Attributed to Julius Theodore Kalmar

Attributed to JULIUS THEODORE KALMAR (Vienna, 1884–1968).
“Tronchi XXL” table lamp.
Metal and Plexiglas.
Shows slight signs of wear.
Measurements: 102 x 40 x 40 cm.
Conceived as a sculpture, this lamp combines experimentation with new materials and the formal quality that characterized Italian design of the era. The piece consists of a red-lacquered metal base and body that support molded Plexiglas elements, designed to evoke the appearance of sculptural glass. Arranged around the pedestal-shaped structure, these modules create a play of transparencies and reflections that diffuses the light, generating a sculptural presence even when the lamp is turned off. Its design fully embodies the Space Age aesthetic, in which geometric forms, synthetic materials, and an interest in lighting effects gave rise to pieces with a strong visual impact. The reinterpretation of traditional “tronchi” glass using Plexiglas also highlights the decade’s interest in the expressive possibilities of new industrial materials, without sacrificing the volumetric richness and artisanal character of the original models.
Since its founding in Vienna in 1881 by Julius August Kalmar, Kalmar has produced custom lighting fixtures for distinguished projects around the world, collaborating with leading architects and designers. It initially specialized in the production of handcrafted cast bronze objects. It was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor (J.T.) Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and brought the company to prominence with his modernist lighting designs. Throughout his career, Kalmar designed lighting for many renowned architects, as well as for major institutions such as the Vienna State Opera, the Burgtheater, and the Vienna Stock Exchange. In the last decade of his life, Kalmar developed a series of highly popular lighting collections, including the Ice Glass collection. Today, Kalmar continues to grow and build on its rich history in the production of custom lighting fixtures.