Marc Chagall, Combat Between Ulysses and Irus from Odyssey II, 1975

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:Combat Between Ulysses and Irus from Odyssey II, 1975
Reference:CS 810
Medium:Original color lithograph
Image Size:15 1/2 in x 12 in (39.4 cm x 30.5 cm)
Sheet Size:20 in x 14 in (50.8 cm x 35.6 cm)
Framed Size:approx. 27 in x 22 in
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 30 in pencil in the lower left margin.
Signature:Hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-7486

Historical Description

This bold and colorful scene tells the tale of a two beggars fighting for prime territory. Irus becomes enraged when Ulysses, a new beggar in Ithaca, takes guard at his usual post. Irus challenges Ulysses to a due, and Ulysses reigns triumphant. Chagall here depicts Ulysses in his moment of victory, arms raised as he stomps upon his rival. Chagall recreates this image perfectly as he captures the essence and spirit of the characters with his use of warm yellows, oranges, and greens that emanate a sense of joy, as if we are to celebrate in Ulysses triumph alongside of him. The passionate and animated qualities of the characters attribute a lively quality that accurately represents the mythical tales of Homer's Odyssey. Ulysses appears powerful and calm and Irus looks away and throws out his arms in a gesture of repentance over his foolish actions.

Created in 1975, this original color lithograph is hand-signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin and numbered from the edition of 30 in pencil in the lower left margin. Published by Mourlot, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
1. Cramer, Patrick. Marc Chagall: The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raisonne, Geneva, 1995. Listed as catalogue no. 96 on pg. 276; illustrated on pg. 283.
2. Gauss, Ulrike ed. Marc Chagall - The Lithographs, Franfurt, 1960. Listed and illustrated as catalogue no. 810 on pg. 336.
3. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs, Vol. V 1974-1979, Crown Publishers, Inc: New York, 1984. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 810 on pg. 87.

About the Framing:
Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, this piece is framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.