Marc Chagall, La Ruse de Dorcon (Dorcon's Strategy), 1961

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:La Ruse de Dorcon (Dorcon's Strategy), 1961
Reference:Mourlot 317
Medium:Color Lithograph
Image Size:16 1/2 in x 12 1/2 in (41.91 cm x 31.75 cm)
Sheet Size:21.3 in x 15 in (54 cm x 38.2 cm)
Framed Size:approx. 39 1/2 in x 34 1/4 in (100.33 cm x 87 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 60 in pencil in the lower left margin.
Signature:This work is hand signed by Marc Chagall in pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-6856

Historical Description

Considered by Fernand Mourlot to be included in "the most important graphic work that Marc Chagall has created thus far," this piece is one of the stunning lithographs within the illustrated work of Daphnis & Chloe.

Having dedicated three years to this project, Marc Chagall undertook a series of lithographs that perhaps defined his career, making these pieces "a work of notable importance which, unquestionably, can be placed at the top of the list of illustrated works of our time" (Mourlot 131) . Daphnis and Chloe, the two romantic heroes of Greek writer, Longus, are two childhood friends who undergo the trials and tribulations of growing up and, consequently, falling in love. Dorcon, a rival character in the story, also falls in love with Chloe as Daphnis pursues an unbridled competition with the opposing suitor. Dorcon's Strategy depicts Dorcon disguised as a sheep in order to lure Chloe to his will. Fortunately, she is rescued by Daphnis's dogs, seen nipping at his heels and converging in the background. Stunning colors, rich imagery, and whimsical characters truly make this one of Chagall's all-time masterpieces.

Created in 1961, this 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 60 in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Marc Chagall La Ruse de Dorcon (Dorcon’s Strategy), 1961 is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work):

1. Gauss, Ulrike, ed. Marc Chagall: The Lithographs, La Collection Sorlier, Stuttgart, 1960. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 317 on pg. 137.
2. Mourlot, Fernand. The Lithographs of Chagall, vol. II 1957-1962, Monté Carlo, 1960. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 317 on pgs. 140-141 and detailed on pg. 131.
3. Sorlier, Charles. Le Livre des Livres: Marc Chagall, the Illustrated Books, Berne, 1990. Detailed on pgs. 14-16 and listed on pg. 86.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Marc Chagall La Ruse de Dorcon (Dorcon’s Strategy), 1961 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.