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an image of a table lamp with a white basea white bowl that is sitting on a table
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236 - Angelo MANGIAROTTI (1921–2012), ‘Lesbo’ table lamp, for Arte…
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Estimate CHF 700 - CHF 900
Sale commission
Description
Angelo MANGIAROTTI (1921–2012), ‘Lesbo’ table lamp, for Artemide, designed in 1967. Made from die-cast aluminium and blown glass with milky glass inclusions. H. 37 x 50 cm Ottagono no. 3, October 1966, p. 81; Ottagono no. 4, January 1967, p. 99; Domus no. 451, June 1967, p. 41; G. Gramigna, Repertorio 1950–2000, Allemandi, Turin, 2003, p. 140. No label. One of the distinctive features of ‘Lesbo’ lies in the treatment of the glass: its asymmetrical and slightly flared shape breaks with the strict geometry of contemporary light fittings. Here, Mangiarotti favours an aesthetic based on the continuity of form, where the function of lighting seems to flow naturally from the volume. The metal base, usually made of aluminium, ensures the stability of the whole whilst creating a subtle contrast with the softness and translucency of the glass. The relationship between the two materials contributes to the visual balance of the piece: the structure is deliberately understated so as to allow the diffuser to take centre stage. The name “Lesbo” refers to the Greek island of Lesbos and indirectly evokes the Mediterranean world that inspired part of the formal imagination of Italian design during this period. The lamp also illustrates Mangiarotti’s interest in natural and organic forms, which he reinterprets through the possibilities offered by industrial production. With “Lesbo”, Mangiarotti thus succeeds in transcending the lamp’s mere utilitarian function to create a truly sculptural object, whose form retains all its power when switched off and transforms into a luminous presence when switched on.
See original version (French)
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About the sale BACK TO AUCTION — The start of the new auction season
Auction location
Auction time 09/08/2026 at 2:30 PM
Ref. : ALPZ14
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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