Rare Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce '2041' Chandelier in Brass with Twelve Light Beige Shades

Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, rare chandelier, model '2041', lacquered aluminum, brass, Italy, design 1948

An uncommon opportunity to encounter the present chandelier (model 2041), an exceptionally rare design by Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce, dating to 1948. It beautifully encapsulates the expression of mid-century Italian modernism, where form and function strike a particularly delicate balance. Its design language is clean but rich in nuance; its geometry is restrained, yet far from minimal. The structure consists of a circular brass ring, gracefully suspended from the ceiling by a constellation of tapering rods that converge at a secondary brass ring, leading to a smaller brass canopy mount. Each of the twelve arms extends outward with a curved upward tilt, holding light beige creme conical shades with a softened, bulbous form. The brass brings warmth while the shades lighten the visual weight.

Sarfatti founded Arteluce in 1936, an Italian lighting company that garnered acclaim for its groundbreaking and pioneering designs, defying conventional norms prevalent during that period. Functional principles, such as flexibility and adaptability, guided Sarfatti through the design process. He conceived a modular approach to lighting systems, enabling the user to personalize and adjust the lighting fixtures according to its preferences and needs. A significant part of the released designs incorporated practical elements, such as adjustable arms and rotating mechanisms. This innovative approach had a profound influence on the conceptualization and utilization of lighting within interiors around that time. In addition to their functional attributes, the lamps crafted by the company were predominantly characterized by a pure and minimalist aesthetic. A decoration was subordinate to the constructive element, focusing on the essential composition of geometric forms and usage of materials.