Gino Sarfatti Sconces for Arteluce, 1952, Set of 2
Description
Gino Sarfatti sconces for Arteluce, brass and glass, Italy, 1952, set of two
This chic set of four wall lamps by Gino Sarfatti, designed in 1952 for Arteluce, showcases masterful craftsmanship in lacquered metal and brass. Each fixture ascends in an elegant, serpentine curve from a compact circular brass base, where four conical white lacquered diffusers are thoughtfully positioned along adjustable joints. This flexibility offers a dynamic range of ambient lighting possibilities, allowing users to tailor illumination with ease. The design evokes natural forms - like vines spiraling upward from their roots—while the exposed bulbs introduce a bold graphic contrast that enlivens the composition. The gently flared, bell-shaped shades resonate with the design language of Sarfatti’s contemporaries, including Vittoriano Viganò and Franco Albini - key collaborators during Arteluce’s creative zenith. Viganò, notably, developed comparable adjustable wall fixtures using brass tubing and enamel-coated reflectors. The fluid, organic curves of this set also echo the innovative spirit of Angelo Lelii at Arredoluce and early works by Joe Colombo.
Sarfatti pioneered this blend of modularity and expressive form during his postwar tenure at Arteluce, the Milan-based company he founded in 1939. Unlike many of his peers, Sarfatti viewed lighting as both a functional industrial product and an evolving kinetic sculpture. These wall lamps are a testament to that vision, balancing precise geometry with poetic asymmetry. These lamps represent a pivotal shift in Italian lighting design—a movement away from ornamental excess toward pure, functional abstraction. Every element is pared back yet visually compelling.
Dimensions
Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)
Width: 5.91 in (15 cm)
Depth: 7.88 in (20 cm)
Design
1952
Manufacture
1950-1959
Material
Brass and glass
Condition
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