Gae Aulenti "Mezzo Oracolo" lamp for Artemide 1960s

An iconic and visionary design by Gae Aulenti, the "Mezzo Oracolo" lamp is far more than a source of light, it is a statement piece, a sculptural presence that transforms any space into a sanctuary of modern design. Originally conceived between 1968 and 1969 for Artemide, this lamp represents the intersection of bold formalism and soft luminosity that defined the most poetic side of Italian rationalist design.

Its commanding opaline glass globe acts as a luminous dome, diffusing light with a warm, ethereal glow. Below, the cylindrical metal base lacquered and minimalis also emits light when the lamp is switched on, creating a subtle duality of illumination. The original dimmer (by clicking) switch along the cord allows for fine-tuned light control, adapting seamlessly to different atmospheres.

This rare piece is an early production by Artemide from the early 1970s, preserved in excellent vintage condition. It maintains its original Italian wiring, the sculptural balance of glass and metal, and the characteristic tri-light configuration with both E14 and E27 bulbs, allowing a dynamic interplay of brightness and tone.

H. 66 / Base diameter 31 (cm)

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Shipping (front door at ground floor) from Italy warehouse to : 

Historical note:

Gae Aulenti, one of the few internationally celebrated female architects of the 20th century, is renowned for her ability to infuse industrial forms with intellectual elegance. From the Musée d'Orsay in Paris to the transformation of Milan’s Palazzo Grassi, her work bridges architecture, interior, and object design with coherence and audacity. Mezzo Oracolo is among her most emblematic lighting creations, combining metaphor, function, and form.

The name Mezzo Oracolo "Half Oracle" suggests both mystery and revelation, much like the lamp itself. Its spherical diffuser evokes a crystal ball, an allusion to prophecy and vision. Early sketches of the lamp, preserved in Artemide’s archives, reveal Aulenti’s interest in creating a piece that could function both as a domestic object and an architectural micro-structure, embodying her belief that every room deserves a soul. The lamp was originally intended for both residential and cultural spaces, and has since become a coveted icon in international design collections.