Sale
Model 537 Table Lamp
Design Gino Sarfatti
Origin Italy
Gino Sarfatti, a seminal figure in Italian lighting design, founded Arteluce in 1939 and developed over 700 luminaires throughout his career. His work is celebrated for its innovative approach and timeless sophistication.
Model 537, designed by Gino Sarfatti in 1950 and reissued by Astep in 2019, features an asymmetrical brass stem with a floating shade above a polished marble base. Its elegant design, with a built-in handle originally designed for portability, combines playful form with downward illumination.
Profile
Gino Sarfatti
Gino Sarfatti (1912–1985) remains an iconic figure in modern lighting design, known for his forward-thinking approach and ability to harmonize aesthetics with technical innovation. Born in Venice, Sarfatti initially studied aeronautical engineering, but a pivotal move to Milan led him to a new path in lighting. Self-taught and driven by a deep curiosity, he relied on an intuitive understanding of form, material, and light, which allowed him to pioneer radical ideas in lighting design.
In 1939, Sarfatti founded Arteluce, a company that would become a cornerstone of modernist lighting. Over the span of his career, he designed more than 700 luminaires, ranging from minimalist table lamps to avant-garde chandeliers, such as the famous Model 2097 introduced in 1958. His work was characterized by the experimental use of materials, including Plexiglas and methacrylate, which offered durability and lightness. Sarfatti was also an early adopter of fluorescent and halogen technologies, integrating these innovations into designs prioritizing user functionality and spatial harmony. His innovative spirit earned him prestigious recognition, including two Compasso d'Oro awards in the mid-1950s.
Sarfatti's legacy is a minimalist ethos—balancing form, light, and movement -reshaping how light interacts with architecture and daily life. Today, his work can be found in museums and prestigious collections, an enduring testament to his vision of art, innovation, and craftsmanship in modern lighting design.
About Astep - Founded in 2008 by Alessandro Sarfatti, Gino Sarfatti's grandson, Astep bridges the future of lighting design with its rich heritage. The company reinterprets iconic designs from the past while creating new innovative lighting solutions for the 21st century. Honoring the legacy of Arteluce, Astep produces high-quality, functional, and aesthetically refined lighting that improves people's lives. Astep also prioritizes social and environmental responsibility as a Certified B Corporation, continuing the Sarfatti family's dedication to craftsmanship and thoughtful design.