The son of the famous Czech art historian Max Eisler, who went down in history with his work on landscapes in the works of Rembrandt, Martin Eisler was born in Vienna just before the outbreak of the First World War.
Guided by a highly cultivated family background and open to the world, he managed to join the city's School of Applied Arts. There he studied architecture and design with famous architects such as Oskar Strnad and Clemens Holzmeister.
Martin Eisler (1913-1977)
& Carlo Hauner (1927-1997)
Armchair - Unique piece, circa 1950.
Painted metal and original leather
After the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938, Eisler emigrated to Buenos Aires where he worked as an architect, scenographer and interior designer. Within a few months, he presented his drawings and furniture for the first time at the Mueller Gallery, which became the National Fine Arts Office in 1940. In 1945, the inauguration of the studio he created with Arnold Hackel was the first success.
Ten years later, Martin Eisler travels to neighbouring Brazil and joins forces with Carlo Hauner. This cooperation was to be most fruitful. He was entrusted with the artistic direction of the company Forma in São Paulo.
Martin Eisler (1913-1977)
Dining room table
Caviuna wood, wickerwork and glass
Edition Forma, circa 1950
This Brazilian experience has a considerable influence on his work. Exotic woods and the techniques of varnishing and lacquering on wood, glass and bronze make their appearance in his aesthetic vocabulary.
The success that the two men met led him to collaborate with Knoll International for almost ten years. At that time, design and architecture were highly sought-after markets in Brazil, particularly boosted by the ex nihilo foundation of the new capital Brasilia and the numerous projects initiated by Oscar Niemeyer.
Martin Eisler (1913-1977)
Pair of armchairs
Rosewood, metal and fabric
Forma Edition, circa 1959
Among the pieces that enjoyed international success are the Reversível and Costela chairs, which received the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award.