With their curvaceous metal surfaces and shapes often resembling sheets of folded paper, Mathieu Matégot's inspiring furniture and lighting designs are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. By working with perforated sheet metal and metal tubing, the Hungarian-born French architect, artist and designer — who is known by aficionados for his “rigitulle” technique — created tables, chairs and decorative objects that are celebrated works of French modernism and make a statement in any interior.
Matégot attended the Budapest School of Fine Arts and Architecture. He graduated in 1929 and traveled before settling in Paris in 1931, where he worked as a window dresser for department stores and as a set designer for cabaret halls.
In 1939, Matégot joined the French army in resistance to invading Nazi forces. He was soon captured and sent to work in a German factory. It was at this factory where Matégot became familiar with the materials and techniques that would inform and inspire his trademark rigitulle method.
After the war ended, Matégot opened a workshop in Paris and began to create handcrafted furniture that didn't conform to established styles of the time. Matégot explored merging traditional and non-traditional materials — he worked with formica, glass and natural materials such as rattan — and engaged in other forward-looking experiments. Matégot soon patented his career-defining rigitulle technique and material, which saw the designer working with metal tubing and perforated metal sheets and producing thin, airy folds into the metal as if he were manipulating fabric or paper.
Many of Matégot’s designs for table lamps, pendants, tables and more are reflective of the rigitulle technique, but the best-known work that exemplifies this process is his elegant three-legged Nagasaki chair, which he exhibited in 1954 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. The original Nagasaki chair gave way to a collection that included a stool and an armchair. Matégot’s Nagasaki dining chair has been reissued by Gubi and is part of the permanent collection at the Vitra Design Museum, which is home to one of the world’s most important furniture collections.
Matégot created a range of smaller items for the home — serveware, side tables and magazine racks, each distinctive in their fluid and organic forms — but halted his career in design and moved to Angers in the early 1960s in order to turn to creating art. Today he is known for his abstract tapestries as well as his furnishings.
Find vintage Mathieu Matégot furniture on 1stDibs.
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for Gubi in Cream
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for Gubi in Cream Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work with...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Baghdad Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" lamp. Red perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Original European socket with new wiring for US. Great condition. Ma...
Metal, Brass
Important French Mid-Century Modern 'Baghdad' Table Lamp by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Rare French Mid-century table lamp or desk lamp in black enameled perforated metal by Mathieu Matégot. The piece has a unique sculptural form composed of series of non-linear angl...
Metal
Brass Suspension Lamp 4 Lights Design Mathieu Mategot, 1960s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in taranto, IT
Rare original 60s chandelier, design mathieu mategot, made of sage green perforated sheet metal on a brass structure with four lights and as many opalines in white murano glass It...
Brass
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for GUBI in Mustard
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Satellite' Outdoor Metal Pendant for GUBI in Mustard Designed in 1953 by Matégot, this authorized re-edition by GUBI of Denmark meticulously reproduces his work wit...
Metal
French Pendant Light Attributed to Mathieu Matégot for Holophane
By Mathieu Matégot, Holophane
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century pendant attributed by French designer Mathieu Mategot designed in the late 1940 or early 1950s Perforated metal conical shaped down rod opaline glass shade. The total on ...
Steel
$306Sale Price|71% Off
H 5.12 in W 5.91 in D 13.78 in
Sought after Vintage Yellow Mathieu Mategot Table or Desk Light, 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Markington, GB
1960 retro vintage stunning yellow Mathieu Mategot table or desk light incredibly sought after and rare item a wonderful clean example of a moder...
Metal
Pendant by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pendant designed my Mathieu Matégot, France, circa 1950s. Opal glass shade with clear textured glass diffuser and lacquered aluminum. Original paint. Marked on glass: Made in Fra...
Philips Opal Glass White Metal Pendant Lamp, Dutch Design, 1960s
By Philips
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 1960s pendant lamp. Two white metal strip shades with interior milk glass cylinder shade. Lit by 4 bulbs -- one points light down through the center glass shade, the other th...
