GAETANO SCIOLARI
Gaetano Sciolari, born Angelo Gaetano Sciolari in 1927, was a prominent Italian designer celebrated for his innovative mid-century modern lighting fixtures. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the lighting industry since 1892, Sciolari's entry into the field was initially unconventional. His career took a significant turn when he assumed control of his family's lighting business following his father's untimely death in 1949.
Before his foray into lighting design, Sciolari pursued architecture and film direction, but the demands of running the family business redirected his path. Under his stewardship, the company thrived and gained international acclaim. By 1954, Sciolari's firm had won an international lighting and design competition, establishing a reputation for innovation and quality. This success paved the way for Sciolari's groundbreaking designs in the 1950s and beyond.
Sciolari began his design career with Stilnovo, an Italian manufacturer renowned for its forward-thinking approach to lighting. During the 1950s, Sciolari's designs stood out for their futuristic vision and technical prowess. His early creations, inspired by atomic themes, featured intricate, multi-light chandeliers made from a mix of glossy and matte metals, capturing the imagination of a world on the brink of space exploration.
The 1960s saw Sciolari shift towards more conventional chandelier forms, but his approach remained decidedly unconventional. His designs were characterized by clean, sculptural lines and a sophisticated blend of materials. The use of brass, chrome, and ice glass in his pieces, combined with satin and polished finishes, created striking visual contrasts that set his work apart. Sciolari's commitment to merging traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics resulted in lighting fixtures that were not just functional but also artistic statements.
Sciolari's influence extended beyond Italy as his designs gained popularity in the American market through partnerships with Lightolier and Progress Lighting. During the 1970s, his work was prominently featured in American catalogues, including the Geometric, Habitat, Scultura, and Futura series. The Futura chandelier, with its chrome, brass, and Lucite elements, exemplified Sciolari's innovative approach. This piece, with its futuristic curves and intricate use of mixed metals, became a symbol of modern sophistication and was even showcased in the 1976 Lightolier catalogue.
Sciolari's designs were not only celebrated in homes but also in popular media. His chandeliers graced sets of influential TV shows such as the British sci-fi series "Space: 1999" and the American drama "Dallas" in the 1980s, reflecting the era's glamorous modern living.
In addition to his design work, Sciolari was a pioneering figure in the lighting industry. He founded and served as the first president of the trade association for Italian lighting manufacturers, a role that underscored his leadership and commitment to the industry. His collaborations with manufacturers such as Stilnovo, Boulanger in Belgium, and Stilkronen in Germany further cemented his status as a leading figure in lighting design.
Gaetano Sciolari passed away in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional design. His work remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, reflecting the enduring appeal of his visionary approach to lighting. Sciolari's creations continue to illuminate spaces with their timeless elegance and innovative flair, making him a celebrated icon in the history of modern lighting design.
COLLECTION
This stunning and materially dynamic Mid-Century Modernist Eight Arm Chrome & Brass Chandelier is by the esteemed designer Gaetano Sciolari. This piece originates from Italy, Circa 1970. Features a body formed from a vertical cylinder of polished chrome where the eight arms of the Chandelier emerge at right angles. Four arms compose the upper tier and four the lower tier for a total of eight. The higher tier extends slightly past the lower, creating a subtle and gorgeous overlap of geometric cut-out banded chrome elements which house and adorn each silver tipped light bulb. The lower tier of arms also extends at right angles, but are rotated 45 degrees beneath the upper tier creating a lovely tension of spacing between the Chandelier's arms. The housings are composed in cutouts with thin rectangular forms above and below, winding and curving around the central opening for the bulb. This creates a remarkable balance between delicate geometry and material quality and a sense of concealment and protection throughout the design of the piece. Within the framework of the Chandelier behind each silver tipped bulb is a rectangle of polished brass which serves to caste a warm and glowing reflection as a result of the brass hue, enhancing the alluring quality of light emerging from this stunning and innovative Mid-Century fixture. This beautiful piece will style effortlessly in a wide array of spaces and settings, from Mid-Century Modernist to Contemporary and Minimal Interiors. Newly rewired to American Standards and height can be adjusted to suit. In Excellent Vintage Condition.
Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 24 in (60.96 cm) x Diameter: 20 in (50.8 cm)
Creator: Gaetano Sciolari (Maker)
Power Source: Hardwired
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Brass, Chrome
Place of Origin: Italy
Period: 1970-1979
Date of Manufacture: circa 1970
Condition: Excellent. Rewired.
