Description:This large, powerful and engaging work recreates the scene of Christ's crucifixion. He is featured in the foreground upon the cross, however the central focus of the composition appears to be the sense of movement and energy of the spectators below. Created with thick, expressive strokes of black against a light grey background, Chagall has been able to translate the mood and general aura of the people who were present. The moon carries a symbolic profile a higher power watching over the scene below, while an angel appears against the torso of Jesus and the cross.
Created in 1970, this work is hand signed by Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin and numbered 9/50 in pencil in the lower left margin. Printed on Arches wove paper by Mourlot, Paris.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is 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. La Collection Sorlier. Marc Chagall, The Lithographs. Ulrike Gauss, ed. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 617 on pg. 283 and illustrated on pg. 284.
2. Sorlier, Charles. Chagall Lithographs, vol. IV 1969 - 1973, Crown Publishers: New York, 1974. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 617 on pg. 80.
About the Framing:
Framed with museum-quality, archival materials, this work is set in a Baroque, gold-leaf frame. The bold tones of the bronze moulding compliments the cool tones in the work. Grey Crucifixion is completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, finished behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.
