Description:
A signed lithograph from Marc Chagall's song of Songs series Musee National poster, “The Song of Songs” by Marc Chagall, signed and dated 1977 by the artist middle right hand corner. Written in French and Japanese. A stamp in the center of the poster of a fairy holding a menorah.

Material:
Poster paper

Maker/Artist:
Marc Chagall

Date:
1975

Provenance:
n/a

Size of Artwork:
H. 30 x W. 19.5 in

Condition:
In very good condition

History:
Creating a radiant image of a dreamlike world, Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887- Saint-Paul, 1985) depicts two lovers against a background of vibrant reds. The lovers appear as a married couple, with the woman dressed in a white gown, a flowing veil atop her head. They gaze lovingly into each other's eyes as two figures swoop in on either side, one seemingly male and the other female. These two figures appear as children rather than angels, for they do not have wings yet soar through the air towards the married couple, perhaps foreshadowing the family to come from this happy union. Chagall depicts a topsy turvy world that appears as if reflected from a lake. The top portion of the vertical composition is upright while the bottom is upside down. However, the top and bottom are not mirrors of one another but rather convey different images. On the top, onlookers appear as if safely nestled in a circular dwelling, waving out at the couple while, at the bottom, a shepherd follows a lone sheep beneath an illuminated crescent moon. The vibrant red hues utilized in this piece suggest sunset, as if Chagall captured the couple in their moment of departure for their honeymoon.Created in 1975, this work was used for a poster advertising the Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall in Japan. Hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887- Saint-Paul, 1985)