The Menorah (from 'The Twelve Tribes of Israel' series or related Judaica lithographs)
Print; color lithograph on paper • Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Style & Movement
Modernism / School of Paris (incorporating elements of Surrealism and Fauvism with Jewish Folk Art influence)
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; features multi-stone printing with layered washes, expressive line work, and characteristic saturated pigments
Creation Period
Circa 1960-1980 (Late Period)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches (image size); vertical arched format (lunette) within a rectangular plate
Subject Description
A vibrant green-dominated composition featuring central Jewish iconography including a blue Menorah, a red-vessel (likely representing an oil pitcher), flowers, and birds (symbolizing peace and the spirit). The presence of Hebrew text (including 'Asher') suggests a connection to the Twelve Tribes series or a celebratory Jewish holiday theme.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the colors appear vibrant, but there is evidence of reflections from glass suggesting it is framed under non-archival conditions
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 (depending on edition size and signature status)
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a commercial gallery specializing in Modern Master prints or through a private estate sale; typical of mid-to-late 20th-century lithographic editions published by Mourlot or similar Parisian workshops
Art Historical Significance
Represents Chagall's lifelong commitment to blending biblical themes with personal dream-like imagery. It reflects his post-war mastery of lithography as a medium for mass-distributing his spiritual and cultural messages.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the arched 'stained glass' composition style which echoes Chagall's famous windows for the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center
Condition Issues
Possible light-toning to the paper edges and potential minor fading if exposed to UV; the frame appears standard and may not be using acid-free matting
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free, museum-quality matting and UV-protective glass to prevent color degradation; check for mounting adhesives on the reverse