Gaetano Sciolari for Stilnovo painted metal brass pulley chandelier 1950

This superb Stilnovo pendant light was produced in the 1950s under the direction of Gaetano Sciolari, then head of the technical office of the Milanese manufacturer. The fixture is emblematic of Stilnovo’s approach during this period, combining technical innovation with formal elegance.The brass structure incorporates an ingenious system of brass counter balance and pulleys, a signature element of Sciolari’s design vocabulary allowing for a smooth and functional height adjustment. The two circular shades, in painted metal, with their industrial aesthetic and glass finish, diffuse a balanced light and emphasize the graphic quality of the overall composition. A rare find, fully restored, rewired, and found in an amazing condition. Stilnovo mark engraved on the metal. Height can vary between 35.4 inches and 59 inches.
Gaetano Sciolari (1927–1994) was one of the leading figures of post-war Italian lighting design. Initially trained as an architect, he took over the family lighting business in the 1950s before collaborating closely with Stilnovo, one of the most innovative lighting editors of the period. Drawing inspiration from modernist movements and Art Deco influences, he gradually developed a distinctive formal language based on a subtle balance between elegance and functionality. His work is characterized by a refined yet modern aesthetic, combining geometric clarity with noble materials such as brass, chrome and glass integrated with sophisticated technical mechanisms. His influence quickly became international, notably through collaborations with the American publisher Lightroller, making his lighting designs highly sought after by collectors.