Marc Chagall, Sunset from the Nice and The Côte d'Azur Series, 1967

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:Sunset from the Nice and The Côte d'Azur Series, 1967
Reference:CS 26
Medium:Color Lithograph
Image Size:23 5/8 in x 18 in (60 cm x 46 cm)
Sheet Size:29 1/8 in x 20 1/2 (73.4 cm x 52.1 cm)
Framed Size:43 in x 36 in (109.2 cm x 91.4 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 150 in Arabic numerals; aside from the Roman numeral edition of 75 and a few artist's proofs.
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.
ID #w-4937

Historical Description

Offering a highly textured surface, Chagall Sunset, 1967 painstakingly depicts the varied vegetation of the Cote d' Azur, from the palm trees along the lower margin, to the vibrant bouquet of flowers, to the tree branch in the upper left. The plethora of vegetation inspires a sense of continual growth and prosperity which is further echoed by the forms of the two lovers seen in the lower right. Connected to the bountiful bouquet by like tonalities, the two lovers drift away from the other figures depicted on the beach completely consumed by their shared devotion. Chagall permeates the entire scene with the intense radiating warmth of the sun which is not seen but merely reflected in the waters of the bay.

It is well known, and especially evident in this work, that the Mediterranean awakens in Chagall a sensation of well-being and plenitude just as the bright sun and flowers awaken in him a sense of freedom. The same feelings are to be found in the works of the most remarkable of those Russians who lived on the Coast during the XIXth century. This was notably the case with Tchekov who, while at Nice in 1897-1898, was also filled with wonder by the sea and flowers, by that " tender and moving " sea, by those " extraordinary " flowers which, a in an incredible mass, inundate the steps " (Correspondence, 1st October and 14th December 1897).

Created in 1967, this image is one of twelve lithographs that Chagall created for the Nice and the Cote D'Azurportfolio. The folio was created to accompany text written by Jean Adhémar, Director of the Cabinet des Estampes at the Bibliotheque Nationale. Printed on Arches wove paper, the work is hand-signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin. Numbered from the edition of 150 in Arabic numerals; aside from the Roman numeral edition of 75 and a few artist's proofs.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Marc Chagall Sunset, 1967 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. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs, Vol. V 1974-79. New York: Crown Publishers, 1984. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. CS 26.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Marc Chagall Sunset, 1967 is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.