Artwork information

Category

Print

Technique

Color lithograph on paper

Date

1963

Dimensions

74 cm x 55 cm

Signature

Unsigned

Proof(s) of authenticity

Lithograph sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by the publisher Mourlot.

State of conservation

Very good

Framing

Yes

Location

Paris, France

Description

Lithograph by Marc Chagall sold in a nice light wood frame.

This lithograph is inspired by a preparatory drawing that Marc Chagall made in 1937 for the painting "The Revolution". It is simply composed of yellow, red and black. This limited palette underlines the dramatic character of the composition and makes Chagall a master of color in lithographic engraving. It was printed by Mourlot and engraved by Charles Sorlier who was Marc Chagall's lithographer from 1950 to 1985.

"The Revolution" is remarkable for its ability to speak of multiple forms and stages of the Russian Revolution. In the lower right, a man leaves his house, and above we see a man sitting on a broken chair in total despair. The crowds on the left are organizing to confront their oppressors. While some are preparing to fight, the crowds at the top right are looking forward to a fresh start. It is interesting to note that it is in this festive area that the artist depicts the painter and his easel, as if the painter only wishes to see and represent happy and optimistic people in the face of these changes.

Provenance

Mourlot's Collection

The artist

Painter
Drawer

Marc Chagall

Famous artistFamous artist
Painter
Drawer
Born in 1887
Russia

Bio

Marc Chagall was born on July 7, 1887 in Vitebsk, in present-day Belarus. He comes from a modest Jewish family, he discovered painting in his hometown. In 1907, he left to study at the Fine Arts of Saint Petersburg, in particular, in the studio of Léon Bakst.

In 1909, Marc Chagall fell in love with Bella Rosenfeld. At the same time, he dreamed of living in Paris, where he settled in 1911. In Paris, he met Guillaume Apollinaire and Blaise Cendrars. In 1912, he exhibited for the first time.

With the arrival of World War I, the artist and his beloved returned to Vitebsk and married in 1915. Marc Chagall became the head of the town's art school. In 1922, he moved to Berlin and tried his hand at engraving. One year later, he returned to France.

In 1937, Marc Chagall obtained French nationality. During the Second World War, he managed to flee Europe to the United States. His wife died suddenly of a viral infection in 1944.

In 1948, he returned to France and already enjoyed international recognition. Several retrospectives on Marc Chagall are organized during his lifetime. He died on September 28, 1985 at the age of 97. 

Marc Chagall, who was one of the great actors of the "École de Paris", painted colorful canvases, dreamlike and poetic works.

Other artworks by Marc Chagall

See all artworks by Marc Chagall