Artemide Eclisse Table Lamp

Artemide Eclisse table lamp 1965 design: Vico Magistretti red half round base aluminium globe white diffuser

Artemide: The Artemide Group is based in Pregnana Milanese, Italy. The company is best known for the Tizio desk lamp designed by Richard Sapper in 1972. The company is also famous for the Tolomeo desk lamp, designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1986. Artemide produced many other beautiful lights en furniture during all those the years.

Designers who have collaborated with Artemide include Mario Botta, Sir Norman Foster, Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, Neil Poulton, Karim Rashid, Giò Ponti and many others.

Artemide Eclisse table lamp – Sketch and technical drawing

Lamps In The Movies!

Le Clan des Siciliens (1969)

An Artemide Eclisse table lamp was used as a prop in the French film Le Clan des Siciliens (The Sicilian Clan) from 1969. A gangster movie by Henri Verneuil featuring Alain Delon, Jean Gabin and Lino Ventura. Also a Nesso table lamp by Artemide and a Paul Secon nylon thread pendant lamp appear in this scene.

The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)

Two Artemide Eclisse table or wall lamps were used as a prop in the 1976 American British comedy film The Pink Panther Strikes Again. Starring Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom and Lesley-Anne Down.

L’Etreinte (1969)

An Artemide Eclisse table lamp was used as a prop in the French-Belgian drama film L’Etreinte (the embrace) from 1969. Starring: Nathalie Vernier, Daniel Vigo and Laetitia Sorel.

Appunti Di Un Venditore Di Donne (2021).

Two Artemide Eclisse table lamps were used as a prop in the 2021 Italian film Appunti Di Un Venditore Di Donne (Notes Of A Female Salesman). Starring Mario Sgueglia, Miriam Dalmazio and Libero De Rienzo. Many other Italian lamps appear in this movie. Hard to see, but the Eclisse lamps used were made after 2000. They have the black plastic ring inside.

Artemide Eclisse Table Lamp

Materials: Red painted aluminium globe on top of a half round base. White aluminium half globe inside, adjustable and used as diffuser. Ball-bearing inside the lamp. Black plastic bottom. Some iron parts. Bakelite E14 socket.

Height: 17,8 cm / 7”

Width: ∅ 11,4 cm / 4.48”

Electricity: 1 bulb E14, 1 x 25 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred.

Period: 1960s, 1970s – Mid-Century Modern.

Designer: Vico Magistretti (1920 – 2006).

Manufacturer: Artemide, Pregnana Milanese, Milan, Italy.

Other versions: The Artemide Eclisse table lamp was made in many colours and it is still in production. Made in small varieties over the years. For instance, also sold with a white painted Bakelite socket in stead of this socket with a screw base. Today plastic lamp sockets are used.

The version made after 2000 is made different than the 1970s version (this one). In between the moving white inner part en the lamp itself is a black plastic ribbed wheel, as you can see below. It is used as replacement for the ball-bearing inside. Probably invented to make moving the inner part easier. The Eclisse hasn’t really become any prettier. Also, it runs stiffer now than when it was with ball bearings.

Several copies exists of the Eclisse, beware!

The Artemide Eclisse table lamp appears in June 2025 in a Special Edition, created in partnership with Netflix and inspired by the distinctive visual world of Squid Game – the global phenomenon that captivated millions. This unique release includes three exclusive designs, each reflecting one of the series’ iconic roles: the Player, the Pink Guard, and the Black Officer. More info can be found on the Artemide website.

This lamp is designed in 1965 while travelling in the Milan metro, on the back of a ticket. Magistretti was inspired by the description of a lantern in the book Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

The Eclisse went in production in 1966. You can find the Artemide Eclisse table lamp in the catalogue from 1973 here on Vintageinfo: Artemide catalogue 1973 page 1. It can also be used as a wall lamp, a recess is provided: Artemide catalogue 1973 page 3.

Vico Magistretti

Vico Magistretti was an Italian industrial designer, furniture designer, light designer and architect. He also designed another famous table lamp, the Oluce Atollo. You can find it here on Vintageinfo.

Vico Magistretti designed many lamps and items for Artemide. You can find them in the catalogues, here on Vintageinfo. The Dalù table lamp. The Eclisse table lamp. The Mezzachimera table lamp. To name a few. He also designed several lamps for FontanaArte. You can also find them in the catalogues section of Vintageinfo.

Vico Magistretti Foundation

Via Conservatorio, 20, 20122 Milano, Italy

Visit the studio museum and discover more about Vico Magistretti work as designer and architect. The museum is open on Tuesday, on Thursday and on Saturday. More info on their website: http://www.vicomagistretti.it/en/museum/practical

Artemide Eclisse Table Lamp

2000s version and 1970s together

The 2000s version is equipped with a black plastic scroll wheel in between the red and the white part. A strange idea…

The Mignon version on batteries

Artemide Eclisse Table Lamp

The Artemide Eclisse table or wall lamp in the 1977 book Het grote handboek voor “beter wonen”. (The big manual for “better living”) Compiled by Roland Göök and published by Uitgeverij Helmond (The Netherlands) and Uitgeverij Heideland-Orbis (Belgium). The original book is German: Schöner Wohnen – Das große praktische Einrichtungsbuch. Published by Mosaik Verlag GmbH, Munich, in 1976.

This book is easy to find in second hand shops, charity shops or even an antiquarian for a few euros. Many other lamps appear in it.