The Model 537 table lamp is an outstanding luminaire that displays the virtuosity of Gino Sarfatti. The celebrated Italian master of light created Model 537 around 1950, and the luminous masterpiece is now reintroduced by Astep as part of the prestigious Flos with Sarfatti collection.
In its refined simplicity, Model 537 stands out owing to the combination of rich materials and ingenious, playful design. The large aluminium reflector in black or white is mounted asymmetrically on a lacquered or brushed brass stem, which is carefully twisted in a beautiful balancing act, coming to rest on an elegant marble base. As a vital part of the design, the stem reaches out through the reflector and beyond in a backward motion, giving the top of the stem a dual function as playful feature and practical handle.
While the integrated handle has become a frequent feature in today’s designs, Gino Sarfatti was clearly ahead of his time. This was one of the great Italian master’s visions: to make light portable. Model 537 is effortlessly carried by hand from the desk in the home office to the living room, the bedroom or any other setting that calls for diffused light in an extraordinary design.
| Table | |
| Spun Aluminium Reflector, Brass Structure, Marble Base | |
| ∅ 400 × 360mm | |
| 1800 | |
| ∅ 400mm | |
| 2.45 | |
| On/Off Switch | |
| 1 × E27 LED 4.5W (60W Max) Complimentary Bulb Included * |
Born in Venice in 1912, Gino Sarfatti studied to become an aeronautical engineer until family circumstances compelled him to relocate to Milan where he had his first encounter with lighting, an engineering project to transform a glass vase into a lamp. This encounter with lighting design and engineering shaped the path of his life. In 1939 Gino Sarfatti founded his company Arteluce, which brought lighting into the 20th century combining innovative ideas with groundbreaking design.
Arteluce won numerous prizes and awards including the Compasso d’Oro in 1954 and 1955, and the Honorary Diploma of the Milan Triennale, becoming an important meeting place for many leading Italian architects throughout the 50’s and 60’s. The first Milanese Arteluce retail space was designed with Marco Zanuso in 1951. Ten years later Gino Sarfatti and his lifelong friend Vittoriano Viganò designed their flagship location on Via della Spiga.
Throughout his career, Gino Sarfatti explored and was inspired by new product typologies, innovative materials, lighting technologies, and production techniques. His hybrid talent as a designer and engineer enabled him to created refined products in both aesthetics and function.
Gino Sarfatti was a significant figure in the history of Italian industrial design, developing more than 700 luminaires. In 1973 he retired on Lake Como, with Flos acquiring Arteluce and their expansive catalog.
Gino Sarfatti died at Gravedona in 1985.
