Space was a major theme of the post-World War II period of the 20th century, as demonstrated by the debate that flared up around the “Big Bang” – the theory that described the origin and evolution of our Universe. Above all, it was a heated argument between the United States and the Soviet Union for political and economic hegemony and spheres of influence in this and other worlds, which led to the moon landing of the American space mission Apollo 11, and Neil Armstrong touching down on the moon on the night of 21 July 1969.
In the visual arts, Lucio Fontana’s cuts open up space to a third physical and spiritual dimension. In design, he is synonymous with irony and daring.
A joyful, delicate madness seems to pervade the suspension lamp mod. 2003 by Gino Sarfatti produced by Arredoluce in the 1950s (lot 103, estimate 3,500 – 4,000 euros), which explodes with its light, supple arms, putting the architectural and design rigour of rationalism and the modern movement behind it with radiant optimism.
The economic boom was just around the corner and Italy, after the pain and destruction of war, craved a reassuring bourgeois lightness that would show renewed confidence in the future through bold yet functional design objects.
Lot 103 | Rara lampada a sospensione mod. 2003. Ottone lucido. Prod. Arteluce anni ’50., cm 130×90. Stima € 3.500 – 4.500