21st Century Marcantonio Seating Chair Inlay Wood Scapin Collezioni, Italy

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.

Scapin Collezioni is a visionary and non-conformist brand that curiously, creatively, and irreverently explores the confines of the designscape. Established in 2017 as a spin-off of La Veneta, a historic artistic furniture company recognised on an international level, Scapin Collezioni represents the parent company’s radical pop spirit. Its creations, unusual and scenic, range from traditional to experimental, finding a place in the point of convergence between craftsmanship par excellence, highly innovative design, and works of modern art. All the stages of the creative and construction process take place in the Trezze sul Brenta branch. In these spaces of productive incubation, the most cutting-edge automated technology is at the service of the crafting skills and inspiration of the designers. Experimentation is the keyword, stressing and exploring the material in order to force it to reveal yet unimagined expressive potential. Scapin Collezioni’s stock of materials includes wood and polyurethane foam. These elements are often accompanied by marble, resin, glass, and metal. The brand works with various designers like Elena Salmistraro, Matteo Cibic, Marcantonio, Matteo Zorzenoni.