Best known for its elegant and innovative vintage lighting fixtures, the Milan-based firm 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.
The bread and butter of the glassmaking company that Luigi Fontana founded in 1881 was plate-glass panels for the construction industry. In 1930, Fontana met 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. He 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.
The following year, 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 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 Fontana Arte lighting fixtures such as pendants, table lamps and more on 1stDibs.
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte Pendant Lamp, 1940
By Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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...
Crystal, Brass
Sputnik Cut-Glass Chandelier by Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Fontana Arte sputnik chandelier. Chrome frame with green colored cut-glass.
Cut Glass
Mid-Century Modern Fontana Arte Brass and Glass Ceiling Pendant, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fontana Arte ceiling pendants model 2406, a pair Designed and made in Italy in 1960s. Pendant's body is 12.5" in height Take one medium base bulb each. Complimentary US rewiring upon...
Brass
Pair of Franceschina pendants by Umberto Riva for Fontana Arte, 1980s
By Umberto Riva, Fontana Arte
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Pair of Franceschina pendants designed by Umberto Riva in 1989 and manufactured by Fontana Arte. The diffuser is made of satin opal blown glass and the frame is in grey aluminium wi...
Aluminum
Pair of Sisten Ceiling Lamps by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1970s
By Gianni Celada, Fontana Arte
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A pair of Sisten ceiling lamps designed by Gianni Celada and produced by Fontana Arte in the 1970s. These Sisten ceiling lamps are part of the Sisten series; consisting of various w...
Metal
$4,757Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Max Ingrand Mod. 0556/B ceiling lamp for Fontana Arte, Italy 1960's
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Milan, IT
Rare Max Ingrand Mod. 0556/B ceiling lamp for Fontana Arte
Brass
1940s Extraordinary Two-Light Glass and Brass Pendant by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Schoorl, NL
Very unique 1940s lantern by Fontana Arte attributed to Pietro Chiesa. Consists of two cut semi-circular glass panels and a brass frame.
Brass
Model 2054 Ceiling Light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model 2054 ceiling light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, 1956. Nickel-plated brass, curved, satin and ground crystal. Rewired for U.S. standards....
Crystal, Brass, Nickel
Italian Midcentury Bronze and Murano Glass Pendant or Lantern by Fontana Arte
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional Italian Mid-Century Modern bronze and hand blown Murano or Venetian glass chandelier or pendant or lantern by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. A unique piece of d...
Bronze
$13,677 / item
Max Ingrand ceiling lamp model 2448 Fontana Arte 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning ceiling lamp model 2448 designed by Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte in Italy 1960. The lamps feature a round chrome structure that holds thirty-two chiseled gla...
Chrome, Nickel
$2,400Sale Price|58% Off
Italian Design Pendant by Fontana Arte Model 2492 Ca 1960
By Fontana Arte
Located in Encinitas, CA
Pendant by Fontana Arte model 2492 design: Fontana Arte. A white matte lacquered aluminium dome mounted with a chrome trim plated section. Opaline original glass shield. Excellent...
Chrome, Aluminum
Italian Glass Flush Mount Chandelier #1748 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1957
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in New York, NY
The Italian Glass Flush Mount / Chandelier / Pendant, Model #1748 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte is one of the most iconic pieces of this legendary designer who dominated the world ...
Brass
Max Ingrand 1636 pendant lamp Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This exquisite pendant lamp, model 1636, designed by the legendary Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in 1960, is a rare and refined piece that reflects the pinnacle of Italian lighting de...
Brass
Large 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Transparent Glass & Gold for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Paola Navone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in transparent glass & gold for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass tec...
Metal
Italian Midcentury Attr to Pietro Chiesa Fontana Art Deco Gilt Chandelier c1950
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Coimbra, PT
This Mid-Century Modern chandelier from the 1950s is attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. This original Elongated large it is flanked by two etched glass on each side. The s...
Brass
Neoclassical Glass Wood Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Italy 1930s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
A modern neoclassical beautiful chandelier designed by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Milan and manufactured in the 1930s The central body with 6 arms is made of white lacquered wood. The crowns of the 6 frames are made of white lacquered molded metal. The chandelier has a round glass shade...
