Marc Chagall, La Ferme (The Farm), 1922-23

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:La Ferme (The Farm), 1922-23
Reference:Mourlot 1
Medium:Lithograph
Image Size:4 1/4 x 7 51/64 in. (10.8 x 19.8 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 100 aside from 3 AP.
Signature:This work is hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985)
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-9971

Historical Description

Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Russian-French artist known for his unique blend of modernism and Eastern European Jewish folk culture. Born in Vitebsk, Belarus, Chagall's early works were deeply influenced by his Jewish heritage and the vibrant colors of his rural upbringing. He moved to Paris in 1910, where he became associated with the avant-garde movement, incorporating elements of Cubism, Fauvism, and Symbolism into his work. 

Chagall's art is characterized by dreamlike, fantastical imagery, often depicting lovers, animals, and biblical themes. His works, such as I and the Village and The Birthday, are celebrated for their emotional depth and vivid use of color. During World War II, Chagall fled to the United States, where his style continued to evolve. After the war, he returned to Europe, creating notable works like the stained glass windows for the Cathedral of Metz and the ceiling of the Paris Opera House.

Chagall's legacy endures as one of the 20th century's most influential artists, blending surrealism with his rich cultural heritage. His work remains a testament to his unique vision, full of color, emotion, and a deep connection to his roots.

Marc Chagall's works have been featured in numerous museum exhibitions worldwide, showcasing his contributions to modern art. Key exhibitions include:

  1. Musée National Marc Chagall, Nice, France: This museum, dedicated entirely to Chagall's work, houses the largest public collection of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions exploring different aspects of Chagall's life and artistic journey, such as his biblical series and his work in stained glass.
  2. The Jewish Museum, New York: This museum has held several exhibitions highlighting Chagall's Jewish heritage and its influence on his art. Exhibitions like Chagall: Love, War, and Exile (2013-2014) focused on his response to war, exile, and love through his artwork.
  3. Tate Liverpool, UK: In 2013, Tate Liverpool hosted Chagall: Modern Master, an exhibition that presented Chagall's work from the early 20th century to his later years, emphasizing his role in the modernist movement.
  4. Centre Pompidou, Paris, France: The Centre Pompidou has featured Chagall's work in retrospectives that explore his influence on modern art and his experimentation with various artistic styles, such as the 2003 exhibition Chagall: A Retrospective.

These exhibitions underscore Chagall's enduring influence and his capacity to blend personal history with universal themes, making him a pivotal figure in 20th-century art.

Marc Chagall's graphic works are celebrated for their lyrical quality and vivid imagination, capturing his distinctive blend of modernism, folklore, and spirituality. Some of his most important graphic works include:

  1. "Bible Series" (1931–1939, 1952–1956): This series consists of 105 etchings, illustrating scenes from the Old Testament. It is one of Chagall’s most significant graphic achievements, reflecting his deep connection to Jewish heritage and religious themes.
  2. "Daphnis and Chloe" (1957–1961): A set of 42 color lithographs, this series illustrates the ancient Greek romance by Longus. Chagall's interpretation is infused with vibrant color and emotion, capturing the pastoral beauty and romantic elements of the story.
  3. "The Dead Souls" (1923–1927): Chagall created a series of 96 etchings for Nikolai Gogol's novel Dead Souls. These works showcase his ability to translate literary narrative into visual art, blending humor and tragedy in a distinctly Chagallian style.
  4. "Fables of La Fontaine" (1927–1930): Chagall illustrated 100 etchings for Jean de La Fontaine's fables. These works are known for their whimsical and fantastical qualities, highlighting Chagall’s talent for merging text and image in a way that enhances both.
  5. "Four Tales from the Arabian Nights" (1948): This series of 13 color lithographs illustrates stories from the famous Arabian Nights collection. Chagall’s use of color and imaginative compositions brings these tales to life with a sense of magic and wonder.

These graphic works are integral to understanding Chagall's artistic vision, revealing his mastery of different techniques and his ability to infuse printmaking with his unique, dreamlike imagery.

 

Subject Matter: $16-50k