Pair of beautiful wall sconces model 2689 designed by Gae Aulenti and Piero Castiglioni for Fontana Arte, circa 1981. The sconces are made of a brass wall bracket holding one source of light, and a glass sconce sleeved onto the brass holder. The glass part can rotate fully allowing to have different aspects of the assymetrically cut globe.
Original sticker on the back
Four pairs available
 
GAE AULENTI (1927- 2012)
Gaetana “Gae” Aulenti was a renowned Italian architect, designer, and urban planner known for her innovative approach to design and her influence on 20th-century architecture. Born in Palazzolo dello Stella, Italy, she graduated from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1954, where she developed a distinctive style that blended modernist sensibilities with a deep appreciation for historical and cultural contexts. She embraced the Neo-Liberty architectural theories, that upheld the relevance of tradition and artistic freedom within the modern aesthetics that were necessary to the rebuilding of Italy after the Second Word War. In the field of industrial design, Aulenti made a mark for her innovative and bold approach, often blending modernist aesthetics with classical and historical references. She created iconic furniture pieces and lighting designs, characterized by their clean lines, geometric forms, and functional yet artistic appeal. Among her notable works were the "Pipistrello" lamp (1965), which featured an adjustable telescopic base and bat-like shade, and the "King Sun" lamp (1967), known for its radial, starburst form. She collaborated with renowned brands like Martinelli Luce, Artemide, FontanaArte, and Zanotta, producing designs that have become classics in the design world. Her work in industrial design was marked by a sense of playfulness and experimentation, often pushing the boundaries of materials and form. Aulenti's designs continue to be celebrated for their timeless elegance and innovation, solidifying her status as a pioneering figure in the field. Gae Aulenti also gained international recognition for her work on museum interiors, most notably the transformation of the Gare d'Orsay train station into the Musée d'Orsay in Paris (1986), a project that masterfully preserved the building's original structure while reimagining it as a modern exhibition space. Other notable projects include the redesign of the Palazzo Grassi in Venice (1985), the renovation of the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome (1999), the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, among others.