The present standard lamp was commissioned by the architect and architectural historian Liliana Grassi, a friend of Gino Sarfatti, for her residence in Milan. This rare version features a black marble base, a variation from the original model, no. 1050, designed in 1951, which has a ribbon-shaped brass base. The design of both versions illustrates the influence of the architect Vittoriano Viganò, an artistic and technical advisor for Arteluce, whom Sarfatti entrusted as artistic director of the company during an extended trip to the United States in the early 1950s. For example, Sarfatti's incorporation of a large articulated brass arm with an aluminium cone-shaped shade — the only light source — serves both practical and aesthetic functions. This adjustable shade can be positioned for direct light or turned towards the large sculptural shade above for indirect light.