Marc Chagall’s Plate 2, from De Mauvais Sujets (Bad Elements), 1958 is an unforgettable artwork. Offering an image of uninhibited expression and jubilation, Chagall uses both color and form to create a sense of exhilaration and flight. This work is one of ten illustrations created to accompany the text entitled de Mauvais Sujets by Jean Paulhan. Regarding the book, Charles Sorlier stated, “when the book was published, it was distributed among the members of a bibliographic society and was not put onto the market. Consequently, it has become a collector’s piece of considerable value” (Sorlier, 82).

Flying through the air with arms flung to the side, the central figure appears with glistening blond hair and a delicate smile. Holding a pen in one hand and a book or notebook in the other, this image represents the freedom experienced through the activity of self-expression, be it through the use of the written word or the manipulation of the engraved plate. Chagall combines delicate etched lines and bold brush strokes to create a textured image that conveys a sense of exuberant execution.

Created in 1958, this color etching and aquatint is hand-signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 – Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin. Numbered from the signed edition of 19 in pencil in the lower left margin (aside from the unsigned edition of 153 on Arches) printed by Fequet et Baudier and published by Les Bibliophiles de l’Union Française.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Marc Chagall Plate 2 from Bad Elements (De Mauvais Sujets), 1958 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, Patrick. Marc Chagall The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raisonné. Geneva: Patrick Cramer, 1995. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 35.
2. Kornfeld, Eberhard W. Catalogue raisonné de l’oeuvre grave, Vol. I: 1922-1966. Berne: Editions Kornfeld et Klipstein, 1971. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 107.
3. Sorlier, Charles. Marc Chagall: The Illustrated Books. Paris: Editions Michèle Trinckvel, 1990. Listed and illustrated on pg. 82.
4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to archival, museum grade conservation Marc Chagall Plate 2 from Bad Elements (De Mauvais Sujets), 1958 is framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.