Description:Created in 1974, this work was published out of the edition of 50 numbered, signed proofs on Arches wove paper, aside from 10 artist's proofs also signed and numbered in Roman numerals. Hand-signed by Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin the piece is numbered 8/50 in the lower left margin. Published by Ch. Sorlier, Graveur.
As if to reference a window into the world of his own creation, Marc Chagall has skillfully and beautifully crafted an artist at work whose canvas comes alive in the world around him. The borders of its canvas are no match for the lively and spontaneous figures which inundate the scene; angels glide across the sky along with Christian references and images which allude to the Biblical Themes the title of this work suggests. Its coloration is brilliant and vibrant, with greens, pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows leaping from the sheet and radiating an inherent glow that illuminates within the frame. It is a composition filled with action, with several characters that make up a work which is so brimming with life that one can almost hear the chatter of the crowd extending to the village in the background. This is perhaps one of Chagall's more whimsical and charming works which reference biblical themes and also heralds the artist and his canvas at the same time.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It 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. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 722 on pg. 319.
2. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs 1974 - 1979, Crown Publishers: New York, 1984. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 722 on pg. 31.
About the Framing:
Framed in museum-quality, archival materials, this work is set in a Spanish style bronze leaf frame. The muted tones of the bronze moulding compliments the black, outer frame and also highlights the tones and textures of the highly detailed landscape. L'Artiste et Thèmes bibliques is completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet and finished behind an archival Plexiglas cover.
