Presented in December 2020, the Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti stands as a defining work of twentieth-century design history. Created in 1965 and produced by Artemide, the Eclisse won the prestigious Compasso d’Oro in 1967 and remains in continuous production. The lamp is held in the permanent collections of the world’s leading design museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Design and Concept
The Eclisse mimics a solar eclipse through the movement of two hemispherical forms. By adjusting the hemispheres, users can direct light straight ahead or diffuse it softly, making the lamp both functional and sculptural. According to Magistretti, the concept emerged unexpectedly in 1965 while he was riding the Milan Metro. His thoughts turned to Jean Valjean’s lantern, a motif from Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables. Inspired by this literary image, Magistretti sketched his idea on the back of his metro ticket to preserve the concept before it could slip away.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Eclisse lamp win the Compasso d’Oro?
The Eclisse lamp won the Compasso d’Oro in 1967, four years after its creation.
Is the Eclisse lamp still being produced?
Yes, the Eclisse lamp remains in production by Artemide and is held in the permanent collections of major design museums, including MoMA in New York.
What inspired Vico Magistretti to design the Eclisse?
Magistretti was inspired by Jean Valjean’s lantern from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, an idea that came to him while traveling on the Milan Metro in 1965, which he sketched on the back of his metro ticket.