Goffredo Reggiani Chromed Metal Wall light, Italy, 1960s

A chromed metal wall lamp by Goffredo Reggiani, Italian manufacture from the 1960s

This chromed metal wall lamp, produced by Reggiani in the 1960s, is defined by its seven subtly convex chrome discs. The design elegantly balances the diffusion and reflection of light. When illuminated, the lamp appears to float weightlessly on the wall, creating a serene, glowing aura around it. The mirror-like chrome finish of the discs captures and distorts the surrounding environment, offering a deliberately warped reflection that evokes artistic imagery reminiscent of Jan van Eyck's famous 15th-century painting, The Arnolfini Portrait. In the painting, the convex mirror on the wall behind the Arnolfini couple reflects a fragmented yet captivating view of the scene, an element that has inspired countless interpretations and symbolisms in art history.

Throughout the centuries, the convex mirror has been a significant motif in art, symbolizing the enigmatic and reflective nature of objects. This fascination with mirrors and their ability to alter perceptions continues to resonate in contemporary art, as seen in M.C. Escher’s 1935 self-portrait, where the artist’s curious expression is captured in a large, reflective metal sphere. Similarly, the convex surfaces of the Reggiani wall lamp invite the viewer to explore the delicate balance between reality and abstraction, offering a modern reinterpretation of these age-old artistic themes.

Dimensions: Diameter 70 cm, Depth 14 cm.