Max Bill was born in Winterthur, Switzerland. After an apprenticeship as a silversmith during 1924–27, he took up studies at the Bauhaus in Dessau under many teachers including Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Oskar Schlemmer from 1927 to 1929, after which he moved to Zurich.
After working on graphic designs for the few modern buildings being constructed, Bill built his first work, his own house and studio (1932–3) in Zurich-Höngg. From 1937 onward he was a prime mover behind the Allianz group of Swiss artists.
Bill is widely considered the single most decisive influence on Swiss graphic design beginning in the 1950s with his theoretical writing and progressive work. His connection to the days of modernism gave him special authority. As an industrial designer, his work is characterized by a clarity of design and precise proportions. Examples are the elegant clocks and watches designed for Junghans, a long-term client. Among Bill's most notable product designs is the Ulmer Hocker of 1954, a stool that can also be used as a shelf element, a speaker's desk, a tablet or a side table. Although the stool was a creation of both Bill's and Ulm School designer Hans Gugelot's, it is often called "Bill Hocker" because the first sketch of it on a cocktail napkin was Bill's work.
As a designer and artist, Bill sought to create forms which visually represent the New Physics of the early 20th century. He sought to create objects so that the new science of form could be understood by the senses: that is as a concrete art. Thus Bill is not a rationalist – as is typically thought – but rather a phenomenologist. He made spare geometric paintings, prints and spherical sculptures, some based on the Möbius strip, in stone, wood, metal and plaster. His architectural work included an office building in Germany, a radio studio in Zurich, and a bridge in eastern Switzerland.
Bill continued to produce architectural designs, such as those for a museum of contemporary art (1981) in Florence and for the Bauhaus Archive (1987) in Berlin. In 1982 he also entered a competition for an addition to the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, built to a design by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Pavillon-Skulptur, a large granite sculpture, was installed adjacent to the Bahnhofstrasse, Zürich in 1983. As is often the case with modern art in public places, the installation generated some controversy. Endlose Treppe, a sculpture made of North American granite, was designed for the philosopher Ernst Bloch.
In 1982 he was awarded the Sir Misha Black award and was added to the College of Medallists.
Bill executed many public sculptures in Europe and exhibited extensively in galleries and museums, including a retrospective at the Kunsthaus Zürich in 1968–69. He was the subject of retrospectives at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1974, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1988.
Find vintage Max Bill stools, lighting, and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Max Bill, Prism, from San Lazzaro et ses Amis, 1975
By Max Bill
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Max Bill (1908–1994), titled Prisma (Prism), from the album San Lazzaro et ses Amis, Hommage au fondateur de la revue XXe siecle (San Lazzaro and His Fri...
Lithograph
Geometric Composition - Original Lithograph
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, IDF
Max Bill Geometric composition, 1975 Original lithograph Unsigned and unnumbered as usual Limited edition of 575 copies On Arches vellum, size 35 x 27 cm (c. 14 x 10 in) Excellent ...
Lithograph
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Max Bill, Variation 13, from XXe siecle, 1938
By Max Bill
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Max Bill (1908–1994), titled Variation 13, from the album XXe siecle, Chroniques du jour, 13 rue Valette (5e), Directeur G. di San Lazzaro, Sommaire du n...
Lithograph
$1,120
Square
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, FR
Silkscreen, 1970 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 125/200 70.00 cm. x 50.00 cm. 27.56 in. x 19.69 in. (paper) 39.80 cm. x 39.80 cm. 15.67 in. x 15.67 in. (image) A m...
Silk
$188Sale Price|65% Off
Untitled (Geometric Abstraction Minimalism, ~60% OFF LIST PRICE)
By Max Bill
Located in Kansas City, MO
Max Bill Composition with white center Color silkscreen Year: 1972 Edition: Edition for "Look at" Size: 23.3 × 23.3 inches Unsigned, unknown edition size (pres. ~2,000) - sometimes a...
Screen
$1,120
Untitled
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, FR
Silksreen, 1970 Handsigned by the artist in pencil 80.50 cm. x 60.50 cm. 31.69 in. x 23.82 in. (paper) 52.00 cm. x 52.00 cm. 20.47 in. x 20.47 in. (image) Swiss-born multidiscipli...
Silk
'Composition' From San Lazzaro Et Ses Amis
By Max Bill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Max Bill Composition Original Lithograph in Colors on Paper Editions XXe Siecle, Paris, France Mint Condition 1975
Lithograph
Geometric Composition - Original Lithograph
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, IDF
Max BILL (1908-1994) Geometric composition, 1975 Original lithograph (Mourlot workshop) Unsigned Limited edition of 575 unnumbered copies On Arches vellum paper 35 x 27 cm (c. 14 x ...
Lithograph
"Untitled" serigraph and collage by Max Bill from the "Kinderstern" portfolio
By Max Bill
Located in Boca Raton, FL
"Untitled" geometric abstract multi-color serigraph and collage by artist Max Bill from the "Kinderstern" portfolio, published in 1989 by Edition Domberger to raise money to house families of children hospitalized with cancer. Hand-numbered 66/100 in lower left corner. Hand-signed bill...
