Marc Chagall, Sun Bouquet from the Nice and The Côte d'Azur Series, 1967

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:Sun Bouquet from the Nice and The Côte d'Azur Series, 1967
Reference:CS. 26
Series:Nice and the Côte d’Azur, 1967
Medium:Original Color Lithograph
Image Size:23 5/8 in x 18 in (60 cm x 46 cm)
Sheet Size:28 3/4 in x 20 1/2 in (73 cm x 52 cm)
Framed Size:approx. 40 in x 32 1/2 in (82.6 cm x 101.6 cm)
Edition:Total edition of 150 signed and numbered in Arabic numerals, edition of 75 signed and numbered in Roman numerals, and a few artist's proofs.
Signature:This work is hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin
Condition:This work is in excellent condition, the colors are bold and fresh.
ID #w-3989

Historical Description

Offering a highly textured surface, Chagall painstakingly depicts the varied vegetation of the Cote d' Azur, from the palm trees along the lower margin, to the vibrant bouquet of flowers, to the tree branch in the upper left. The plethora of vegetation inspires a sense of continual growth and prosperity which is further echoed by the forms of the two lovers seen in the lower right. Connected to the bountiful bouquet by like tonalities, the two lovers drift away from the other figures depicted on the beach completely consumed by their shared devotion. Chagall permeates the entire scene with the intense radiating warmth of the sun which is not seen but merely reflected in the waters of the bay.

It is well known, and especially evident in this work, that the Mediterranean awakens in Chagall a sensation of well-being and plenitude just as the bright sun and flowers awaken in him a sense of freedom. The same feelings are to be found in the works of the most remarkable of those Russians who lived on the Coast during the XIXth century. This was notably the case with Tchekov who, while at Nice in 1897-1898, was also filled with wonder by the sea and flowers, by that " tender and moving " sea, by those " extraordinary " flowers which, a in an incredible mass, inundate the steps " (Correspondence, 1st October and 14th December 1897).

Created in 1967, this image is one of twelve lithographs that Chagall created for the Nice and the Cote D'Azur portfolio. The folio was created to accompany text written by Jean Adhémar, Director of the Cabinet des Estampes at the Bibliotheque Nationale. Printed on Arches wove paper, the work is hand-signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin. Edition of 150 signed and numbered in Arabic numerals, edition of 75 signed and numbered in Roman numerals, and a few artist's proofs).

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) Sorlier, Charles, Chagall Lithographs, 1974-79, 1984, listed on pages 219-220 and on page 221 as plate CS26.
2) Marc Chagall. Jenkintown Press, 1999. Martin Lawrence Limited Edition. Listed as plate CS 26.
3) A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:

This work is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.