Pair of Italian Textured Glass Sconces in the Manner of Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, 1950s - 2 Pairs Available

A pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, in the manner of Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, combining textured glass with the clean geometry of a metal framework.

Each sconce is composed of thick, rectangular glass panels arranged around a shallow metal housing. Two narrow vertical metal bands divide the front into three sections, introducing a disciplined rhythm against the irregularity of the glass. The outer panels have a subtle green tint, particularly visible along their thick edges, while the central panel remains largely transparent, revealing a depth of texture beneath its surface.

The surface of the glass is worked with overlapping, sweeping impressions that resemble broad brushstrokes or flowing water. These deeply dimensional patterns catch and refract light differently across the panels, creating areas of clarity, distortion, and reflection.

The metalwork provides a deliberate contrast. Flat vertical bands frame the glass without concealing its texture, while small exposed cylindrical fasteners punctuate the composition. Seen from the side, the projecting panels reveal the depth of the construction and the relationship between the glass and its supporting structure.

The design recalls the work of Max Ingrand, the French glass artist and designer who served as artistic director of Fontana Arte beginning in 1954. Ingrand was particularly celebrated for his ability to bring together glass and metal in lighting that balanced technical precision with the expressive possibilities of the material. His approach often treated glass as an architectural element, using its thickness, texture, and transparency to shape the experience of light.

When illuminated, the sconces take on an entirely different character. Warm light passes through the textured glass, illuminating the sweeping patterns while casting soft, radiating reflections across the surrounding wall. The substantial panels diffuse the light without completely obscuring its source, creating a layered effect in which the glass itself appears luminous.

Two pairs available.