The Rooster (Le Coq)
Decorative exhibition poster / Offset lithograph on paper • After Marc Chagall (1887–1985)
Style & Movement
Modernism / School of Paris (Surrealist and Expressionist influences)
Medium & Technique
Offset lithographic printing on paper; the original work it reproduces was oil on canvas with heavy impasto
Creation Period
Original painting circa 1947; this exhibition poster circa 1980s-1990s
Dimensions & Format
Large vertical format (approximately 24 x 36 inches). Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A dreamlike composition featuring a bridal couple riding a giant white rooster. Above them is a massive bouquet of blue and white flowers. The background shows a village under a moonlit sky, likely reflecting Chagall's memories of Vitebsk. The rooster is a common symbol in Chagall's work representing fertility and passion.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing some subtle surface rippling or 'cockling' indicative of moisture exposure or a loose mount within the frame
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced for the 'Art in Bloom' festival at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Likely purchased at the museum gift shop.
Art Historical Significance
The original painting is a significant example of Chagall’s post-war imagery, blending Jewish folklore with French charm. This poster is a commercial reproduction and has decoration value rather than investment value.
Notable Features
Features the typography for the 'Art in Bloom' event at the MFA Boston; includes a facsimile signature of Chagall in the lower right of the image area.
Condition Issues
Visible rippling of the paper support; potential for slight fading if exposed to UV light; minor wear to the black metal frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Use acid-free mounting if not already present. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from high-humidity areas to prevent further paper rippling.