L'Artiste (The Artist)
Original color lithograph on paper • Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Style & Movement
Modernism / School of Paris (Surrealist and Expressionist influences)
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; masterfully executed with a range of chromatic layers, wax-crayon textural effects, and soft ground etching-like linework unique to the Mourlot Frères printers.
Creation Period
Circa 1978
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
Auto-biographical scene featuring the artist at his easel holding a palette. Above him floats a muse or guardian angel figure. The composition incorporates Chagall’s signature dream-like iconography: a red clock or violin-like form on the left, a flowering tree visible through a window, and a small figure (possibly a child or villager) at the bottom right, evoking nostalgia for his Russian-Jewish heritage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors remain vibrant with no significant fading, and the paper support appears flat behind the mat.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $6,000
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $4,500
Provenance History
Likely from a limited edition suite (such as 'Chagall Lithographe' or a Maeght publication); typical of high-end private collections or galleries specializing in 20th-century Modernist prints.
Art Historical Significance
A poignant late-career reflection on the act of creation. Chagall’s lithographs from this period are essential to his legacy, demonstrating his mastery of printmaking as a primary medium for his poetic, spiritual, and whimsical narratives.
Notable Features
Features the classic 'Chagall Blue' and soft pink palette. The 'Artist at Ease' motif is one of the most sought-after themes in Chagall’s graphic work as it symbolizes his personal connection to his craft.
Condition Issues
Slight evidence of undulation in the paper near the top edge; potential light-toning to the paper edges under the mat board (not visible in current view).
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting. Maintain in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent foxing or buckling.