Glass, Wood
Fontana Arte - MAX INGRAND - ” Ceilling Light Modello 1990 - year 1960 - Italy.
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte “1990” ceilling light brass glass aluminium 1960 Italy.
Aluminum, Brass
Large 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Opaline Glass & Chrome for Fontana Arte
By Paola Navone, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in opaline glass & chrome for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass techn...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Model 1954 Pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model 1954 pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, late 1950s. Enameled metal armature with original paint,...
Brass, Metal
Fontana Arte Pendant Light, Model 2406, Sandblasted Glass, Brass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fontana Arte Pendant, mod. 2406, Italy, c. 1960 Sandblasted glass, Enamel, Brass Measures: Height 12 diameter 8 in. (Drop 34”- can be adjusted).
Metal, Copper, Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Pendant Light Model 2409, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte pendant or suspension light model 2409 consisting of dome-shaped brass shade and a thick polished cle...
Brass
Rare pair Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte 'Micro' pendants Model 1933
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in London, GB
Rare pair original Max Ingrand pendents Double lens cut panels of thick profiled polished glass with satin finished glass centres In excellent condition. No chips or cracks. Love...
Brass
Fontana Arte Pendant Light, Model 2406, Sandblasted Glass, Brass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fontana Arte Pendant, mod. 2406, Italy, c. 1960 Sandblasted glass, Enamel, Brass Measures: Height 12 diameter 8 in. (Drop 34”- can be adjusted).
Metal, Copper, Brass
Dahlia Chandelier Mod. 1563A by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brussels, BE
Dahlia chandelier mod. 1563A by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950. The Dahlia Chandelier is one of the most iconic pieces from the Fontana Arte archive. Designed in the mid ...
Brass
$7,730 / item
Max Ingrand 1990 flush mount Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A rare and highly collectible example of Italian mid-century lighting, this model 1990 flush mount ceiling lamp was designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte and produced in Italy cir...
Aluminum, Brass
Glass and brass chandelier 2296 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in MIlano, IT
Glass and brass chandelier 2296 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1950s Ceiling lamp model 2296 oblong, in frosted, transparent and colored glass with brass frames composed of eightee...
Brass
Canna Nuda lamp, first edition, design Castiglioni and Menghi for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Roberto Menghi
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Adjustable lamp model "2702 Canna nuda" composed of a metal frame and a frosted glass rod that houses the light source. The body can be reclined by 90°, allowing for both wall-mounte...
Metal
Italian Modern Neoclassical Glass Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
An elegant, sober Italian midcentury pendant / chandelier designed by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte in the Modern Neoclassical Style (Novecento) with six fluted arms in enameled met...
Metal, Enamel
Nobi Lamp Mod. 3023/1 by Metis Lightning and manufactured by Fontana Arte, 1992
By Fontana Arte, Metis Lighting
Located in Ravenna, IT
Nobi hanging lamp Mod. 3023/1 designed by Metis Lightning and produced by Fontana Arte in Italy in 1992. With a fixed-length polished steel stem, the lamp consists of a circular ligh...
Steel
Uovo Pendant Light by Ben Swildens for Fontana Arte (2 available), Italy, 1972
By Ben Swildens, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic “Uovo” pendant light designed in 1972 by Ben Swildens for the renowned Italian lighting house Fontana Arte. This celebrated design is characterized by its softly sculptural eg...
Chrome
$1,189Sale Price / set|50% Off
Roberto Menghi Lamps, FontanaArte, 1960
By Roberto Menghi, Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Roberto Menghi's Lampara lamp, produced by FontanaArte in 1960, is a timeless icon of Italian design. Featuring clean, minimalist lines, this table lamp embodies the elegance and sim...
