Italian Designer Table Lamp, Michele De Lucchi, Petrol Anodized Aluminum, Artemide, 1990s
Highlights:
Designer: Michele De Lucchi & Giancarlo Fassina
Manufacturer: Artemide, Milan, Italy
Model: Tolomeo Tavolo
Period: 1990s
Origin: Italy
Style: Italian Modern, Minimalist
Particulars: Exceptionally rare petrol/teal anodized colour variant — the standard Tolomeo is produced in silver aluminium; two-part articulated arm with tension wire system; conical matte aluminium shade with 360-degree rotation; integrated switch at shade joint; Artemide Milano / Made in Italy / Patent Pending marking on base; fully functional and ready to use
Ideal for: Desks, reading corners, studios, design-conscious interiors, Artemide collectors
Description:
The Tolomeo is one of the great icons of twentieth-century Italian design. Designed in 1987 by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina for Artemide, it won the Compasso d'Oro in 1989 and has since entered the permanent design collections of MoMA New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Decades after its introduction it remains in continuous production — a measure of how completely it solved the problem of the articulated desk lamp.
What makes this particular example exceptional is its colour. The standard Tolomeo is produced in natural silver aluminium. This example is finished in a deep petrol/teal anodized aluminium — a rare production variant that transforms a familiar form into something genuinely unusual. The colour sits between teal and slate, reading differently under different light conditions, and gives the lamp a character and collectibility that the standard version simply cannot match.
The mechanics are fully intact: the two-part articulated arm moves with precision through its full range, the tension wire system holds any position securely, and the conical shade rotates 360 degrees. The integrated switch sits ergonomically at the shade joint. The base carries the original Artemide Milano / Made in Italy / Patent Pending marking.
Condition:
The lamp is in very good vintage condition and fully functional. The petrol anodized finish is intact. All articulated joints operate correctly. The electrical components are functional; as with all vintage pieces, inspection by a qualified electrician is recommended before extended use.
Details:
Designer: Michele De Lucchi & Giancarlo Fassina
Manufacturer: Artemide S.p.A., Milan, Italy
Model: Tolomeo Tavolo
Period: 1990s
Style: Italian Modern, Minimalist
Material: Anodized aluminium (petrol/teal), steel tension wires
Colour: Rare petrol/teal anodized variant
Marking: Artemide Milano / Made in Italy / Patent Pending (base)
Socket: E27
Condition: Very good vintage condition, fully functional
Note:
Please note: This item is a vintage lamp. It was manufactured many years ago and may not conform to current technical standards. Before use, the electrical components should be inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Bulbs are only included if explicitly stated. This item is sold as a collectible/antique and not as a standards-compliant electrical appliance.
WEE Nr.
70030832
Product Safety
This lamp is an original vintage piece. Prior to sale, a visual and functional inspection was carried out (cable, plug, socket, strain relief) as well as a test run. It has not been comprehensively tested in accordance with current VDE standards. Due to its age, the electrical components may pose risks (e.g. aged insulation, missing earth conductor). Before connecting to the 230V mains, it is therefore strongly recommended to have the lamp inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Use is at the owner's own risk.
Manufacturer
Artemide was founded in Milan in 1960 by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza and is among the most influential Italian lighting manufacturers. Under the philosophy "The Human Light", numerous design icons were created, including Eclisse (Magistretti, 1965), Tizio (Sapper, 1972), Sintesi (Gismondi, 1975) and Tolomeo (De Lucchi/Fassina, 1987). Having received the Compasso d'Oro on multiple occasions, many designs are today part of the design collections of MoMA New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Details – Manufacturer Name: Artemide S.p.A. Founded: 1960 Founders: Ernesto Gismondi & Sergio Mazza Headquarters: Pregnana Milanese, Milan, Italy Philosophy: "The Human Light"