Artemide is an iconic firm in the design world. The mid-century Italian company is one of the best known lighting manufacturers and its award-winning fixtures are held in museum collections everywhere. Vintage Artemide table lamps, pendants, ceiling lamps and other lighting represent a thoughtful merge between functionalism and eye-catching design.
Artemide, which is based in Pregnana, was founded by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza in 1959. During that year, Mazza created the first table lamp for the manufacturer — a modernist work in glass, marble and metal that he called the Alfa. Gismondi, who studied aeronautical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and missile engineering at Rome’s Professional School of Engineering, applied his knowledge of cutting edge technology and materials such as fiberglass resin to Artemide’s designs for lighting and furniture.
In 1967, Artemide won Italy’s Compasso d'Oro design award for its Eclisse table lamp, which was designed by Vico Magistretti two years earlier. Other award-winning fixtures include the Tizio table lamp designed by Richard Sapper and the Tolomeo table lamp.
Designed by Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, the Tolomeo featured the patented George Carwardine mechanism used in the original Anglepoise lamp. De Lucchi would later be recruited to join visionary postmodern design collective the Memphis Group. Artemide’s Gismondi purchased the brand after founder Ettore Sottsass dismantled the collective in 1988, and it was bought by Alberto Bianchi Albrici in 1996.
Artemide’s list of design, innovation, sustainability and other industry awards is long and distinguished. The firm continues to actively collaborate with internationally revered designers and seek out new talent through workshops with design schools. The company’s deeply held values — energy-saving lighting, sustainable design and ethically sourced materials — characterize its current offerings, and Artemide furniture and lighting can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and other institutions.
On 1stDibs, find Artemide tables, seating, floor lamps, chandeliers and more.
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide First Edition 'Sintesi' Red Clamp Light
By Ernesto Gismondi, Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, multi-way clamp lamp, model 'Sintesi Faretto Morsetto', first edition, coated iron, coated steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, Italy, design 1976 The fo...
Metal, Iron
Francesco Buzzi Ceriani 'Cuffia' Table Lamp in Black Metal
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Francesco Buzzi Ceriani 'Cuffia' table lamp, aluminum, steel, chrome, Italy, design 1960s The Cuffia table lamp, designed by Francesco Buzzi Ceriani in 1960s Italy, is a refined exa...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide 'Sintesi Faretto' Wall Light in Green
By Artemide
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, wall light, model 'Sintesi Faretto', first edition, Cornalux bulb included, coated iron, coated steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, Italy, 1976 The foun...
Aluminum, Iron
Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce '194N' Wall Light with Black Shade
By Arteluce, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, wall light, model '194N', chrome-plated metal, coated aluminum, coated steel, Italy, 1950 This wall light, model 194N, is designed by the influential designer in the field of lighting design Gino Sarfatti (1912-1985) for Arteluce in 1950. Sarfatti founded Arteluce in 1936, an Italian lighting company that garnered acclaim for its groundbreaking and pioneering designs, defying conventional norms prevalent during that period. Functional principles, such as flexibility and adaptability, guided Sarfatti through the design process. He conceived a modular approach to lighting systems, enabling the user to personalize and adjust the lighting fixtures according to its preferences and needs. A significant part of the released designs incorporated practical elements, such as adjustable arms and rotating mechanisms. This innovative approach had a profound influence on the conceptualization and utilization of lighting within interiors around that time. In addition to their functional attributes, the lamps crafted by the company were predominantly characterized by a pure and minimalist aesthetic. A decoration was subordinate to the constructive element, focusing on the essential composition of geometric forms and usage of materials. Gino Sarfatti considers this type of wall lights as ‘extendible wall sconce...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Rare Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce Table Lamp with Reflective Screen
By Gino Sarfatti, Arteluce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, table lamp, model '611/g-p', aluminum, lacquered steel, chrome-plated steel, Italy, 1973 Very rare table lamp designed by the visionary Italian designer ...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Roger Tallon for Erco 'Spot' Table Lamp
By Roger Tallon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Tallon for Erco, 'Spot' table lamp, plastic, aluminum, metal, France, 1972. This table lamp is an iconic design by the French designer Roger Tallon. The black and white lamp features bright red details and can be attached to a table top. The name of these industrial lamps is fitting as they resemble professional (much larger...
Metal, Aluminum
1980s Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide Sintesi Table / Desk Lamp in Black
By Ernesto Gismondi, Artemide
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sintesi Lamp, originally designed by Ernesto Gismondi in 1976. This particular example was produced by Artemide in Italy in the 1980s. The lamp features a black enameled me...
Metal, Aluminum
Sintesi Clamp Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide
By Flos, Gaetano Sciolari, Ernesto Gismondi, Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in München, DE
Fabulous Italian clamp lamp by Ernesto Gismondi from the 1970s. Industrial design and high quality workmanship. An absolute highlight for every design lover. Design: Ernesto Gismond...
Metal
Sintesi series clamp lamps, Ernesto Gismondi, Artemide, 1970s
By Ernesto Gismondi, Artemide
Located in Milano, IT
The Sintesi series of clamp lamps from Italian manufacturer Artemide originated from a 1970s design by Ernesto Gismondi and are an icon of Italian design. The characteristic elements...
Metal
Table Lamp Sintesi Morsetto by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide 1970s
By Ernesto Gismondi, Artemide
Located in Padova, IT
Very rare Table lamp Sintesi Morsetto designed by Ernesto Gismondi and produced by Artemide 1970s. This is the arm version with clamp for fixing. Painted metal structure, aluminum diffuser Founded in 1960s, Artemide is one of the most known illumination brands in the world. Known for its "The Human Light...
Metal
Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide Wall Lamp "Sintesi Faretto," Italy 1970s
By Ernesto Gismondi, Artemide
Located in Naples, IT
Wall lamp "Faretto "Sintesi" designed by Ernesto Gismondi, produced by Artemide in the 1970s made of black and white enameled metal. It is an illuminating work of art, can be used as...
Metal
Vintage Italian Sintesi Pinza Clamp Table Lamp by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide
By Ernesto Gismondi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare clamping lamps from the Sintesi series of the Italian manufacturer Artemide after a draft of Ernesto Gismondi from the 70s. The lights show the characteristic elements of the Si...
Metal
Gunnel Nyman was known as a glass artist, but this piece is a striking example of her early training in furniture design.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
