Marc Chagall’s Temple et Histoire de Bacchus (Temple and History of Bacchus), 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 Temple et Histoire de Bacchus (Temple and History of Bacchus), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 visualizes the rustic celebrations in anticipation of Daphnis and Chloe’s marriage. Brilliant fuchsia and yellow dominate the image, while pops of saturated cerulean blue, emerald green, and cool white add a sense of dynamic energy. A throng of figures in a myriad of poses fills the entire composition, evoking the crowds and chaos that characterize visual representations of feasts honoring the Greek god Bacchus. Nude figures lay at the bottom with arms outstretched and heads turned, while dancing figures animate the space at either end of the image. Marc Chagall’s Temple et Histoire de Bacchus (Temple and History of Bacchus), from Daphnis et Chloé, 1961 captures the celebratory and chaotic energy of a feast to Bacchus through Chagall’s playful use of color and dreamlike compositions.

Created in 1961, Marc Chagall’s Temple et Histoire de Bacchus (Temple and History of Bacchus), 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 Temple et Histoire de Bacchus (Temple and History of Bacchus), 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. 346.
2. Mourlot, Fernand. The Lithographs of Chagall, vol. II 1957-1962. Monté Carlo, 1960. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 346.
3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

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