The Fiddler (or Le Violoniste)
Reproduction on a Jigsaw Puzzle (Original: Painting on canvas) • Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Style & Movement
Surrealism, Cubism, and Early Modernism with Jewish Folk Art influences
Medium & Technique
Original: Oil on canvas with cubist fragmentation and expressionist color depth; Image: Printed cardboard puzzle
Creation Period
Original: 1912-1913; Puzzle: 21st Century
Dimensions & Format
Original: Approx. 188 x 158 cm; Portrait orientation. Puzzle fragment size variable.
Subject Description
A fiddler plays atop a roof in Vitebsk, symbolizing the precarious but joyous nature of life and the 'Klezmer' tradition. The composition includes a white bird, a crescent moon, and stylized village architecture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (as a puzzle piece/reproduction). Not applicable to original artwork via this image.
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $30 (Retail value of the puzzle set)
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 (Secondary market for opened puzzles)
Provenance History
Original in the permanent collection of the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam. This specific piece is a commercial jigsaw puzzle.
Art Historical Significance
One of Chagall's most iconic works, representing the fusion of his Russian-Jewish heritage with the avant-garde techniques he learned in Paris. It inspired the title of the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'.
Notable Features
The image displays a 'meta' effect where the painting is depicted within a golden ornate frame which is itself part of a larger puzzle composition.
Condition Issues
Visible interlocking seams and physical surface wear typical of puzzle assembly. One puzzle piece is missing from the lower-right edge of the frame border.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a dry, cool environment; if assembled as decor, use a UV-protective acrylic frame to prevent color fading.