Marc Chagall, Bouquet, 1963

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:Bouquet, 1963
Medium:Original Color Lithograph on Vélin d'Arches
Image Size:26 3/5 in x 20 1/10 in (67.5 cm x 51 cm)
Sheet Size:31 7/10 in x 23 in (80.5 cm x 58.5 cm)
Framed Size:46 in x 37 1/2 in (116.8 cm x 95.3 cm)
Edition:This work is annotated 'H.C.' (Hors commerce or artist's proof) in pencil in the lower left margin; aside from the numbered edition of 50.
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 with rich color and full margins.
ID #w-4050

Historical Description

Marc Chagall Bouquet, 1963; The bouquet figures prominently in Chagall's oeuvre; it is in fact difficult to find a picture by him that does not feature at least one hastily sketched bloom. Mourlot and Sorlier, two of Chagall's closest collaborators in the graphic arts, write of this particular print: "In most of Chagall's large lithographs the colour is supported by black drawing. In this work, the artist wanted to rediscover 'the chemistry' of his palette' (The Lithographs of Chagall, 28). A second look at this luminous print confirms the remarkable absence of black. The windowpanes, the simple vase and of course the flowers are structured with color alone.

Scenting the room with sweet smells beneath the glowing bouquet, a basket of strawberries catches our eye. The luscious red fruit echoes the rounded petals climbing up each weighted stalk in the bouquet above. Long green leaves dangle down, forming a collar for the bright purple and red blooms. Unique in Chagall's prolific lithographic output, this print stands out as a vibrant choice for any collector.

Created in 1963, this original color lithograph is printed on Vélin d'Arches. Hand-signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin, this work is annotated 'H.C.' (Hors commerce or artist's proof) in pencil in the lower left margin. It is one of several artist's proofs created aside from the numbered edition of 50.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Marc Chagall Bouquet, 1963 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. Gauss, Ulrike, ed. Marc Chagall: The Lithographs, La Collection Sorlier. Stuttgart: D.A.P., 1960.

2. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs, Vol. III 1962-1968. Boston: Boston Book and Art Shop, Inc.

3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:

Marc Chagall Bouquet, 1963 is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complementary moulding and finished with linen-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.

Subject Matter: Flowers Still Life