Marc Chagall’s Daphnis et Gnathon (Daphnis and Gnathon), 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 Daphnis et Gnathon (Daphnis and Gnathon), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 depicts the moment when Gnathon attempts to make advances on Daphnis. The figure of Gnathon is predominantly rendered in the same emerald hue of the background, but Daphnis’ pale, sensuous body stands out against the verdant green landscape. Daphnis stands with stiff legs and arms raised above his head in a semicircle, while Gnathon kneels beside him and reaches around his thighs. The pallor and open pose of Daphnis’ figure emphasizes the vulnerability of his body in Gnathon’s groping hands. Marc Chagall’s Daphnis et Gnathon (Daphnis and Gnathon), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 also features the figure of Gnathon’s master, Astylus, riding a red-tinted horse in the upper left corner, which adds another narrative layer to the scene. This encounter between Daphnis and Gnathon occurs when Astylus is away hunting, and Chagall composes one image that conveys these two simultaneous plot points.

Created in 1961, Marc Chagall’s Daphnis et Gnathon (Daphnis and Gnathon), 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 Daphnis et Gnathon (Daphnis and Gnathon), 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. 343.
2. Mourlot, Fernand. The Lithographs of Chagall, vol. II 1957-1962. Monté Carlo, 1960. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 343.
3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Marc Chagall’s Daphnis et Gnathon (Daphnis and Gnathon), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.