Gino Sarfatti designed the model 516 desk lamp for Arteluce in 1948, a period that saw the designer exploring increasingly sophisticated solutions for adjustable and directional lighting. Combining elegant materials with a highly functional design, the model demonstrates Sarfatti's distinctive ability to merge technical innovation with refined aesthetics.

The lamp is composed of a brass trestle framework mounted on a substantial white marble base, creating a striking balance between visual lightness and structural stability. The enamelled metal shade is suspended within the frame by a ball-joint mechanism, allowing it to be freely adjusted and directed as required. A practical handle positioned at the top of the shade enables effortless repositioning without coming into contact with the bulb or heated surfaces.