Model 597 Table Lamp by Gianfranco Frattini for Arteluce

A rare and sculptural Model 597 table lamp in very good condition.

Designed by Gianfranco Frattini

Manufactured by Arteluce, Italy, 1961.

This striking lamp exemplifies Frattini’s refined approach to modern lighting design, combining architectural structure with decorative softness. The lamp features an aluminum body encircled by a distinctive fabric fringe curtain, creating a diffused and atmospheric light effect.

The interior is fitted with six E27 sockets, while an additional independent E27 socket at the top can be switched on separately, allowing for layered and adaptable illumination. The interplay between direct and filtered light enhances the sculptural presence of the piece.

A compelling example of early 1960s Italian design, this lamp reflects the innovative spirit and technical sophistication associated with Arteluce productions of the period. The lamp retains its original manufacturer’s label, supporting its authenticity and provenance.

Details:
Creator: Gianfranco Frattini
Manufacturer: Arteluce
Model: 597
Date of Design: 1961
Production Period: 1960s
Place of Origin: Italy
Materials: Aluminum, fabric
Wiring: 6 internal E27 sockets + 1 separate top E27 socket

Gianfranco Frattini
Gianfranco Frattini (1926–2004) was an influential Italian architect and designer, widely regarded as a key figure in post-war Italian modernism. A graduate of the Politecnico di Milano, he emerged within the vibrant Milanese design scene alongside contemporaries such as Gio Ponti.
Frattini’s work is characterized by a refined balance between technical innovation, craftsmanship, and formal clarity. He collaborated closely with leading manufacturers, most notably Arteluce, where he developed a series of highly regarded lighting designs that explored new relationships between structure, material, and light.
In addition to lighting, he designed furniture and interiors that emphasize modularity, functionality, and material richness, often working with fine woods and sophisticated construction techniques. His designs reflect a distinctly Italian approach to modernism—elegant, rational, and deeply attentive to detail.
Today, Frattini’s work is held in major collections and continues to be celebrated for its timeless quality and contribution to 20th-century design.

Arteluce
Arteluce was one of the most influential lighting manufacturers of the 20th century, founded in 1939 by Gino Sarfatti in Milan. The company played a pivotal role in the development of modern Italian lighting design, combining technical innovation with refined aesthetics.
Arteluce became a platform for experimentation, collaborating with leading designers such as Gianfranco Frattini, whose work helped define the company’s forward-thinking identity. Its designs are characterized by clarity of form, advanced engineering, and a sophisticated use of materials, often pushing the boundaries of lighting technology at the time.
Throughout the post-war period, Arteluce gained international recognition, receiving numerous awards and contributing significantly to Italy’s global design reputation. Today, its historic models are considered icons of modern design and are held in important museum collections worldwide.