Finale of the Ballet "Aleko"
Print - Color Lithograph on Paper • Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Surrealism with Russian-Jewish Folk Art influences
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; a method of planographic printing using multiple stones or plates for different colors, characterized by soft, painterly textures and vibrant layering.
Creation Period
Original design 1942; later lithographic editions circa 1950s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 26 x 24 inches; Landscape format including frame and matting.
Subject Description
A surrealistic composition based on the final scene of the ballet 'Aleko'. It features a spectral white horse leaping through a dark, nocturnal sky illuminated by a glowing chandelier on the left. Below, a cityscape (St. Petersburg/Leningrad) is rendered in vibrant reds, reflecting the themes of love and tragedy in Pushkin's poem 'The Gypsies'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good (based on visual image); appears well-mounted and colors remain vibrant.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $7,000 USD (highly dependent on the specific edition and signature verification)
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of an edition after the original 1942 gouache stage design; often sold through high-end galleries specializing in 20th-century masters. Noted as having a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
Art Historical Significance
Represents Chagall's significant contribution to stage and costume design during his American exile. 'Aleko' was a hallmark of his career, choreographed by Leonide Massine, blending his unique mythological visual language with the world of dance.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist; includes a chandelier and a leaping horse, which are recurring motifs in Chagall's iconography symbolizing light and spirit.
Condition Issues
Potential for minor light-fading or paper acid-toning if not stored in UV-protective glass; slight ripples in paper indicative of humidity sensitivity.
Conservation Recommendations
Display under UV-filtering glass (Museum Glass); maintain a stable environment with 40-50% humidity to prevent paper warping; use acid-free archival mounting materials.