Max Ingrand's Prototype Ceiling Light: A Daring Emblem of Fontana Arte's Avant-Garde Innovation
Fontana Arte has long been celebrated for its pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional design. An exemplary embodiment of the company’s experimental ethos is the present Prototype ceiling light, model no. RA 2631, created in the late 1950s under Max Ingrand, the firm’s visionary Creative Director. At the time, Ingrand was notably inspired and driven by his collaborative relationship with one of Italian design’s great masters, Gio Ponti, who he held in high regard and oftenturned to for suggestions.
Acquired directly from Fontana Arte in 1961, this ceiling light is a testament to the glassmaker’s daring approach to lighting design. It stands as a striking departure from traditional lighting fixtures of its era, epitomising the essence of Fontana Arte's modern design philosophy. At the heart of this forward-looking work lies an irregularly shaped shade, composed of three imposing individual thick glass panes and one large partially-acid etched multi-faceted glass shade which hovers below them. The deliberate unevenness of these elements challenges the norms of symmetry and reveals a unique and captivating aesthetic.
The varying textures of glass, as well as the space created between the component parts, elevate the ceiling light from mere illumination to an emblem of innovation. The structural framework of the prototype ceiling light is also a testament to the unconventional design principles championed by Fontana Arte. Crafted from painted brass, the frame is a harmonious and seamless complement to the dynamism of the glass shade.
A comparable and contemporary example to the present work is published in Franco Deboni’s monograph Fontana Arte: Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, Max Ingrand (2012) and shows the same pioneering language at play. The sophistication of Ingrand's creativity is evident in both pieces’ appealing asymmetry. They invite viewers to appreciate the quality of their craftsmanship, particularly evident in the glasswork’s characteristic bevelled edges which showcases the skill and attention to detail that went into their creation.
Max Ingrand, Prototype ceiling light, circa 1955.
Photo:Franco Deboni, Fontana Arte: Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, Max Ingrand, Turin, 2012, p. 65
This extraordinary piece never entered mass production, underscoring its avant-garde nature, perhaps coming to life too early for the clientele of its time. Its rarity today adds to its allure, making it an undeniable piece of design history that embodies a specific and defining moment in the chronology of Fontana Arte production.
Provenance
Private collection, Milan, acquired direcly from the manufacturer, 1961 Acquired from the above by the present owner
Catalogue Essay
Phillips wishes to thank Franco Deboni for his assistance in cataloguing the present lot.
circa 1959 Glass, partially-acid etched glass, painted brass. 32.2 x 121.2 x 120 cm (12 5/8 x 47 3/4 x 47 1/4 in.) Manufactured by Fontana Arte, Milan, Italy. Together with a copy of the original invoice.