Artistic glass lightbulb chandelier Murano Bulb Marcantonio X Multiforme #02

From his Puppy Pouffe lounge chair resembling a shaggy Puli dog to a 13-foot tall handmade giraffe sculpture in fiberglass holding a classic Marie-Thérèse-style chandelier, the whimsical chairs, table lamps and decorative objects created by MARCANTONIO mix originality, humor, mystery and functionality, with a dash of irony for good measure.

Born Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba in 1976 in Massa Lombarda, the artist and designer studied at the Severini Art Institute and Academy of Fine Arts in Ravenna. While there, he explored the relationship between irony and nature — two recurring themes in his works — and developed a fascination with artists such as René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp. 

Following graduation, MARCANTONIO collaborated with architects and worked in theater production before delving into art and furniture design. In 2010, he exhibited his series of Sprout chairs at the Salone del Mobile, which garnered critical acclaim and gained the attention of other ultra-modernist designers such as Mogg, Qeeboo, Natuzzi and Altreforme. MARCANTONIO has also engaged in several fruitful partnerships, notably with Italian design brand Seletti — for which he created his iconic anatomically correct heart-shaped vase — and Scarlet Splendour, manufacturer of his caricatural Forest chair, which is part of his Vegetal Animal series.

Although MARCANTONIO’s designs border on Surrealist and dreamlike, his pieces suggest a sense of “elegant irony.” His coffee tables, floor lamps, cabinets and other objects and furnishings, which feature intricate inlays and chic colors, are made with materials such as suede, brass and fine wool, and strike a balance between luxurious and amusing.

MARCANTONIO’s works have been exhibited at art galleries and shows throughout Europe. His pieces have also been featured in several major international publications such as Architectural Digest, GQ, Marie Claire, ELLE and Vanity Fair.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of MARCANTONIO seating, tables and lighting.

Located close to Venice, in the heart of the Veneto region's lighting district, MULTIFORME® is an Italian company specialized in decorative and custom handmade lighting, following every step from the design of each piece to its completion. MULTIFORME® meets the varied and specific demand of decorative, classical, contemporary and custom lighting, offering the best solutions to professionals worldwide. The company operates autonomously thanks to its technical department and internal production. MULTIFORME® can develop and follow articulated projects, offering high standard solutions at technical, functional and aesthetic level. An advanced know-how, allows us to realise complex works also in the custom field, for lighting projects needing specific and unique solutions. Every stage of the manufacturing process is carried out according to the company Mission: the excellence of lighting products and customers' satisfaction. MULTIFORME® is well appreciated on the market, cooperating with well-known Interior Designers, architects and furniture brands and taking part to prestigious international projects.