Marc Chagall, Festin nuptial dans la grotte des nymphes (Wedding feast in the cave of the nymphs) from Daphnis & Chloe, 1961

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:Festin nuptial dans la grotte des nymphes (Wedding feast in the cave of the nymphs) from Daphnis & Chloe, 1961
Reference:M. 348; C. bk. 46
Medium:Original Color Lithograph
Image Size:25 1/4ix 16 5/8 in (64.1 x 42.2 cm)
Sheet Size:30 1/8 x 21 1/4 in (76.5 x 54 cm)
Framed Size:46 1/2 in x 38 1/2 in (118.1 cm x 97.8 cm)
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, the colors are bold and fresh.
ID #w-3359

Historical Description

Marc Chagall Festin nuptial dans la grotte des nymphes (Wedding feast in the cave of the nymphs) from Daphnis & Chloe, 1961; As the second to last lithograph of the Daphnis and Chloe series, this print is a celebratory image in which Daphnis and Chloe, after all of their trials and tribulations, are wed. Chagall utilizes an extremely vibrant color palette of lime greens, yellows, reds, and oranges. Human and animal figures alike devour delicious food and drink and dance in a circular formation. Daphnis and Chloe stand to the left, the largest figures in the composition. Highlighted in red, Chloe is identified by her veil and her flowing gown. Daphnis stands beside her, gathering her in a loving embrace. The entire scene is instilled with a sense of joy and liveliness and hope for a happy future for the newly married couple.

Created between 1957 and 1960, the series Daphnis and Chloe is regarded as the most important of Chagall's graphic works due to the number and size of the publication. This work is numbered 58/60 in pencil in the lower left margin and hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin. Printed by Mourlot Frères, Paris and published by Verve, Paris.

Documented and Illustrated In:

1) Cramer, P. (1995). Marc Chagall, The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raisonné. Patrick Cramer, Publisher: Geneva. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 46 on pgs. 154-162.
2) Marc Chagall: The Lithographs, La Collection Sorlier. Gauss, U. (Ed.). Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 348 on pg. 138 and illustrated on pg. 177. Details on pg. 139.
3) Mourlot, F. (1963). The Lithographs of Chagall, Vol. II 1957 - 1962. André Sauret, éditeur: Monte Carlo. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 348 on pgs. 162-163. Detailed on pg. 131.

Subject Matter: Romantic Lovers