One of 12 lithographs in The Twelve Maquettes of Stained Glass Windows for Jerusalem, this piece, with its stunning blue hues and diversity of subjects is perhaps one of the most captivating in the series. Jean Leymarie states of this print, "A majestic three-branched candelabrum forms the central axis of this predominantly dark-blue composition. It rises both as the tree of life and as the tree of justice, and perhaps also as a symbol of sovereignty. Its flaming lights create an area of diffused yellow between the red animals, compensated by a green space below. Around the candelabrum twines the horned viper, dangerous serpent of the desert, which strikes suddenly at anything which comes near and makes horses rear back in fright…Between the branches of the candelabrum rises a vermilion lion cub, in a traditional pose. His right paw, which becomes the hand of justice, holds the sword of war, which also serves as the beam for a scales" (p. 101-102).

Created in 1964, this image is one in a series of twelve lithographs. Commissioned by the Hadassah-Hebrew Medical Center, Chagall created these works as maquettes for a series of stained glass windows to be installed in the Center's synagogue outside of Jerusalem. The work was engraved by Charles Sorlier, who worked in close collaboration with the artist and is printed on watermarked Arches wove paper. This piece is numbered from the edition of 150 in the lower left (total edition of 150 proofs signed and numbered in Arabic numerals, 75 proofs signed and numbered in Roman numerals, and 10 artist's proofs). This work is hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887- Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin and signed in the stone, 'CH. SORLIER. GRAV. LITH.' at the lower left of the image.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This work is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoice accompanying the final sale of the work).

1. Leymarie, Jean. Marc Chagall: The Jerusalem Windows. New York: Park Lane, 1988. Listed and illustrated on pp. 101-12.

2. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs, 1974-79. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1984. Listed on p. 209 as catalogue no. CS 18.

3. Martin Lawrence Galleries. Marc Chagall. 1999. Listed as CS 18 on pg 60.

4. 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.