Max Schoendorff

A painter, printmaker, illustrator and stage designer, as well as an author and publisher, Max Schoendorff works across the visual arts, publishing and performance. Born and died in Lyon, he places an important part of his career there. He receives a classical education at the Lycée du Parc, up to the khâgne class. With Bernard Chardère, he establishes the film journal Premier Plan. In 1958, his first solo exhibition is held at Marcel Michaud’s Galerie Folklore in Lyon. In the late 1950s, Michaud also presents his work at Folklore, then introduces it in Paris at Édouard Loeb’s.

From 1964, Schoendorff works in theatre as a set designer, scenographer and costume designer, notably with Roger Planchon and Jacques Rosner. His work as a scenographer takes him to various theatre and opera institutions, including the Schillertheater in Berlin, the Opéra de Paris, the Opéra de Lyon and the Comédie-Française. He also designs sets for films by Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet, as well as João César Monteiro.

In his paintings and prints, the titles, imbued with poetry and sometimes dark humour, attest to his familiarity with Alfred Jarry and Pataphysics. He also founds MAPRA, the Maison des arts plastiques Rhône-Alpes. His works are held in several public collections, notably at the Musée d’Art moderne André-Malraux in Le Havre, the Musée de Grenoble, the Musée Paul-Dini and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon.

Works recorded at auction

Genève Enchères · Lot 3708

Calvaire

Charcoal

Original catalogue wording

Calvaire
fusain

Catalogue period : 2026-09-22

Published result : 50 CHF

Fees not specified in the available data

Estimate : CHF 80–120

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Genève Enchères · Lot 3709

Remise en sel

Ink on paper

Original catalogue wording

Remise en sel
encre sur papier

Catalogue period : 2026-09-22

Published result : 80 CHF

Fees not specified in the available data

Estimate : CHF 100–150

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Genève Enchères · Lot 3961

Omphale

Oil on canvas

Original catalogue wording

Omphale
huile sur toile

Catalogue period : 2026-09-22

Published result : 220 CHF

Fees not specified in the available data

Estimate : CHF 200–300

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Genève Enchères · Lot 3191

Calvaire

Charcoal

Original catalogue wording

Calvaire
fusain

Catalogue period : 2026-04-27

Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed

Estimate : CHF 150–200

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Genève Enchères · Lot 3473

Omphale

Oil on canvas

Original catalogue wording

Omphale
huile sur toile

Catalogue period : 2026-04-27

Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed

Estimate : CHF 400–600

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Dobiaschofsky · Lot 923

Grey Composition

Oil on canvas

Original catalogue wording

Composition grise.
Öl auf Lwd.

Date to be documented

Published result : 1300 CHF

Fees not specified in the available data

Estimate : CHF 1400

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