A 60-Year Journey: Elio Martinelli's Serpente lamp

There are objects that don’t just illuminate — they tell a story. The Serpente lamp by Elio Martinelli is one of them. Designed in the 1960s, it represents a perfect union of form, function, and creative freedom, becoming one of the most iconic pieces in Italian design history.

Today, sixty years after its debut, Martinelli Luce celebrates this masterpiece with a special re-edition in a vibrant orange finish — a color symbolizing vitality, courage, and experimentation. It’s a return to the origins, yet with an eye toward the future: Serpente is not just a lamp, but a light experience, a gesture of style, a story that transcends time.

Let’s explore it in more detail.

Serpente lamp specifics

Imagine a shape that seems to come alive — twisting, turning, adapting. That’s the magic of Serpente: a lamp inspired by the fluid movements of nature and the purity of geometry. Its sinuous metal body, defined by perfectly balanced curves, embraces a white opaline methacrylate diffuser that appears to float like a delicate bubble of light. In this new edition, every detail becomes part of the narrative.

The base proudly bears the Martinelli Luce logo and a graphic marking the 60th anniversary, celebrating decades of Italian creativity and innovation. Each element of Serpente reflects technical mastery and artistic precision: the thermoformed diffuser is the result of complex research, while the curvature of the arms — a true engineering achievement — ensures that dynamic, harmonious balance that has always defined its silhouette.

Where to place the Serpente lamp

Whether you choose the table version or the floor version, Serpente transforms any room into a small stage of light. The table lamp fits beautifully on a designer desk, bedside table, or console — a true focal point in your décor. Its curved, adjustable arm allows you to direct the light just the way you want, creating a soft yet decisive atmosphere. It’s perfect for reading, working, or simply relaxing in a light that never tires the eyes.

The floor version, on the other hand, has a more sculptural presence. Bold yet graceful, it seems to move within the space — the ideal choice if you want your light to take center stage. Place it next to an armchair, in a living room corner, or in a modern study: Serpente adds character, elegance, and a hint of irony to any setting.

Serpente: colors and the new orange edition

Over the years, Serpente has been offered in various finishes, each capturing the spirit of its era. But for its 60th anniversary, Martinelli Luce chose orange — the color of the 1960s optimism, confidence in the future, and the energy of an era that changed the world. Today, this warm, vibrant hue returns to illuminate Serpente, bringing with it the joy and vitality of Italian design.

It’s a direct homage to Elio Martinelli’s free spirit, his ability to blend experimentation with poetry, technology with imagination. When you turn on this lamp, you don’t just light up a room — you rekindle a story, bringing into your home a fragment of that creative energy that defined 20th-century design.

Ideal environments for the Serpente lamp

Serpente is one of those lamps that stands out anywhere. In a contemporary living room, it adds a refined retro touch; in a classic space, it creates an elegant contrast; in a minimalist interior, it becomes the sole sculptural element that captures the gaze. Place it where the light can truly enhance your space — on a low cabinet, a side table, or a clean-lined desk, where its sinuous form can shine.

Or let the floor version brighten a reading corner or relaxation area. Its soft, enveloping light adapts perfectly to the most intimate moments of the day, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

With Serpente, lighting goes beyond function — it becomes a stage presence, a dialogue between light, form, and emotion.

Why choose the Serpente lamp

Bringing Serpente into your home means owning a piece of Italian design history, but also surrounding yourself with an object that evokes emotion every day. It speaks of innovation and craftsmanship, courage and imagination. Its curved lines, intelligent functionality, and material quality make it the perfect choice if you love objects with soul — those meant to last, inspire, and be admired.

Serpente is more than a lamp: it’s a symbol of creative freedom, an invitation to experience light as art. Choose Serpente if you want more than a simple light source — if you love design that tells stories, if you want to bring into your home an iconic, timeless piece that continues to enchant after sixty years. 

Discover the new Serpente 60th Anniversary Edition on Diffusione Luce’s website!

Written by Alice Pruccoli