Stilnovo Brass and Glass Chandelier, Italy 1950s (sold)
Stilnovo Brass and Glass Chandelier, Italy 1950s (sold)
This characteristic Stilnovo chandelier is the definition of an eye-catching design. Decorative lighting is basically the fourth layer of illumination, the jewellery of the room. This lamp contains the impact of accent lighting with a one-of-a-kind structure.
A well-chosen lighting piece can change the overall look of a room and how it feels to be in that room. Historically, chandeliers would hang in the foyer or dining room, however, nowadays, a chandelier is often placed in smaller rooms or even a bathroom to set the aesthetic impression of the space. This mid-century chandelier has an innovative look that is established by the unique geometry of the arms, the conical cluster, and the peculiar shape of the glass shades. This model’s design revolves around its ten opaline glass shades arranged uniquely on curved brass arms. The arms are in pairs, with five connecting points to the cluster. They are bent to cross each other at different heights with a strong curvature. Yet, the resulting structure isn’t chaotic, instead it is interesting and airy, highlighting the shape of the glass shades. The pressed spheres have slim “necks” letting through the light directly. The combination of brass and glass was especially characteristic of the mid-century era as the brass shines beautifully when the light is on. The black lacquered conical cluster is a clever addition as it serves as a focal point. To leave the focus on the body the canopy and the tubing are quite understated. As a result, the design is well-balanced.
Stilnovo was the forerunner of innovative Italian lighting design, earning their models much recognition and often a place in museums. This unique chandelier leaves no doubt about the reason of the company’s success, and is a perfect accent piece.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The brass has a beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
32.48 in W x 31.88 in D x 53.74 in H
82.5 cm W x 81 cm D x 136.5 cm H
About the manufacturer:
Stilnovo was founded in the heart of Milan by Bruno Gatta in 1946. In 1947, Stilnovo participated in the 8th Triennale di Milano and immediately activated a communications campaign, focused on the most important specialized magazines in the sector.
In the following years, Bruno Gatta partnered with his brother Paolo, who had recently graduated from university and in September 1949, they opened “Stilnovo Srl”, with a share capital of 400,000 Italian Lire. This set off a managerial pathway which, over the course of just a few years, saw the company become a point of reference in modern lighting. By 1956, Stilnovo achieved a share capital of 4,000,000 Italian Lire, a tenfold increase in just seven years. Their designs were celebrated and the “2061” model became the first Stilnovo lamp selected at the Compasso d’Oro.
In 1957, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni designed two Saliscendi light fixtures for the new Milan Chamber of Commerce. The coming decades brought many designs that are now considered iconic, and by the 1970s, many of their models were featured in various media outlets, galleries, and museums. Stilnovo took part in the 1972 show “Italy, the New Domestic Landscape” at the MoMA in New York, where the Periscopio and Nuvola lamps became part of the permanent collection.
After decades of success, confirmed by the many lights displayed in the world’s most important design museums, Stilnovo stopped in its tracks in 1988, along a path on which it had set out in the 1940s.