Marc Chagall’s L’Hiver (Winter), 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 L’Hiver (Winter), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 captures the relief and pleasure of Daphnis and Chloe as they reunite after having pined for each other for so long. The onslaught of cold weather deprived Daphnis and Chloe of the opportunities they had to see each other in the warmer months. Warm white and cool blues fill the landscape below the horizon line, while the navy-blue sky above gives the impression of a frigid wintry evening. The figure of Daphnis follows the contours of the Chloe’s figure, curving inward with Chloe’s waist and glancing into her face. Likewise, the curvature of the mountain line points to the couple, and more specifically, the rich sapphire figure of Chloe. Exemplifying Chagall’s renowned ability to tell a visual narrative, Marc Chagall’s L’Hiver (Winter), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 portrays the joy of reunited lovers against the beauty of a wintry scene in Greece.

Created in 1961, Marc Chagall’s L’Hiver (Winter), 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 L’Hiver (Winter), 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. 333.
2. Mourlot, Fernand. The Lithographs of Chagall, vol. II 1957-1962. Monté Carlo, 1960. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 333.
3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

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