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
A bench designed by Martin Eisler in 1955 and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. The piece is constructed in solid Caviúna, with thin slats arranged in a rhythmic patte...
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
$1,175
H 17.72 in W 27.56 in D 13.39 in
"Ameland" bench with polychrome wood frame and chenille seat - Netherlands -
Located in Madrid, España
"Ameland" bench with polychrome wood frame and chenille seat - Netherlands - 18th century Dimensions: 45 x 70 x 34 cm
Wood
$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
$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
Large Klismos Style Bench With Sea Grass Woven Seat
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Peabody, MA
A large Klismos style bench in lacquered birch with woven sea grass seat. This classic Greek design originated in the 5th century BC and remains ju...
Seagrass, Birch
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
$1,604
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
$7,718Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 51.19 in D 22.84 in
Coralia Bench Seat Collection in Wood with Upholstered Leather
Located in Paris, FR
Bench Coralia with legs in wood covered with leather category B. Seat and back upholstered with leather category B. Dimensions: L130 x P58 x H77cm. Ref: 150-5032/130GL. Available in:...
Leather, Wood
$8,900 / set
H 31 in W 27.5 in D 28 in
Martin Eisler Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chairs, Rattan, Steel, Forma, Brazil, c. 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and steel lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1955. Seat Height (inches): 15" All items ship from High Poin...
Steel
Mid-Century Ebonized Wood Bench with Caned Seat, 1950s
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century ebonized wooden bench with two scroll sides and a central caned seat, resting on two rectangular legs. Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Wood
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
$1,442 / item
H 17.72 in W 47.25 in D 17.72 in
Volpi Bench by Alessandra Delgado, Natural Wood & 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
$21,684
H 35.04 in W 59.85 in D 30.71 in
Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longue by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Berlin, DE
Extremely Rare Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Produced by Forma. A striking piece featuring a delicate steel frame with brass feet and organically sculpted wooden ar...
Metal