Metal
$1,744 / item
H 16.54 in W 47.25 in D 25.6 in
Gervasoni Large Brass Suspension Lamp in Matt Brass by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a strong decorative impact, the BRASS lamp family exploits the ductility of brass and its ability to embellish interiors with warm and golden light reflections. Suspension lamps have a delicate shape of great visual appeal: a light brass disc with a slight curvature in the smaller version or very accentuated in the larger one that floats in the air reflecting light poetically and suggestively. They can be used individually or combined with each other for an even more suggestive and cinematographic effect. Given the total craftsmanship of the product , it is possible that small stains may appear over time due to oxidation of the brass. These stains are therefore not defects but a characteristic of the material. Small superficial marks, scratches, creases etc. are caused by the hand-hammering process on the brass, so they are characteristic of the manufacturing process. - Brass Suspension lamp in brass metal sheet, matt transparent lacquered. Tops brass metal sheet, hand polished surface - Aluminium Top cast aluminium, hand polished surface. Both surface tops are not subject to any treatment in order to obtain the best brilliance therefore, the surface can be easily scratched. Superficial scratches can be removed using appropriate paste for cleaning metal parts. Due to the used material, it is quite normal the surface will become darker over time. Suspension lamp in hammered matt brass. Max. power 18 W, 220 Volt, bulb holder E 27, bulb not included. (electrical cable lenght 250 cm; steel cable lenght 200 cm) Additional Information: Material: Brass Finish: Matt brass Power supply: Max. power 18 W, 220 Volt, bulb holder E 27 Dimension: 120 W x 65 D x 42 H cm Available in other size option: Small Quick Ship: Brass 95...
Brass
$1,104 / item
H 7.09 in W 31.5 in D 27.56 in
Gervasoni Small Brass Suspension Lamp in Matt Brass by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a strong decorative impact, the BRASS lamp family exploits the ductility of brass and its ability to embellish interiors with warm and golden light reflections. Suspension lamps have a delicate shape of great visual appeal: a light brass disc with a slight curvature in the smaller version or very accentuated in the larger one that floats in the air reflecting light poetically and suggestively. They can be used individually or combined with each other for an even more suggestive and cinematographic effect. Given the total craftsmanship of the product, it is possible that small stains may appear over time due to oxidation of the brass. These stains are therefore not defects but a characteristic of the material. Small superficial marks, scratches, creases etc. are caused by the hand-hammering process on the brass, so they are characteristic of the manufacturing process. - Brass Suspension lamp in brass metal sheet, matt transparent lacquered. Tops brass metal sheet, hand polished surface - Aluminium Top cast aluminium, hand polished surface. Both surface tops are not subject to any treatment in order to obtain the best brilliance therefore, the surface can be easily scratched. Superficial scratches can be removed using appropriate paste for cleaning metal parts. Due to the used material, it is quite normal the surface will become darker over time. Suspension lamp in hammered matt brass. Max. power 18 W, 220 Volt, bulb holder E 27, bulb not included. (electrical cable lenght 250 cm; steel cable lenght 200 cm) Additional Information: Material: Brass Finish: Matt brass Power supply: Max. power 18 W, 220 Volt, bulb holder E 27 Dimension: 80 W x 70 D x 18 H cm Available in other size option: Large Quick Ship: Brass 95...
Brass
$871 / set
H 7.49 in W 5.52 in D 2.37 in
Green and White Metal Pair of Table Lamps Style of Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Green and white metal pair of table lamps style of Mathieu Matégot, 1950s Minimal and very high quality design Fully functional. These lamps made of perforated metal and brass. Or...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell 1965 Pendant Red for GUBI
By Paavo Tynell, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
The 1965 Pendant was originally designed by Paavo Tynell in 1948. Like many of his best-known designs, the pendant was designed for the Finland House in New York - one of the most am...
Steel
$642 / item
H 22.84 in Dm 13.78 in
1 of 12 Perforated Metal and Glass Pendants by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot, Holophane
Located in Echt, NL
Industrial pendants in very good original condition. Designed by Mathieu Mategot in the 1950s. Produced by ‘Holophane' We have 12 of these pendants available. The pendants consis...