Screen
$2,500
Max Bill Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction Signed silkscreen 7/100 Europe
By Max Bill
Located in New York, NY
Max Bill Untitled Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction, 1970 Silkscreen on wove paper 27 1/2 × 19 1/2 inches Signed, dated and numbere...
Screen
Munich Olympics Silkscreen by Max Bill 1972
By Max Bill
Located in Long Island City, NY
This silkscreen was created by Swiss architect, designer, and artist, Max Bill. Bill is widely considered the single most decisive influence on Swiss graphic design. He sought to create forms that visually represent the New Physics of the early 20th century. This print was published for the 1972 Munich...
Screen
Abstract Composition - Screen Print by Max Bill - 1970s
By Max Bill
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original Screen Print realized by Max Bill in 1970s. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted harmonious colors in a well-balanced composition.
Screen
Abstract Composition - Original Screen Print by Max Bill - 1970
By Max Bill
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original Screen Print realized by Max Bill in 1970. Good conditions. Hand signed and dated, not numbered. The artwork is depicted harmonious colors in a ...
Screen
Untitled from "Kinderstern" - Max Bill, Hard Edge, Color Field, Bright Colors
By Max Bill
Located in Köln, DE
Screenprint by Max Bill. From the portfolio "Kinderstern". No Title, 1989 76 x 58 cm Copy 61/100 Edition of 100 (approx.)
Screen
Combillation, suite of Four Silkscreens on Acrylic Panel by Max Bill, 1970
By Max Bill
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Max Bill, Swiss (1908 - 1994) Portfolio: Combillation Year: 1970 Medium: Set of Four Silkscreens on Plastic Panel, each signed and numbered verso Edition: 210 Size of each ...
Screen
Um 1930 in Zurich
By Max Bill
Located in New York, NY
Bill, Max. Um 1930 in Zurich, 1977 Offset, 50 1/4 x 35 1/4". Max Bill was an important Swiss artist, designer and architect whose work drew inspiration from Bauhaus, De Stijl, an...
Screen
Dada in Zurich
By Max Bill
Located in New York, NY
Bill, Max. Dada in Zurich, 1980, Offset Max Bill, (born December 22, 1908, Winterthur, Switzerland—died December 9, 1994, Berlin, Germany), Swiss graphic artist, industrial designer...
Offset
$14,000
Ariadne
By Max Bill
Located in New York, NY
City Theatre matinee- 24 April 10:45 - dance studio wuff, basel (includes notice of postponement of a ballet by Satie and Picabia and a statement of aesthetics in small type) Zurich. Letter press...
Lithograph
$4,000
H 24 in W 18 in
April Gornik - Remember the Sabbath Day (The Fourth Commandment) Lithograph S/N
By April Gornik
Located in New York, NY
April Gornik Remember the Sabbath Day (The Fourth Commandment), 1987 2 Color Lithograph on Dieu Donne handmade paper with deckled edges 24 × 18 inches Signed and numbered AP 12/15, a...
Pencil, Graphite, Lithograph
"Woman Walks into Bar" 53/450
By Sue Coe
Located in Houston, TX
Known for addressing difficult issues, this lithograph by Sue Coe tackles the difficult subject of rape culture. It is numbered in the lower left corner and signed and dated in the l...
Lithograph
$495
H 21.25 in W 17.25 in
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, 1966, Framed, Derriere Le Miroir #156
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Alexander Calder Derriere le Miroir #156 (Plate 1) Artist: Alexander Calder Title: (Plate 1) Derriere le Miroir #156 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Original lithograph Ye...
Lithograph
Intermesh, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Arnold Hoffman
By Arnold Hoffmann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Arnold Hoffman, Jr., American (1915 - 1991) Title: Intermesh Year: circa 1970 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 90 Ima...
Screen
$2,500
H 36.63 in W 29.88 in
Homage to Barnett Newman /// Gene Davis Abstract Geometric Minimal Screenprint
By Gene Davis
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Gene Davis (American, 1920-1985) Title: "Homage to Barnett Newman" *Signed and dated by Davis in pencil lower right Year: 1979 Medium: Original Screenprint on unbranded soft-...
Screen
$300Sale Price|25% Off
H 15 in W 11 in D 0.01 in
Alexander Calder lithograph 1960s (Calder derriere le miroir)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithograph c. 1967 from Derrière le miroir: Lithograph in colors; 15 x 11 inches. Very good overall vintage condition; well-preserved. Unsigned from an edition of u...
Lithograph
$744Sale Price|20% Off
H 40 in W 83 in
Venice Seascape Triptych, Blue Lido Island Reflections, Contemporary Cyanotype
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These...
Lithograph, Monotype, Paper
Magic Rainbow II, Limited Edition Signed Print
By Yaacov Agam
Located in San Rafael, CA
Yaacov Agam (b. 1928) Magic Rainbow II, late 20th century Screenprint in colors on wove paper LXIII/XC (edition 63/90) Signed and numbered in pencil along lower edge 13 x 15...
