Marc Chagall, Le repas chez Dryas (The Meal at Dryas's House) from Daphnis & Chloë, 1961

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:Le repas chez Dryas (The Meal at Dryas's House) from Daphnis & Chloë, 1961
Medium:Original Color Chagall Lithograph
Image Size:25 1/4 in x 16 1/2 in (64.1 cm x 41.9 cm)
Sheet Size:approx. 30 in x 21 in (76.2 cm x 53.3 cm)
Framed Size:48 1/4 in x 40 1/2 in (122.6 cm x 102.9 cm)
Condition:This work is in very good condition, the colors are bold and fresh
ID #w-2132

Historical Description

Created between 1957 and 1960, the series Daphnis & Chloe is regarded as the most important of Chagall's graphic works due to the number and size of the publication. The series of 42 original color lithographs was pulled on Arches wove paper and signed in pencil by Marc Chagall (1887 – 1985) in the lower right margin and numbered out of an edition of 60.  Printed by Mourlot Frères, Paris.

Creating a high sense of drama, Chagall manipulates the coloration of the image by employing a dominate shade of grey in order to enhance the vibrancy of the blue, yellow, green and purple used within the image. The overlap of colors is spectacular, everywhere it appears to be a darker shade, there are actually other colors that come through.

The following is an excerpt from this famed romantic tale of Daphnis & Chloe:

“Dryas and his family were busy round the table.  One of the sheep-dogs grabbed some meat and fled through the door.  Dryas dashed off in pursuit.  In the course of this pursuit he saw Daphnis.  He flung his arms around Daphnis and led him indoors.  When they (Daphnis and Chloé) saw one another they very nearly sank to the ground; but managing to stay upright they wished one another good morning and kissed each other.  Thus Daphnis got more that he had hoped for – not only a glimpse of Chloé but a kiss as well.  He sat close to the fire and unloaded the wood-pigeons and blackbirds, and described how he had gone to catch birds.  They praised him for being so energetic and invited him to dinner” (Galerie Michael, 2007, Daphnis & Chloé).

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It 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 final sale of the work):

1. Cramer, P. (1995). Marc Chagall, The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raisonné. Patrick Cramer, Publisher: Geneva. Book is listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 46 on pgs. 154-163.

2. Galerie Michael (2007). Marc Chagall – Daphnis and Chloé. Listed and illustrated on pg. 33.

3. Marc Chagall, The Lithographs: La Collection Sorlier. Gauss, U. (Ed.). Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 334 on pg. 164 and detailed on pg. 139.

4. Mourlot, F. (1963). The Lithographs of Chagall, 1957 – 1962. André Sauret, Editeur: Monte Carlo. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 334 on pg. 152 and detailed on pg. 131.

About the Framing:
This work is displayed in a beautiful Baroque frame with custom joined corners. The gold tones of the frame complement the tonal quality of the work, while the detailing of the molding repeats the circular forms seen within the piece itself. The framing is completed with white, linen-wrapped mats with a matching gold inner fillet and set behind and archival Plexiglas® cover.