Metal
$4,908 / item
H 49.3 in W 47.4 in D 38.4 in
'Galassia' Brass & Glass 12-Shade Suspension Lamp for Stilnovo
By Stilnovo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Galassia' brass & glass 12-shade suspension lamp for Stilnovo Founded in 1946 in Milan, Stilnovo was one of the most innovative lighting companies in Italy during the Midcentur...
Brass, Steel
Cofrac Art Glass Table Lamp, Brass Base, Mid-Century Modern, France
By Cofrac
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful and very good quality modern art glass table lamp. This Art Deco style table lamp is uniquely shaped blown crystal and brass made by Cofrac Art Verrier from France. This piece bears the makers mark. Cofrac used labels to identify their pieces which were usually removed by the purchasers for aesthetics, however, the labels were not removed on this vintage lamp. Therefore, this lamp is like new. Approximate dimensions: 20" High x 18 1/2" Wide x 6" Deep Weighs Approximately: 25 lbs. Exceptionally good vintage condition. No chips or cracks. Brass base was recently polished. Lamp is in working order. This modern art glass table lamp or Cofrac Art Verrier Table Lamp...
Brass
$884 / item
H 24.41 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
French Midcentury Pendant Lights by Mathieu Matégot for Holophane
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
A run of lighting by Mathieu Matégot for Holophane. The downturned hemispherical shade complete with original two-part prismatic glass lens, suspended from a conical perforated st...
Glass
Sold
H 51.19 in Dm 11.03 in
Mathieu Matégot Pendant Lamps in Opal Glass, Red Metal, 1950s French Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful Mid-Century pendant lamps in opaline glass, red enamelled perforated metal and brass. This incredibly elegant and unique pendants were designed by Mathieu Matégot in Franc...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Mathieu Matégot White Baghdad Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" lamp. White perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Original European socket with new wiring for US. Great condition. ...
Metal, Brass
Perforated Metal Wall Sconce by Mathieu Matégo
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Long Island City, NY
Wall Sconce by Mathieu Matégot featuring Perforated Metal shade, brass, and metal hardware. About Mathieu Matégot: Mathieu Matégot (1910 - 2001) was a Hungarian designer and architect. After studying at Budapest's school of art and architecture, he settled in France in 1931. He was a volunteer in the French army, was captured and not released until 1944. After returning home, he started producing handmade furniture in Paris.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Perforated Metal Sconce by Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
This refined sconce was realized in France, circa 1950 by the celebrated designer Mathieu Matégot. It feature slender brass body that culminate in a pointed conical finial; rhomboid...
Metal, Brass
Mathieu Matégot Black Baghdad Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" lamp. Black perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Original European socket with new wiring for US. Great condition. ...
Metal, Brass
Mathieu Matégot Yellow Baghdad Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" lamp. Yellow perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Original European socket with new wiring for US. Great condition. Matching red and...
Metal, Brass
Mathieu Matégot Black Baghdad Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" lamp. Black perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Original European socket with new wiring for US. Great condition. ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Painted Aluminium Pendants by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated pair of pendants were designed by the legendary Mathieu Matégot in France, circa 1950s. They feature Opalescent glass domed bodies; gently arced circular glass sha...
Aluminum
Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" Lamp
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Mathieu Matégot "Baghdad" Lamp. Red perforated metal. Illuminates beautifully. Old welding and patina. Great condition.
Metal, Brass
Mategot Illuminated Mirror Artimeta, Holland, 1955
By Floris H. Fiedeldij, Mathieu Matégot, Artimeta
Located in London, GB
Mathieu Matégot (1910-2001), a Hungarian/French designer and material artist, was one of the most renowned designers of the Mid-Century era. He studied at Budapest’s school of art an...
Brass
Suspension Holophane Industriel Mathieu Mategot Lamps
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Antwerp, BE
Lamp by Mathieu Mategot (1910-2001), produced by Atelier Mategot in the fifties. 6 pieces available.