Marc Chagall Fiançailles au cirque (Engagement at the Circus), 1983 is a playful and amorous depiction of human adoration. Rendering a blend of fantasy and spirituality, Chagall allows us to enter into a world of love. The two lovers are intimately engaged in an expression of light-hearted cheerfulness where the man in profile grazes his bouquet towards his woman’s heart. Staring deep into our own eyes—as the audience—we sense a direct contact with this engagement. The woman beckons us and almost suggests that we partake in a joyous and blissful moment. Her cheeks are slightly flushed in a tenderly peach tint, her curly dark hair springs to life, and those scarlet lips perk slightly in upwards motion. Her gifted bouquet is adorned by luscious and complimentary colors—the bright green harmonizes with the raspberry red shades. They completely saturate our vision and sing to us bountiful and poetic songs of happiness. From corner to corner, Chagall depicts acrobats that tumble in motion, enlivening a spiritual attitude. He uses a palette of childlike colors that are simple, gentle, and energetic. Known to be very childlike himself, we get a glimpse into his perception of the world and a window of his background. Well-versed in literature and biblical tradition, this piece embodies his fusion of divinity and creativity that is symbolic of Chagall’s works. Radiant, illusory, and fleeting are words that do best to convey Chagall and this work’s success.

Created in 1983, Marc Chagall Fiançailles au cirque (Engagement at the Circus), 1983 is a Color Lithograph on Arches paper. Numbered from the edition of 50, this work is hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 – Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Marc Chagall Fiançailles au cirque (Engagement at the Circus), 1983 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, ed. Marc Chagall The Lithographs - La Collection Sorlier. New York: Distributed Art Publishers, Inc., 1998. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1016.
2. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs, vol. VI 1980 – 1985. New York: Crown Publisher, 1984. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1016.
3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Marc Chagall Fiançailles au cirque (Engagement at the Circus), 1983 is presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.