Martin Eisler was an influential figure in mid-century modern furniture design, particularly within the Brazilian design movement. Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1913, Eisler was part of a generation of European architects and designers whose work and lives were profoundly affected by the upheaval of the Second World War. His father was the art historian Max Eisler, a founding member of the Austrian Werkbund, which likely influenced Eisler's early exposure to design and architecture.
It was in Brazil that Eisler's design sensibilities fully blossomed. He met Carlo Hauner, with whom he would form a formidable partnership, founding the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma. Their designs are celebrated for integrating Brazilian materials and craftsmanship with modernist design principles, creating furniture that was both accessible and aesthetically sophisticated.
Eisler's furniture designs, such as the Reversível and Costela chairs, are lauded for their innovative use of materials and form. His work often featured Brazilian woods and thin tubular frames, showcasing a finesse in blending structure with visual lightness. The collaboration between Eisler and Hauner was marked by a shared vision that helped define Brazilian mid-century modern design, making it distinctive and sought after globally.
Find vintage Martin Eisler furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Herança Cultural)
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The powerful partnership between Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) and Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s as Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte's creative directors resulted in many incr...
Rosewood
Martin Eisler, Large bench with polychrome wood seat and cut glass top
By Martin Eisler
Located in Milano, IT
COS-2639 Martin Eisler (1913-1977) Large bench with polychrome wood seat and cut glass top with metal structure designed for a private residence. Three uprights in stained chestnut ...
Glass
$1,609
H 18.9 in W 106.3 in D 14.38 in
French antique soldid wood bench with narrow and long seat, 1930s
Located in MIlano, IT
Mid-century French wooden bench with long narrow seat, 1930s Bench with narrow and long seat with rounded corners, entirely in solid wood. The square section legs facing outwards are...
Wood
Teak Wood Framed Bench, with Woven Rattan Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven rattan strap bench. These benches are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use of nails. They feature a subtle wood...
Teak, Rattan
$20,982
H 66 in W 71 in D 102 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Model "Reversible" modern Brazilian armchair 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler(1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair model “Reversible” Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Iron structure, brass, cotton upholstery Measurements: 10...
Iron
$35,000 / set
H 27.16 in W 30.31 in D 29.52 in
Rare Forma armchairs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, BR
This particular piece showcases a rare design crafted by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma in 1955. Though Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler are primarily known for their well-s...
Wood
$28,089 / set
H 28.35 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Pair of Modern Brazilian Armchairs wood and velvet
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Pair of armchairs Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Caviuna wood legs, velvet and cotton upholstery Measurements: 77 cm x 77 cm x 72 H cm. 30.3 in x 30.3 in x 28.3 H in. Literature: Casa & Jardim, 1956. Nº 92 Details: Belonging to a three pieces set of sofa and two armchairs.
Upholstery, Wood
Volpi bench in natural wood and fabric seat
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
The simple yet striking and delicate geometry of the Volpi Bench was inspired by the little flags eternalized by the work of master painter Alfredo Volpi. Made from mdf with natural ...
Wood, Fabric
$1,940 / item
H 18.12 in W 55.12 in D 15.75 in
Teak Wood Framed Bench, with Woven Synthetic Rattan Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven synthetic rattan bench. These benches are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use of nails. They feature a subtle ...
Synthetic, Rattan
Teak Wood Framed Bench, with Woven Leather Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven leather strap bench. These benches are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use of nails. They feature a subtle woo...
Leather, Teak
Teak Wood Framed Bench, with Woven Leather Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven leather strap bench. These benches are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use ...
Leather, Teak
Teak Wood Framed Bench, with Woven Leather Seat
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A hand-crafted teak framed & woven leather strap bench. These benches are crafted by local artisans using a wood joinery technique without the use of nails. They feature a subtle woo...
Leather, Teak
$88,100
H 31.11 in W 28.75 in D 28.75 in
Rare 'Costela' Lounge Chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1954
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Antwerp, BE
These extraordinary lounge chairs represent an original and very rare piece of Brazilian design history. Designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner in 1954 for the renowned company F...
Steel
$960Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 18 in W 22 in D 18 in
Wood Bench with Solid Seat and Hand-Carved Detail on Frame
By LF Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dubois bench by LF Upholstery is a hand-carved bench serving as an example of craftsmanship at its best. Available in choice of size in 3 different w...
Linen, Oak