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.
Italian Modern Neoclassical Glass Chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
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
Italian Mid-Century Brass & Opaline Glass Pendants, Max Ingrand & Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
2 Rare Italian Mid-Century Modern solid brass and mold blown white opaline glass pendants, chandeliers or lanterns by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Priced and sold individually. The ...
Brass
Koho Outdoor Lamp by Mika Tolvanen for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Mika Tolvanen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A rechargeable lamp that can easily be moved and placed exactly where light is needed, with no cables to get in the way. It has a lid, which comes in...
Plastic
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
Italian Mid-Century Modern Milk Glass Pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Italian Mid-Century Modern mold blown glass pendant / chandelier or lantern in the form of a teardrop by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. The piece is elegantly blown into se...
Glass, Blown Glass
Pietro Chiesa Style Italian Lantern Pendant
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Hanover, MA
1940's Italian pendant lantern in the style of Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Elegantly scrolled brass terminating in two scallop edged tulip form aluminum socket cups in original ...
Brass, Aluminum
$3,287
H 33 in Dm 9 in
Fontana Arte Style Blown Glass Brass Thee-Light Lantern or Pendant, Italy, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A gilt brass and blown smoked glass Fontara Arte style pendant or lantern with a central three-bulb candelabra cluster, Italy, 1950s. It takes three Edison E14 bulbs. Dimensions: O...
Brass
$22,256
H 35.44 in Dm 21.66 in
Impressive Pietro Chiesa Chandelier for Fontana Arte Six Light Chandelier c 1940
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Coimbra, PT
A large Mid-Century Modern vintage Suspension lamp Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Main structure in solid brass, with 2 curved discs of etched...
Brass, Aluminum
$7,761
H 43.31 in Dm 28.35 in
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
$8,900
H 30 in W 10.23 in D 3.93 in
Max Ingrand Pendant Lamp by Fontana Arte, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Vienna, AT
Max Ingrand Fontana Arte pendant lamp, Italy, 1960. Formidable smaller pendant light which comes in chromed brass and textured acid-etched (blinded) shield-form reflector shades. T...
Brass
$23,968
H 23.63 in Dm 29.53 in
Italian mid-century modern glass chandelier 1462 Max Ingrand Fontana Arte, 1950s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern pink and opaline glass chandelier 1462 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1950s Chandelier n 1462 with rounded diffuser composed of two parts: one in opaline...
Brass
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Light Fixture, Italy, 1960's
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Light fixture by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte in original patina. This example is the largest known, as the ones currently on the market are 15x15. It comes out of a Lele...
Glass
$15,967
H 27.56 in W 8.67 in D 3.94 in
Rare Max Ingrand Model 1933 Pendant for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1961
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally rare and completely original Model 1933 pendant light, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte and produced in Italy in 1961. A refined example of Ingrand’s extrao...
Gold, Brass
$15,979
H 29.14 in W 9.06 in D 3.94 in
1960's Brass & Murano Glass Pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Schoorl, NL
Very elegant 1960's pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Model 1933, from the Micro series. The iconic double lens cut panels of thick (2cm) profiled polished Murano glass with...
Glass
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 6 in D 3.25 in
Max Ingrand For Fontana Arte Drop Pendant Lamp, Model 2259, Italy, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning Mid-century ceiling pendant light chandelier dating back to the 1960s. Model no. 2259, handcrafted by Fontana Arte in Italy and designed by the renowned Max Ingrand. This ...
Brass
Vintage disk chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Vintage disk chandelier by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte made in Italy in the 1940s. Three exquisitely sculpted and sandblasted glass discs interact with light in contrasting manner...
Brass
$12,440
H 31.89 in W 8.86 in D 3.75 in
Max Ingrand Pendant Light for Fontana Arte Model 1933, Italy, 1961
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roma, IT
Striking pendant light model 1933 in the marvelous aquamarine glass version, designed by Max Ingrand and produced by Fontana Arte in Italy during the 1960s. Fully original and in am...
Crystal, Metal, Brass
$5,000
H 37.01 in Dm 10.63 in
Gilded Brass Chandelier attr. to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, 1950s, Italy
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant and rare chandelier, attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte in the 1950s, embodies the refined craftsmanship and timeless aesthetic of mid-century Italian design. ...
Brass
$15,979
H 33.08 in W 9.06 in D 3.94 in
1960's Brass and Murano Glass Pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Schoorl, NL
Very elegant 1960's pendant by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Model 1933, from the Micro series. The iconic double lens cut panels of thick (2cm) profiled polished Murano glass with...
