolo by Pierre Guariche this original French 1950's articulating wall light has its original green enameled reflector and is rewired.
    Category

    Vintage 1950s French Wall Lights and Sconces

  • Rene Mathieu Large Vintage Brass Double Arms Adjustable Diabolo Wall Lamp France
    By Rene Mathieu, Lunel
    Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
    Vintage very large wall lamp by René Mathieu 1950 France. Wall light by René Mathieu from the 1950s. 2-Arm articulated brass stem. The double bulb sconce has independent switches ...
    Category

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

    Materials

    Brass

  • Rene Mathieu Large Vintage Brass Double Arms Adjustable Diabolo Wall Lamp France
    By Rene Mathieu, Lunel
    Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
    Vintage very large wall lamp by René Mathieu 1950 France. Wall light by René Mathieu from the 1950s. 2-Arm articulated brass stem. The double bulb sconce has independent switches ...
    Category

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

    Materials

    Brass

  • Large folding wall light René Mathieu Ed. Maison Lunel, Paris, France circa 1950
    By Rene Mathieu, Lunel
    Located in Paris, FR
    Large foldable and swiveling wall light by René Mathieu for Lunel. Double star-perforated sheet metal shade in matte yellow enamel and white interior, original paint. The shade is ...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

    Materials

    Steel, Metal, Sheet Metal, Enamel

  • Pair of Joyful French 1950s Wall Lights by Rene Mathieu
    By Rene Mathieu
    Located in Shepperton, Surrey
    A pair of French 1960s wall lights in joyful lemon yellow by French designer Rene Mathieu. The lamps can be adjusted to many positions and would suit perfectly for bedside or sofa...
    Category

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

    Materials

    Aluminum, Brass

Recently Viewed

View All