Metal
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Chandelier Mod. 2211, Italy, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Naples, IT
This elegant model 2211 pendant lamp, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in the 1960s, features gray smoked glass panels and a cylindrical diffuser made of white opal glass, wi...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Dome Pendant Light, Model 2409 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant brass dome pendant, Model 2409, is a masterful example of Mid-Century Modern Italian lighting design, created by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. As the artistic director of Fontana Arte from 1954 to 1967, Ingrand was a pivotal figure in modern glass and lighting design, renowned for his ability to merge sculptural form with functional light diffusion. His work defined an era of high-end Italian craftsmanship, establishing Fontana Arte as one of the most influential glass and lighting manufacturers of the 20th century. The polished brass dome...
Brass
Matti Klenell Fontana Arte Bianca Small Suspension Lamp in Blown Glass
By Matti Klenell, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Matti Klenell in 2015 and manufactured by Fontana Arte, the Bianca suspension lamp is a family of lamps with diffuser in blown glass, comprising pendant, floor, wall/ceiling and table versions, the latter with or without base. Its beautifully balanced shape is enriched and made unique by an orderly series of delicate, light grooves that, on the white volume of the glass, look like tiny prints...
Blown Glass
Mod. 2200 Faceted Ceiling Light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy. c.1960
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
A rare, Mod. 2220 nickel-plated brass ceiling pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy c.1960. This curvaceous, tapered ceiling light has a lovely aged patina which contrasts b...
Brass, Nickel
Fontana Arte Pudding Aluminium Suspension Lamp, Designed 1995
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From the archives of Fontana Arte, the pudding suspension lamp was designed in 1995 and is made of faceted anodized and cast aluminum reflector that looks like a pudding mold. It is ...
Aluminum
Elegant Pendant Light attributed to Fontana Arte, 1960s.
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, PA
An elegant pendant light attributed to Fontana Arte, 1960s. Beautiful thick transparent/green art glass set on a chrome base. It contains a single socket E27. Very good vintage cond...
Chrome
$5,946 / item
Large Max Ingrand Pendant, 1950s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
Large model 1954 pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte from the 1950s. A large satin glass diffuser with a black lacquered shade sits on a minimal brass structure. Nice condition w...
Aluminum, Brass
$1,200Sale Price|73% Off
Midcentury Pendant by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian pendant with a large frosted glass shade suspended with three blue glass balls on nickel frame / Made in Italy by Fontana Arte, circa 1970s Original sticker on the ce...
Nickel
Charles Williams "Amax" Pendant for Fontana Arte, Metal and Polyethylene, 2005
By Charles Williams, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extra large AMAX pendant lamp designed in 2003 by Charles Williams and manufactured by Fontana Arte in 2005 The pendant is in very good used condition, the acrylic frame has minimal...
Acrylic
Pair of "Flute 3" Pendant Lamps by Franco Raggi for Fontana Arte – Italy 2004
By Franco Raggi, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Franco Raggi, the Flute 3 pendant light is an icon of minimal elegance and technical precision, produced by Fontana Arte in 2004. ...
Aluminum
Gio Ponti and Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Metal and Glass Chandelier
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Naples, IT
Italian design pendant lamp dating from the 1940s-60s, often attributed to designers Gio Ponti and Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Art Deco style, characterized by clean geometric sh...
Metal
$713Sale Price|20% Off
Fontana Arte Lampara Large Suspension Lamp by Roberto Menghi
By Fontana Arte, Roberto Menghi
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Bright red Industrial ceiling lamp. Metal base, comes with a Acrylic shade. Measurements are for the shade only. As on the photo 115 cm hight. Des...
Acrylic
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Ceiling Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Ceiling Lamp, Italy 1940s
Brass, Chrome
Model 2211 Suspension Light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Suspension light by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa 1960. Glass diffusers, brushed satin glass internal cylinders, brass armature and hardware...
Brass
Fontana Arte Ceiling Light Brass Glass, 1940, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte ceiling light brass glass, 1940, Italy.
