Vintage pendant lamp in brass and frosted crystal glass by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, Italy 1938

This superb chandelier, designed by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte in 1938, is a variation on the Padelle chandelier produced in the early 1930s. It consists of a large, flat, transparent crystal disk set on a frosted glass dome, illustrating Ponti's attention to the harmony of surfaces, space and light. The upper part of the suspension, made of crystal, is embellished with hand-painted brass and aluminum details. A very rare piece, fully restored and electrified, in superb condition. Literature: Gio Ponti Designer, Padova 1936-1941, Universo Mario, edition Laterza 1989, page 60 for a similar model. Gio Ponti (1891-1979) was an Italian architect, designer and artist. Founder of the architectural magazine Domus, he is also renowned for having left his mark on many iconic 20th-century buildings, including the Pirelli Tower in Milan. His collaboration with Fontana Arte, which began in the 1930s, resulted in a series of innovative works that are still highly prized today, such as the "Padelle" chandelier. As artistic director of Fontana Arte until the mid-1950s, Ponti broadened the company's scope beyond lighting to include interior design. His creations, such as the "1933" table lamp and the "0024" wall mirror, combined modernist lines with excellent craftsmanship, consolidating Fontana Arte's reputation as a leader in contemporary Italian design. Fontana Arte, founded in 1932, is renowned for its pioneering contributions to the world of Italian lighting and furniture design, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to create pieces that stand the test of time. Reference : 309706