Claude Roger-Marx | |
---|---|
Born | 12 November 1888 Paris |
Died | 17 May 1977 Paris | (aged 88)
Pen name | Claudinet |
Occupation | writer, playwright, art critic, art historian |
Nationality | French |
Alma mater | University of Paris |
Notable awards | chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (1927), commandeur de la Légion d'honneur (1956) |
Spouse | Florestine Caroline Nathan (nickname "Mayotte") |
Children | Paulette (1913–1994; married René Asselain), Denis (1922–1944) |
Claude Roger-Marx (12 November 1888, Paris – 17 May 1977, Paris), was a French writer, and playwright, as well as an art critic and art historian like his father Roger Marx (1859–1913).[1] He also used the pen name "Claudinet".[2]
Roger-Marx, son of Roger Marx and Elisa Nathan (1859–1933), achieved his baccalauréat in 1906, studied at the faculties of law and humanities of the University of Paris,[3] and began to write poems and plays. In 1912 he married Florestine Caroline Nathan, who gave birth to their two children.[4] He published two novels, before he wrote plays.[5] In 1927 he became a chevalier of the Légion d'honneur.[3] Roger Marx's art collection included Edouard Manet's La Sultan[6] and Paul Signac's Voiles dans la brume. Canal de la Giudecca.[7]
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.[8] 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.[9] His son, Denis, was imprisoned by the Gestapo and executed on February 25 1944.[10]
His real career as critic and art historian started after the war.[4] 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.[5] In 1956 he was made commander of the Légion d'honneur.[3]