Reference Number: LU793438919322
This brilliant Mid-Century Modern flush mount chandelier was realized by the esteemed Italian glass studio Sciolari, circa 1970. It features four thick translucent glass cubed shades with inset bulbs attached to a close fitting chrome backplate. This dynamic design consisting of contrasting curvilinear and geometric forms has proven to have a timeless appeal, offering a sensibility that is just as modern and desirable now as when it was created some fifty years ago. This fixture accommodates four candelabra based bulbs, offering as much as 240 watts of light. It has been newly rewired to American standards and is in excellent condition,
Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 3.5 in. (8.89 cm) x Width: 11.5 in. (29.21 cm) x Depth: 11.5 in. (29.21 cm)
Creator: Gaetano Sciolari (Maker)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Blown Glass, Chrome
Place of Origin: Italy
Period: 1970-1979
Date of Manufacture: circa 1970
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793425430092
This stunning Mid Century Modern chandelier was realized by the fabled 20th century designer, Gaetano Sciolari in Italy circa 1970. It offers a grouping of eight volumetric rectangular cubic bodies in brushed chrome attached via lustrous chrome supports. The bodies culminate in rectilinear handblown Murano shades with concave centers and expressionistic mottled white detailing throughout the glass, offering an organic counterpoint to the geometric forms expressed elsewhere in the fixture. The chandelier attaches to the ceiling via a polished chrome cylindrical rod and a volumetric rectangular canopy, emphasizing and reiterating a form that appears as a signature element throughout the chandelier. With its iconic Sciolari sensibility- full of verve and elan- this piece is sure to delight discerning collectors of first rate Italian Mid Century design, as well as those with a penchant for exquisite objects. Its clean modernist lines and monochromatic palate ensure that it would be a winning addition to any style of interior from classic Mid Century Modern to contemporary. It has been newly rewired to American standards and is in excellent vintage condition. The height can be adjusted to suit. The chandelier accommodates eight candelabra based bulbs offering up to 480 watts of light.
Italian, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 38 in. (96.52 cm) Diameter: 22 in. (55.88 cm)
Creator: Geatano Sciolari (Maker)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Chrome, Murano Glass
Place of Origin: Italy
Period: 1970-1979
Date of Manufacture: circa 1970
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793444134642
This sculptural and graphic Mid Century Modern chandelier was realized by the esteemed lighting atelier, Gaetano Sciolari, in Italy circa 1970. A rare and especially stunning example of his practice, this features six tiers extending from a central branch that culminate in circular hollow polished aluminum ends with demilune cut outs in the center revealing the mercury bulbs that peak out from within. Full of élan and verve, this piece embodies the qualities that discerning collectors of first rate Italian Mid Century design adore. With its clean lines and monochromatic palate, this piece is as versatile as it is beautiful, blending perfectly with any style of interior from classic Mid Century Modern to contemporary. It has been newly rewired to American standards and is in excellent vintage condition. The height can be adjusted to suit. The chandelier is fitted with 24 candelabra based mercury bulbs offering up to 1440 watts of light.
Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 40” (101.6 cm) x Diameter: 14.5” (36.83 cm)
Creator: Gaetano Sciolari (Designer)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (of the period)
Place of Origin: Italy
Date of manufacture: circa 1970
Period: 1970-1979
Materials and techniques: Chrome
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793417102001
This stunning Mid-Century Modern sconce was realized by the celebrated atelier of Gaetano Sciolari in Italy, circa 1970. It features four ice glass cubes with inset mercury bulbs affixed to a rectangular brushed brass back plate. With its graphic sensibility, composed of contrasting geometric forms, and clean modernist lines, this piece is as versatile as it is stunning. It would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. One can also use clear candelabra based bulbs as well. The vanity sconce has been newly rewired to American standards and is in excellent vintage condition. It accommodates four candelabra based bulbs offering up to 240 watts of light.
Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 4 in. (10.16 cm) x Width: 18 in. (45.72 cm) x Depth: 3.5 in. (8.89 cm)
Creator: Gaetano Sciolari (Designer)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Brass, Blown Glass
Place of Origin: Italy
Period: 1970-1979
Date of Manufacture: circa 1970
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793422169862
A pair of Mid-Century brushed aluminum sconces in the manner of Sciolari. Two Minimalist vertical-brushed aluminum rectangular forms rest side by side and are supported by a black enameled base. The backplate measures 5" X 5". Lucite bases which transmit light have a brushed finish on their underside. These pieces have been completely rewired and are in excellent condition.
Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 12 in. (30 cm) x Width: 8 in. (20 cm) x Depth: 8 in. (20 cm)
Creator: Geatano Sciolari (Designer)
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Place of origin: Italy
Date of manufacture: circa 1970
Period: 1970-1979
Materials and techniques: Aluminum, Lucite
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: f79341608175309723fs
Four Mid-Century brushed aluminum sconces in the manner of Sciolari. Two Minimalist vertical-brushed aluminum rectangular forms rest side by side and are supported by a black enameled base. The backplate measures 5" X 5". Lucite bases which transmit light have a brushed finish on their underside. These pieces have been completely rewired and are in excellent condition. Can be sold in a pair for: $3975
Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 12 in. (30 cm) x Width: 8 in. (20 cm) x Depth: 8 in. (20 cm)
Creator: Geatano Sciolari (Designer)
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Place of origin: Italy
Date of manufacture: circa 1970
Period: 1970-1979
Materials and techniques: Aluminum, Lucite
Condition: Excellent