Claude Roger-Marx (1888–1977) was a French writer, playwright, art critic, art collector and art historian.

Early life and education

Claude Roger-Marx was born Jules Anne Claude Marx on 12 November 1888 in Paris, to Roger Marx[fr] and Elisa Cécile Nathan (1859–1933).

In 1906, Roger-Marx graduated with his baccalauréat. Roger-Marx then studied at the University of Paris Faculty of Law.

Career

Roger-Marx published two novels, before he wrote plays. In 1927 he became a chevalier of the Légion d'honneur. Roger Marx's art collection included Edouard Manet's La Sultan and Paul Signac's Voiles dans la brume. Canal de la Giudecca. He also used the pen name Claudine'.

Nazi persecution in France

When Nazi Germany invaded France in 1940 in World War II, Jews were persecuted. Roger-Marx, who was Jewish, was suspended from his duties in December 1940. He fled to Marseille in 1941, and in 1943 to Isère. His art collection was seized by the E.R.R., the Nazi looting organization operating in France. His son, Denis, was imprisoned by the Gestapo and executed on February 25, 1944.

Postwar

His real career as critic and art historian started after the war. He was a great admirer of art, and became inspector of the Écoles des Beaux-Arts (schools of fine arts). He also was chroniqueur attitré of the Figaro, especially the Figaro Littéraire, its literary supplement, as well as of the Revue de Paris. In 1956 he was made commander of the Légion d'honneur.

Personal life

In 1912, Roger-Marx married Florestine "Mayotte" Caroline Marie Nathan. The couple had two children, Paulette (1913–1994) and the French Resistance fighter Denis Roger-Marx[fr] (1922–1944).

Works

Novels

  • Les Deux Amis, novel, Albin Michel, 1921
  • La Tragédie légère, novel, Albin Michel, 1922

Comedies

  • Simili, comedy in three acts, Stock, 1930
  • Dimanche, comedy in one act, Andrieu frères, 1934
  • Biens oisifs, comedy in one act, Stock, 1936
  • Lecture, comedy in one act, Stock, 1936
  • La Pensionnaire, comedy in three acts, Lejeune, 1936
  • Réussite, comedy in one act, Librairie théâtrale, 1936
  • 80 printemps, ou les Ardeurs de l'hiver, comedy in one act, Lejeune, 1936
  • Nino, comedy in one act, Les Annales, 1937
  • Marie ou la Manière douce, comedy in three acts, Denoël, 1938

Art historical works

External links