Marc Chagall, Blanc sur Noir (White on Black), 1972 |
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| Artist: | Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985) |
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| Title: | Blanc sur Noir (White on Black), 1972 |
| Reference: | M. 682 |
| Medium: | Original Color Lithograph |
| Image Size: | 21 3/4 in x 15 in (52.71 cm x 38.1 cm) |
| Sheet Size: | 26.3 in x 19.4 in (67 cm x 49.4 cm) |
| Framed Size: | 42 in x 34 in (106.68 cm x 86.36 cm) |
| Signature: | Hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887- Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin |
| Condition: | This work is in excellent condition. |
| ID # | w-1981 |
Comprising of only two colors, black & white, Chagall's whimsical imagery is still able to come alive amidst a whir of movement and energy. Floral arrangements, a bird flying overhead, and a lover's embrace add to this happy and joyful scene.
Created in 1972, this piece is printed on Arches wove paper and published by Editions Maeght, Paris. It is also signed in the lower right margin by Marc Chagall (1887-1985) and numbered in pencil 14/30 in the lower left margin.
Chagall's use of white on black creates an exquisite effect of allowing his characters to leap from the print, adding an illusion of depth and intensity between the contrasting colors. The small bird flutters overhead as the central figure of the woman is depicted with arms outstretched to embrace her companion on the right. A robust rendition of flora frames the composition towards the lower left margin as a small figure of a man can be seen entering the frame from the right. This is truly one of Chagall's finer works evoking a subtle elegance and displaying his masterful artistry.
CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ & COA: It 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 final sale of the work):
1. Gauss, Ulrike ed. Marc Chagall - The Lithographs, Frankfurt, 1960. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 682 on pg. 308 and detailed on pg. 310.
2. Mourlot, Fernand & Charles Sorlier. The Lithographs of Chagall, vol. IV 1969-1973, Monté Carlo, 1960. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 682 on pg. 144.
PROVENANCE: Linda Penny Grusmark
ABOUT THE FRAMING:
This work is set in an elegant, gold-leaf frame with ornate, sculptural detail. The brilliancy of the gold in the moulding enhances the bright hues in this work while the Baroque elements and detail compliment the overall composition of the piece. Complete with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, Blanc sur Noir is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover to ensure lasting quality.
