Marc Chagall’s Arrivée de Dionysophane (Arrival of Dionysophanes), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 is one of the stunning lithographs within the illustrated Daphne and Chloe series that Fernand Mourlot considered to be one of "the most important graphic works that Marc Chagall has created thus far." Chagall dedicated three years to this project and undertook a series of lithographs that perhaps defined his career, making these pieces "a work of notable importance which, unquestionably, can be placed at the top of the list of illustrated works of our time" (Mourlot 131). Daphnis and Chloe, the two romantic heroes of Greek writer, Longus, are two childhood friends who undergo the trials and tribulations of growing up and, consequently, falling in love. Evoking the rich Mediterranean landscapes from which Chagall personally drew inspiration, this work is a masterpiece any Chagall enthusiast would admire.

Marc Chagall’s Arrivée de Dionysophane (Arrival of Dionysophanes), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 illustrates the return of Dionysophanes to his estate, which leads to an important development in Longus’ narrative. During his visit, Dionysophanes eventually discovers that Daphnis is his own son and has been working on his land since Lamon found him abandoned as an infant. Chagall visualizes the dramatic irony of the encounter by distinguishing the figures of Dionysophanes and Daphnis by color and their place in the composition. In a saturated lavender hue, Daphnis stands before Dionysophanes to receive him with two goat kids and an outstretched hand filled with cheese. The figure of Dionysophanes and his horse are filled in with a bright grassy green that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd. The horse raises Dionysophanes above the rest of the figures, and Daphnis’ bowed head indicates his deference to Dionysophanes’ authority. The composition of Marc Chagall’s Arrivée de Dionysophane (Arrival of Dionysophanes), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 draws upon the iconography of Christ on Palm Sunday, which alludes to both Dionysophanes’ importance as the master of the estate and his virtue as a morally upright character.

Created in 1961, Marc Chagall’s Arrivée de Dionysophane (Arrival of Dionysophanes), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 is a color lithograph on Arches paper. This work is hand-signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in the lower right margin. Numbered from edition of 60 in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Marc Chagall’s Arrivée de Dionysophane (Arrival of Dionysophanes), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Gauss, Ulrike. Marc Chagall: The Lithographs. The Sorlier collection. Edited by Ulrike Gauss et. al. New York: Distributed Art Publishers., Inc., 1999. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 344.
2. Mourlot, Fernand. The Lithographs of Chagall, vol. II 1957-1962. Monté Carlo, 1960. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 344.
3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Marc Chagall’s Arrivée de Dionysophane (Arrival of Dionysophanes), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.