Model 1933 Pendant in Brass and Glass by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1961

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Description

An exceptionally rare and completely original Model 1933 pendant light, designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte and produced in … Read more 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 extraordinary ability to treat light, glass and metal as a single architectural composition, the pendant is built around two substantial lens-shaped panels of thick, profiled Fontana Arte glass. Their softly irregular oval form is emphasized by deeply beveled, hand-polished edges, while the broad central areas are finely sandblasted to diffuse the light and conceal the bulb from direct view. The glass retains the distinctive original Fontana Arte coloration: a delicate aquamarine tone with subtle pale green reflections, especially visible along the thick sculpted edges. Depending on the angle and surrounding light, the glass shifts between almost colorless transparency, cool celadon and a more pronounced sea-green hue. This nuanced coloration, together with the weight, depth and precision of the polished profiles, gives the pendant the unmistakable material richness associated with Fontana Arte’s finest production of the period. The two glass lenses are held by the original brass fittings within a slender oval brass surround. Its inner surface retains the authentic gilded finish applied in 1961, producing a warm golden reflection that contrasts beautifully with the cooler aquamarine glass. The golden tone is not created by tinted glass: it comes from the original gilding of the surrounding structure, which captures and reflects the light across the polished glass edges. The pendant is suspended from its original long brass stem and completed by the original ceiling canopy. Every component has been preserved, including the brass mounts, small fixing elements and electrical housing. The construction remains entirely consistent with Fontana Arte’s early production of the Model 1933. The metalwork has never been aggressively polished or refinished. Its warm, naturally aged surface displays a rich and highly attractive patina, with gentle variations, oxidation and small signs of time throughout. The gilding has also been deliberately preserved rather than renewed, retaining the depth, irregularity and mellow luminosity that only an original finish from 1961 can acquire. When illuminated, the sandblasted centres emit a soft, atmospheric glow, while the polished aquamarine edges remain transparent and luminous. Light is reflected by the gilded surround, creating an elegant interplay of cool glass, warm gold and diffused illumination. When switched off, the pendant retains a distinctly sculptural presence, almost like a suspended piece of architectural jewellery. Surviving examples that preserve the correct Fontana Arte glass, their original aquamarine coloration, the period gilding and the complete untouched structure are increasingly difficult to find. This exceptionally well-preserved pendant offers collectors the rare opportunity to acquire an authentic example of one of Max Ingrand’s most sophisticated lighting designs. The Model 1933 belongs to an important family of lighting conceived by Ingrand for Fontana Arte and was also produced in related wall-light and floor-lamp variations. Literature reference: Pierre-Emmanuel Martin-Vivier, Max Ingrand: Du verre à la lumière, Paris, 2009, p. 212; Fontana Arte manufacturer’s catalogue No. 6. Italy, 1961. Condition Note: The fixture retains its original European wiring. As with all vintage lighting, we recommend professional inspection and rewiring for safe operation and compliance with contemporary local electrical standards. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution,
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less