Original light panel 'Oceana Azzurro' from the Quasar series by Angelo Brotto for Esperia 1973, signed. Large luminous panel in polished steel with circle of pieces of Murano glass on a square of brushed steel. From the center the filtered light escapes from its interior. So part polished, part brushed. Dimensions: height 31.5 in. (80 cm), width 31.5 inches (80 cm) and depth 5.9 in. (15 cm).
 
The Quasars, objects for lighting, are a series of luminous steel panels with Murano glass inserts, produced by manufacturer Esperia based on a design by the Italian artist Angelo Brotto. Angelo Brotto (1914 - 2002), was a Venetian designer and artist. He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice in 1941. In his own words, for the 'Oceana Azzurro' he was inspired by the play of light and colors in the Venetian lagoon.
The wall lamp offered here is an original from 1973 and hand-signed by Angelo Brotto at the time. This first edition with the narrow rim around the glass instead of the wide rim of the reissued editions. Old Quasars are very rare, wanted by collectors because few were produced.
 
The electrical part has been completely renewed according to contemporary standards. One small Edison screw (SES), (E17 14-17 mm) of max 25 watt, the electric parts are approved to European standards. Works in the USA.
 
The lamp is 50 years old and in beautiful original condition, but has been used. There is a very small dent on the right, visible when the light shines on it at a certain angle. And a minor scratch at the bottom right (see the last two photos, small dent with cola can for the proportion).
 
Quote from Esperia's catalogue: "The artistic collaboration with Angelo Brotto reaches its highest expressive impact in the collection of luminous sculptures known as Quasars.
The historical period of reference is the late 1960s, when the artist began to explore the idea of making works that could act as a point of contact between lighting fixtures and artistic compositions. In a historical context marked by a widespread focus on the universe driven by the reaction to the first space missions, these luminous creations were born, under the name Quasar.
These luminous creations, which have become symbols of Esperia in the world, were also the result of the company’s ongoing collaboration with important glassworks in Murano, such as Venini and Moretti. The light filtered through the often colorful irregular glass crystals, which seem like objects from outer space, makes these timeless works even more ethereal and surreal."
 
Literature: - Italian light 1960-1980, One hundred lamps from the Cortopassi collection. Paola Palma and Carlo Vannicola by Alinea editrice, ISBN 88-8125-840-4, pag. 122.