JM RDM Proteo Table Lamp by Mario Bertorelle, Postmodern, 1980

With the Proteo, Italian designer Mario Bertorelle created one of the most striking halogen table lamps of its time. Characteristic is the unusual, serpentine lamp arm made of overlapping plastic segments, which gives the lamp its organic, almost sculptural appearance. At the same time, this construction allows for flexible alignment of the lamp head, making the Proteo a functional as well as iconic design lamp.

The model offered here is in perfect condition. The black surface is excellently preserved and shows only minimal, age-appropriate signs of wear. Particularly practical is the two-stage switchable light intensity, which allows the lighting to be adjusted between pleasant working light and atmospheric accent lighting depending on the area of use. The flexible construction works perfectly and allows for precise alignment of the light.

The model was manufactured by the Italian company J.M. – R.D.M. (JM Illuminazione) in Massanzago. Since the late 1970s, the company specialized in innovative luminaires made of technical plastics and, with designs by Mario Bertorelle, produced a series of futuristic-looking models such as Proteo, Delta, Ellisse, and Delfino. These lamps were developed between the late 1980s and early 1990s and impressively reflect the experimental Italian design spirit of that era.

The JM RDM Proteo is now a sought-after collector's item of Italian Postmodern design and is equally suitable as an extraordinary desk lamp, design object, or sculptural eye-catcher in modern and classic interiors.