Gae Aulenti

GAE AULENTI (Palazzolo dello Stella, 1927-Milan, 2012) for Artemide.
Table lamp "Alcinoo", 1970s.
Opaline glass and metal.
Bibliography: p. 14 of Artemide's Studio A catalog.
This product is an original vintage item, so it shows signs of wear and tear.
Measurements: 62 x 35 x 35 cm.

This is a large format table lamp (or even a low floor lamp), with a strong sculptural presence. It is a magnificent example of Gae Aulenti's work under the Artemide label, specifically within the "Studio A" collection. The "Alcinoo" model stands out for its industrial and architectural aesthetic, moving away from the soft organic forms typical of previous decades to embrace a more technical and rational construction.

The cylindrical structure formed by metal rods acts as a visual filter that exposes the light source, creating a play of transparencies and linear shadows very characteristic of the avant-garde design of the 1970s.

The crowning dome softens the hard metal composition, adding a touch of refinement and acting as the main light reflector. The upper glass captures the light, shining brightly and directing a soft ambient glow into the room.

Gae Aulenti was one of the few women to dominate the post-war Italian design scene, known for her intellectual and architectural approach (famous also for the Pipistrello lamp).