Description

Early Italian Brutalism Marcello Fantoni Table Lamp Wrought Bronze & Iron Circa 1970s DIMENSIONS Height: 31.5 in (80.01 cm) Diameter: 8.25 in (20.96 cm) MARKINGS Located on the lamp's base is the distinctive "Fantoni Firenze Italy" maker's mark. ABOUT This exquisite table lamp exemplifies the bold aesthetic of Italian early Brutalism, crafted by the renowned artist Marcello Fantoni during the dynamic artistic period of the 1970s. Fantoni, celebrated for his innovative approach to ceramics and metalwork, created this striking piece using a combination of wrought bronze and iron. The lamp's design showcases a harmonious blend of organic and industrial elements, with its robust form and intricate detailing capturing the essence of Brutalist design philosophy. The lamp is not only a functional lighting fixture but also a sculptural work of art, characterized by its substantial weight and impressive craftsmanship. Every aspect of its construction reflects Fantoni's mastery, from the meticulously textured surfaces to the skillfully integrated materials that lend it a sense of timeless solidity. Located on the lamp's base is the distinctive "Fantoni Firenze Italy" maker's mark, a testament to its authenticity and the artisanal tradition of Florence, where Fantoni established his renowned studio. This hallmark adds provenance and historical significance to the piece, connecting it directly to the celebrated artist's legacy. Despite its age, this lamp remains in remarkable vintage condition, retaining a desirable patina that enhances its aesthetic appeal. The patina, acquired through decades of careful use and maintenance, imbues the lamp with a sense of history and character, making it a cherished addition to any discerning collectors or enthusiast's home. The lamp's design and condition make it not only a functional lighting solution but also a captivating conversation piece that enriches any interior space. Whether placed on a desk, a side table, or as a focal point in a curated collection, this Marcello Fantoni table lamp stands as a testament to the enduring allure of mid-century Italian design and craftsmanship. Its presence is a nod to an era of artistic exploration and innovation, where form and function converged to create objects of enduring beauty and cultural significance. MARCELLO FANTONI Few personalities in the realm of postwar fine art sculpture have been as influential as that of Marcello Fantoni. Defying his humble beginnings with simple ceramics, Fantoni was able to push the practice and the medium into the sphere of the serious with his mastery of technique and his wholly unique abstract style. In dialog with the major artistic movements of his time, Fantoni raised the profile of Italian ceramics while laying the groundwork for its continued prestige. Born in Florence in 1915, Fantoni started on the artistic path at an extremely young age. In 1927 at age 12, he entered the Instituto d’Arte Porta Romana. While there he studied under the giants of Italian sculpture of the time, including Carlo Guerrini, Libero Andreotti, and Bruno Innocenti, with Gianni Vagnetti as his drawing instructor. Graduating in 1934 as a “maestro,” Fantoni set out on his own as a professional ceramicist. In 1936, having served for a while as artistic director of a ceramics factory in Perugia, Fantoni established his own Fantoni Ceramic Studio in his home city. He debuted the output of his new studio in 1937 at the Florentine Arts and Crafts Exhibit to much acclaim, earning himself a reputation which would endure up to and after the devastating Second World War. After the cessation of hostilities (in which he participated as a member of the Italian Resistance), Fantoni’s production increased exponentially. This was due to Italy’s dire need to recover economically and the hunger abroad (particularly in the United States) for strikingly modern midcentury design. From the 1950s through to the 1970s, a steady stream of artistic material and sculpture emerged from Fantoni’s studio. He employed students and artisans who would also later make names for themselves as independent artists, just as he did. His designs and their creations marched to the same beat of the midcentury movement which was sweeping European design at the time. But Fantoni’s personal sculptures in particular exhibit something different—influences as far ranging as Cubism to early Etruscan pottery. Taking his cue from his intimate knowledge of modern painting (particularly Primitivism and, as mentioned, Cubism) Fantoni was able to play with form and line in a way which was elusive to other ceramicists. The Cubists inspired block and vase sculptures, for example, resemble rocks on a hill while also retaining their abstract form. His painterly approach allowed Fantoni to develop glazes for his ceramics which emphasized color highlighting of the three-dimensional form. With his storied legacy, Fantoni is well represented both in the private market and public collections. His work can be found in institutions as varied as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Art Boston, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Scottish Museum of Edinburgh, the Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, and in his native land the International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza, the National Bargello Museum, and the Gabinetto Disegni e Stampe at the Uffizi in Florence. AUTHENTICITY We guarantee the authenticity of all items to be as represented. Ashville Fine Arts Gallery specializes in a variety of fine art, antiques, jewelry, collectibles and rare finds. If you have not seen something that interests you or that you collect, please visit often and check our ever-expanding inventory. We make a best effort to provide a fair and descriptive condition report. Please examine the photos attentively, as they are an integral part of item descriptions. SHIPPING We Sell & Ship Worldwide Domestic & International Customers are Welcome! We reserve the right to use another shipping carrier or method other than what is listed, to ensure your purchase is delivered securely. Please contact us if you require a specific shipping carrier. In the event if the dimensions and weight of the purchased item exceed those allowed by USPS, the shipping charges estimates, specified in the general item description should be considered incorrect. A valid shipping-cost estimate shall be arranged with the Buyer in accordance with a destination, type of shipping selected, insurance etc. International Buyers, please check your country Customs regulations, as we are not responsible for any customs fee or duty after international shipping is posted! Import duties and taxes are the Buyer's responsibility and are not included in the price you have paid for an item. Hand delivery is complimentary to New York City Buyers. INSURANCE All items are carefully packed and insured. Please do not attempt to return an item due to shipping damage. Should it occur in spite of our careful packaging, this must be handled through the shipping agent with an insurance claimed with the insurance company. Always be sure to retain all original packaging if a claim is to be made, as the shipping agent may request to examine it. INQUIRIES Please send us a message. If you have any questions regarding shipping; need additional information about any of our listings or discuss price - please, feel free to contact us and we will be glad to assist you further with any inquiries.