Glass
Large 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Transparent Glass & Chrome for Fontana Arte
By Paola Navone, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in transparent glass & chrome for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass t...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Fontana Arte Pendant Lamp
By Fontana Arte
Located in Red Lion, PA
FONTANA ARTE Made in Italy, ca. 1950. Gorgeous six-light pendant lamp, star-shaped brass structure, thick circular crystal diffuser, circular brass lamp holder. Signed Not UL certified
Crystal, Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte brass opaline glass chandelier 1955
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Paris, IDF
This brass and opal glass chandelier, designed by Max Ingrand for the iconic Italian lighting manufacturer Fontana Arte, dates back to 1955. Crafted with noble materials and clean lines, this piece reminiscent of a butterfly bowtie epitomises mid-century Italian furniture. The lampshade consists of four curved opal glass blades joining at the center of the chandelier, each half-encased in delicate brass. This blend of materials produces a sophisticated and diffused light, fostering a welcoming ambiance in any interior. This chandelier has been fully restored and electrified, and is found in a beautiful condition, ready to enlighten any space. Literature : Vitrum, n. 100, February 1958, page 38. Max Ingrand (1908-1968), French master glassmaker and designer, began his journey in the art of stained glass at Jacques Grüber's workshop. Trained at the Beaux-Arts and the École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs, he initially restored stained glass windows destroyed during the war and fulfilled state commissions. After World War II, he reopened his workshop in Paris, emerging as a prodigy of light and transparency, as well as a talented designer. As the artistic director of the prestigious Italian lighting manufacturer Fontana Arte from 1954 until his death in 1967, he crafted iconic lighting fixtures...
Brass
“Lampara” Suspension Lamp — Fontana Arte, Italy, 1965
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A striking example of Italian industrial-inspired design, the “Lampara” suspension lamp was produced by Fontana Arte in 1965 and is featured in the brand’s Historical Archive. With ...
Metal, Aluminum
20th Century, Max Ingrand Pendant Lamp for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Some notes about the author Max Ingrand: a famous French master glass worker and decorator, he was artistic director of FontanaArte for one decade, starting from 1954. During that ti...
Brass
Medium 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Clear Glass & Gold Metal for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Paola Navone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in clear glass & gold for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass techniq...
Metal, Steel
Fontana Arte Pendant Light, Model 2406, Sandblasted Glass, Brass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fontana Arte Pendant, mod. 2406, Italy, c. 1960 Sandblasted glass, Enamel, Brass Measures: Height 12 diameter 8 in. (Drop 34”- can be adjusted).
Metal, Copper, Brass
Charles Williams Fontana Arte Amax Suspension Lamp, Metal and Polyethylene, 2003
By Charles Williams, Fontana Arte
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 2003 by Charles Williams for Fontana Arte, the Amax suspension lamp is an extra-large interpretation of the Classic FontanaArte lampshade. Amax is a family of suspension ...
Metal, Chrome
1748 Suspension by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful and rare suspension model 1748 designed by Max ingrand in 1957 for Fontana Arte. The suspension is made of a free shaped acid frosted glass diffuser with six chiselled glas...
Brass
Rare Mod. 1636 Max Ingrand Pendant for Fontana Arte. Italy, 1950's.
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and elegant Mod. 1636 vintage pendant light designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1950's. This sophisticated fixture features a sculptural brass structure pai...
Brass
Jonathan Pendant Light by Nino Zussino, Metal & Ribbed Glass, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Candle
Located in London, England
The "Jonathan" suspension is an iconic work designed by Nino Zussino for the famous brand Candle Fontana Arte. Made of metal and black ribbed glass, its contemporary and elegant silh...
Glass
Medium 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Transparent Glass & Chrome for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Paola Navone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in transparent glass & chrome for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Large 'Pinecone' Suspension Lamp in Opaline Glass & Gold Metal for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Paola Navone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large 'Pinecone' suspension lamp in opaline glass & gold metal for Fontana Arte. Designed by Paola Navone, the diffuser is expertly handcrafted using the ancient caged-blown glass t...
Metal
"Oz" pendant lamp, Daniela Puppa and Franco Raggi, Fontana Arte
By Daniela Puppa and Franco Raggi, Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, Lombardia
"Oz" pendant lamp, model 2662, with a cone-shaped diffuser made of gray opal glass encapsulated with a diagonal base, on which a lozenge of transparent anthelium glass fits. Design b...
Opaline Glass, Glass