Pierrot (from the Verve Vol. VII series)
Print, original color lithograph on wove paper • Marc Chagall
Style & Movement
Modernism, Surrealism-influenced Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; produced using multiple stones for different color passes with a crayon-drawn aesthetic
Creation Period
1954
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 35 x 26 cm (13.7 x 10.2 inches); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A whimsical depiction of the classic commedia dell'arte character Pierrot. The figure wears a pointed hat with a red pompom and a ruffled collar, holding a bouquet of flowers. The composition features Chagall's signature floating quality with a green halo-like background and blue stippled borders.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors remain vibrant, typical for high-quality vintage lithography prints
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Originally published in the art magazine 'Verve', Volume VII, Nos. 29-30, titled 'The Game of Acrobat' or 'The Circus'. Frequently sold as individual sheets from dismantled volumes.
Art Historical Significance
Chagall’s circus and theatrical themes represent a core pillar of his career. This specific lithograph was printed by the renowned Mourlot Frères in Paris, representing the peak of 20th-century artisan printmaking collaboration between artist and master printer.
Notable Features
Distinctive Mourlot lithographic quality; lacks a hand-signature (typical for the Verve edition) but possesses the unmistakable graphic style of Chagall's mid-century work.
Condition Issues
Slight evidence of marginal toning and possible minor edge wear consistent with age and removal from a bound volume; slight handling creases may be present.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free archival materials and UV-protective glass. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of the sensitive blue and green pigments.