L'Aurore (The Dawn)
Print - Color Lithograph • Marc Chagall
Style & Movement
Modernism / Surrealist elements / Poetic Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Color lithography on Arches paper using multiple zinc plates for layered color application.
Creation Period
1967
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 76 x 54 cm (Sheet) / Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A dream-like composition featuring a pair of lovers floating above a landscape. It includes quintessential Chagall iconography: a vibrant flowering tree, a red sun/moon, floating animals (a red cow/goat and a donkey), and a silhouette of a town (Vence or Saint-Paul-de-Vence) in the background. The work embodies romanticism and nostalgic memory.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good - The colors appear vibrant; however, consistent with age, there may be slight paper toning or light-staining from the matting.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $12,000 USD (variable based on edition type and signature authenticity)
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $8,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely originally published by Mourlot, Paris. Visible embossed blindstamp in the lower left corner and a facsimile signature suggest this may be a high-quality estate-authorized edition or an edition with a stamped signature.
Art Historical Significance
Chagall is considered the master of color lithography in the 20th century. This specific imagery reflects his late-period style, focusing on the synthesis of love, nature, and the Jewish follicular traditions of his youth, translated into the light of the French Riviera.
Notable Features
Includes a visible 'Marc Chagall' facsimile/stamped signature in the lower right and an embossed blindstamp in the lower left, which are critical for identifying the specific edition and publisher.
Condition Issues
Possible light-fastness issues if exposed to UV; minor undulation of the paper under the mount; possible mat burn along the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, archival materials and protected by UV-filtering museum glass. Maintain stable humidity and temperature.