Italian 'Etrusca' Alabaster Table Lamp by Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper, 1970s

A rare ‘Etrusca’ table lamp by Angelo Mangiarotti for Pollux Skipper Group, designed in Italy in the late 1970s. Its faceted alabaster panels are arranged in a precise, geometric composition that emphasizes mass, balance, and structure, while subtle openings within the stone allow light to spill in controlled planes.

The alabaster’s natural veining—clouded with pale grey and warm mineral tones—gives the surface a sense of movement. Dark metal feet subtly lift the lamp, grounding the form while preserving a sense of lightness. When illuminated, the stone becomes luminous, emitting a soft, ambient glow.

A hallmark of Mangiarotti’s philosophy, the Etrusca lamp reflects his deep engagement with material and form. At once elemental and refined, it stands as a compelling example of late 20th-century Italian design—ideal as a statement piece within a modern or architectural interior.

Angelo Mangiarotti (1921–2012) was a celebrated Italian architect and designer, renowned for his innovative approach to modernist design. A graduate of the Polytechnic University of Milan, Mangiarotti’s career spanned architecture, industrial design, and urban planning. He received the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award in 1960, recognizing his significant contributions to industrial design.

Mangiarotti often explored the relationship between form and material, using concrete, marble, glass, and wood in unexpected ways. His collaboration with the Italian furniture company Skipper, which began in the 1960s and extended into the 1970s, produced iconic pieces like the Eros table. Mangiarotti’s work in industrial design and architecture left a lasting impact on the 20th century, influencing generations of designers and architects.