Marc Chagall, Bonjour Paris (Good Morning Paris), 1972

Artist: Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985)
Title:Bonjour Paris (Good Morning Paris), 1972
Medium:Original Color Lithograph
Image Size:24 7/8 in x 18 11/16 in (63 cm x 47.5 cm)
Sheet Size:33 7/8 in x 22 in (86 cm x 56 cm)
Framed Size:46 1/2 in x 37 in (118.1 cm x 94 cm)
Signature:Hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin, inscribed to M. Toutain.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition, the colors are bold and fresh.
ID #w-3828

Historical Description

Astounding for its rich, saturated hues, this rare work clearly exemplifies Chagall's masterful use of color in his prints. He contrasts two primary shades of midnight blue with a deep red; combined, these colors appear almost purple as the composition works together in perfect harmony. In his whimsical fashion, Chagall instills a sense of humanity and life into inanimate objects, in this case, the Eiffel Tower. As the midnight blue sky begins to transition to morning, the Eiffel Tower sleepily comes to life, greeting the day with a rooster by its side. In the background, we witness a loving couple, perhaps sharing one last embrace before the day begins. Chagall creates a distinct foreground and background that beautifully captures the separate sentiments of night and day while still subtly furthering the progression from night to morning. This work was originally used as a poster for the exhibition of Chagall's works at the Museum of Budapest from October 14 - November 15, 1972.

Created in 1972, this original color lithograph was created after an original work from 1939 of the same title. This piece is a rare, hand-signed final proof before the addition of the text. It is dedicated 'Pour Mr. Toutain | Marc Chagall [signature] | 1973' in pencil in the lower right margin. There was no numbered edition, as stated in the catalogue raisonne. This work is hand-signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887 - Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin. Printed by Charles Sorlier, Paris and published by Mourlot, Paris.


DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:

1. Sorlier, Charles, editor. Chagall's Posters. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1975. Listed and illustrated on pg. 132-3.
2. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs 1974-1979, vol. V. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1984. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. CS43 on pg. 239.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Museum grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.