The Bed (Plate 66 from Les Âmes Mortes/Dead Souls)
Original print, etching on paper • Marc Chagall (Russian-French, 1887–1985)
Style & Movement
Modernism, Surrealism-inflected Narrative Art, School of Paris
Medium & Technique
Etching and drypoint on paper; features cross-hatching to create depth and shadow, characteristic of intaglio printmaking.
Creation Period
1923-1927 (Executed 1923-1927, published in 1948 by Tériade)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 28 x 23 cm (plate size); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
Illustration for Nikolai Gogol's novel 'Dead Souls'. The scene depicts a man and a woman (presumably the characters Sobakevich and his wife) in a large domestic bed. The composition uses high contrast between the white bedding and dark hatching in the background to create a dreamlike, intimate, yet satirical atmosphere characteristic of Chagall's interpretation of Russian literature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is significant visible overall yellowing/browning of the paper, likely due to acidic contact or light exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (individual sheet price, depending on paper quality and margins)
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a full portfolio or a sheet separated from the 1948 Tériade edition of Les Âmes Mortes. No specific dealer labels are visible from the front view.
Art Historical Significance
Commissioned by Ambroise Vollard in the 1920s, this series was one of Chagall's first major printmaking projects in Paris. It represents a vital link between his Russian heritage and the Western European avant-garde, demonstrating his mastery of the etching needle to convey psychological nuance.
Notable Features
Features the distinct plate mark identifying it as an original intaglio print. The style showcases Chagall's early interest in whimsical realism and his specific 'Russian' characterizations through expressive line work.
Condition Issues
Visible oxidation and discoloration (toning/mat burn) across the entire sheet; potential foxing spots in the lower-left margin area. The paper appears to have lost its original white or cream luminosity.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend de-acidification treatment by a paper conservator and re-mounting using archival, acid-free mats and UV-protective glazing to prevent further darkening.
Collector Notes
Chagall 1925 or 1926. Couple in bed