L'Aube (Dawn) / Couple above Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Print on paper, likely a color lithograph • Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Surrealist-inflected poetic Expressionism (School of Paris)
Medium & Technique
Color lithography featuring layered wax-like crayon textures, expressive line work, and soft color washes typical of the Mourlot workshop technique.
Creation Period
Circa 1960-1980
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches (viewable image area); Vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
A dreamlike composition featuring a central embracing couple floating in the sky over the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The iconography includes a stylized sun, a donkey or goat-like figure holding a bouquet, and the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the far background, blending Paris with the South of France.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the paper appears bright but the matting shows some slight waviness, suggesting the work may not be mounted on acid-free backing.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $2,500 (Depending on whether it is a limited edition lithograph or a high-quality period plate print)
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,500
Provenance History
The presence of a printed signature 'Marc Chagall' in the lower margin suggests this is from a published edition (such as Verve or a similar art publication) rather than a hand-signed limited edition. Likely acquired through a secondary market gallery or estate.
Art Historical Significance
Representing Chagall's 'Grand Bouquet' and 'Lovers' themes, it captures his signature use of weightless figures and memory-based landscapes. It reflects his late-career mastery of lithographic color to evoke spiritual and romantic moods.
Notable Features
Includes classic Chagall motifs: the green animal, the Eiffel Tower, the floating lovers, and the sun, all rendered in the distinctive loose, lyrical line style of the artist's later years.
Condition Issues
Minor age-toning to the edges of the paper (mat burn) and slight buckling of the sheet. No visible foxing or fungal growth.
Conservation Recommendations
It is recommended to refit the artwork with archival, acid-free museum matting and UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the delicate yellows and blues.