Brass
Mid-Century Suspension 1748 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy
By Max Ingrand
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Suspension 1748 by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy
Brass
Rare Fontana Arte Lantern or Pendant by Pietro Chiesa, Italy 1935'
By Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Rare round shape pendants attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Two curved glass in Nile green crystal with precious etched acid decoration with vegetal motif supported by a ...
Art Glass
Sold
H 12.21 in Dm 10.83 in
Candle Mid-Century Red Italian Chandelier "Lampara" for Fontana Arte, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Candle
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic candle mid-century red and white metal chandelier "Lampara". The iconic Lampara suspension lamp was designed in 1965 by Candle Tec...
Metal
Sold
H 51.19 in W 43.31 in D 14.18 in
Pietro Chiesa Glass and Brass Chandelier with 12 Lights, Fontana Arte, 1940s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A stunning twelve lights chandelier designed by Pietro Chiesa and manufactured by Fontana Arte during the 1930s. This rare chandelier consists in a brass central structure with mi...
Brass
Sold
H 27 in W 8.96 in D 3.94 in
Pair of Pendants by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Model 1933, Italy, 1961
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Very elegant pair of pendants by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Model 1933, Italy, 1961. Organically shaped double lens cut panels of thick Murano polished glass with etched glass cen...
Brass
Vintage Fontana Arte Clear Etched Glass and Brass Lantern, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely Vintage handmade Fontana Arte blown glass lantern with elegant design etched pattern and Fine brass work, Italy, 1950s. This piece is in very good vintage condition, no dama...
Brass
Sold
H 31 in Dm 10 in
Fontana Arte Faceted Ultra Clear Glass Brass Frame Pendant, Lantern, Italy 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Mid-Century Modern Fontana Arte pendant or lantern, Italy, 1950s. Geometrical faceted ultra clear glass panels with brass beaded frames, brass canopy and...
Brass
Curved Glass Lantern by Luigi Fontana, circa 1940
By Fontana Arte, Luigi Fontana
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare glass lantern designed by Luigi Fontana in the 1930-1940s. Six tapered and curved pale-aquamarine glass panes are arranged around a delicate brass structure. Three original bras...
Brass
Fontana Arte Chandelier, 1930s
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Fontana Arte chandelier from the 1930s. The centerpiece is made of thick tubular glass with eight brass arms and off-white scalloped socket covers. Eight brass and ceramic E27 s...
Brass, Aluminum
Sold
H 39.38 in W 13.78 in D 5.91 in
Fontana Arte Pair of Lanterns or Pendants Attributed to Pietro Chiesa, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Rare pair of pendants attributed to Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Two curved glass in Nile green crystal with precious etched acid decoration with vegetal motif supported by a bras...
Art Glass
Sold
H 39.38 in W 13.78 in D 5.91 in
Fontana Arte Pair of Lanterns or Pendants Attributed Pietro Chiesa, Italy, 1935
By Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Rare pair of pendants attributed Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Two curved glass in Nile green crystal with precious etched acid decoration with vegetal motif supported by a brass f...
Art Glass
Pietro Chiesa Fontana Arte Lantern
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Brussels, BE
Pietro Chiesa was the artistic director of Fontana Arte in the 1930s. This work, whith brass flowers is typical of his style. He produced items using the same design. The lantern is ...
Brass
Sold
H 12.21 in Dm 10.83 in
Candle Fontana Arte Lampara, Suspension Lamp Designed 1965 Italian Lighting
By Fontana Arte, Candle
Located in Roma, IT
Lampara suspension lamp, designed in 1965 by Candle Technical Office, historical Italian brand acquired in the 1990s by Fontana Arte. In white lacquered metal, the lamp is in excelle...
Metal
Sold
H 11.5 in Dm 12 in
Modern Fontana Arte Globo di Luce Chrome Art Glass Pendant, Roberto Menghi, 1968
By Fontana Arte, Roberto Menghi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Round shape suspension lamp that radiates a direct light which originates from the heart of the lamp itself, blown glass, in chrome finish, which enhances the spherical form. This is...
Stainless Steel
Fontana Arte Amax Suspension Pendant White Modern Charles Williams, 2004
By Fontana Arte, Charles Williams
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fontana Arte Amax suspension pendant white medium pendant Measures: 18 " diameter and 19" height. MSRP: 3200+ USD. Huge interpretation of the classic Fontana Arte lampshade, Amax is...
Stainless Steel
Max Ingrand Pendant, 1960s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Classic Max Ingrand drop-shaped pendant model 2259 for Fontana Arte, 1960s. Thick partially frosted glass on Minimalist patinated brass hardware. One brass E14 socket with new wiring...
Brass