In the 1950s, Elio Martinelli faced a pivotal decision: to take over his father Plinio’s electrical shop following his untimely death, or to pursue a different creative path. Choosing the former, Martinelli transformed the business into what would become Martinelli Luce, channeling his creativity into innovative lighting design. In 1965, he introduced Serpente, a lamp that was groundbreaking for its fluid form and experimental production methods. Sixty years later, the iconic design marks its anniversary in an energetic new shade of orange in the Serpente 60 edition.

While this marks the first time Serpente has been produced in this zesty hue, the color itself has long held a place in the brand’s history. “Orange is a color that evokes enthusiasm, movement, and creative freedom – the same qualities that characterized my father Elio Martinelli and still guide our work today,” shares Emiliana Martinelli, President of Martinelli Luce and Elio’s daughter. “I remember this lamp in our house, standing out on the piano when my son Marco started playing it as a child. Serpente is part of our history, both as a family and as a company, and fully identifies us.”

What sets Serpente apart is its fluid movement and unmistakably serpentine form. Designed with a swivel arm, the lamp’s diffuser rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing light to be directed exactly where it’s needed while creating a gentle, sinuous motion. The effect is both functional and expressive, reminiscent of a snake in motion.