Screen
$38,000
H 22.5 in W 27 in D 2 in
Print of Frank Stella Wall Relief Sculpture, Hand Signed, Dated by Artist Framed
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Frank Stella (after) Untitled, for the Very Special Arts Gallery (Hand Signed by Frank Stella), 1992 Photo lithograph and offset litho on thin board (hand signed by Frank Stella) Fra...
Offset, Lithograph
$1,000
H 43 in W 35 in
"Untitled" by Peter Plagens. (Abstract, Formalist, Symbolism, Geometric, Print)
Located in New York, NY
Peter Plagens (b. 1941) received his B.F.A. from the University of Southern California and his M.F.A. from Syracuse University. He is well known for his abstract, formalist paintings...
Screen
Planetary And Scatologic Vision
By Salvador Dalí
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Salvador Dali (Spanish surrealist, 1904-1989) Title: Planetary and Scatologic Vision Year: 1974 Medium: Engraving with embossing and color lithograph Edition: Numbered...
Engraving, Lithograph
$400
H 27.6 in W 19.3 in
Asger Jorn 1978 Original Unused Vintage Exhibition Lithograph Poster Galerie
By Asger Jorn
Located in Miami, FL
Asger Jorn (Denmark, 1914-1973) Jorn. Galleri Flindt, 1978 lithograph on paper 27.6 x 19.3 in. (70 x 49 cm.) Excellent condition, unframed Ref: JOR100-201 A humanist in the broadest...
Lithograph
Sold
H 27.5 in W 19.75 in D 0.1 in
Max Bill Lithograph Poster, Abstract Design, 1974 Exhibition, Unframed
By Max Bill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This original lithographic poster was created for Max Bill's 1974 exhibition at Marlborough Galerie Zürich. A leading figure in the Concrete Art movement, Bill's work is celebrated f...
Lithograph
Untitled - Lithograph by Max Bill - 1988
By Max Bill
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on Japan Paper realized in 1988. Edition of 195/250. Hand signed, dated and numbered in pencil.
Lithograph
Untitled - Screen Print by Max Bill - 1974
By Max Bill
Located in Roma, IT
Color screen print on wove paper, realized by Max Bill in 1974. Dry Stamp "Erker Press St. Gallen". Image dimension cm. 69.5x58.3. Hand signed, numbered and dated. Edition of 123...
Screen
Three-color variation
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1974 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 34/75 77.00 cm. x 63.00 cm. 30.31 in. x 24.8 in. (paper) 54.00 cm. x 54.00 cm. 21.26 in. x 21.26 in. (image) Certif...
Lithograph
Untitled (Geometric Abstraction Minimalism)
By Max Bill
Located in Kansas City, MO
Max Bill Composition with white center Color silkscreen Year: 1972 Edition: Edition for "Look at" Size: 23.3 × 23.3 inches Unsigned, unknown edition size (pres. ~2,000) - sometimes a...
Screen
'Composition' From San Lazzaro Et Ses Amis
By Max Bill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Max Bill Composition Original Lithograph in Colors on Paper Editions XXe Siecle, Paris, France Mint Condition 1975
Lithograph
3-8 Eck
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, FR
Silksreen, 1976 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 108/150 80.00 cm. x 60.00 cm. 31.5 in. x 23.62 in. (paper) 43.00 cm. x 43.00 cm. 16.93 in. x 16.93 in. (image) On ...
Silk
Variation 13 from XXe Siecle No. 4
By Max Bill
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Max Bill Title: Variation 13 Portfolio: XXe Siecle No. 4 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1938 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 19 3/4" x 16 3/4" Sheet Size: 12 5/8" x 9 5/8" Signatur...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, FR
Silksreen, 1970 Handsigned by the artist in pencil Edition : 20/75 65.00 cm. x 50.00 cm. 25.59 in. x 19.69 in. (paper) 40.00 cm. x 40.00 cm. 15.75 in. x 15.75 in. (image) Swiss-bo...
Silk
Square in opposite directions
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, FR
Silksreen, 1968 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 27/150 61.50 cm. x 44.00 cm. 24.21 in. x 17.32 in. (paper) 36.00 cm. x 36.00 cm. 14.17 in. x 14.17 in. (image) On wo...
Silk
Geometry - Lithograph by Max Bill - 1975
By Max Bill
Located in Roma, IT
Not Signed. Belongs to the series "Hommage à San Lazzaro" realized by artists such as Lucio Fontana, Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder and Max Ernst among others. Edited by the Magazine...
Lithograph
Sold
H 27.56 in W 19.69 in D 0.08 in
Geometric Composition - Screen Print by Max Bill - 1970
By Max Bill
Located in Roma, IT
Geometric Composition is a Screen Print realized by Max Bill in 1970. Hand signed and dated on the right margin. Numbered LXII/LXVI on the left corner The artwork is depicted harmo...
Screen