Le Village au Coq Rouge (The Village with the Red Rooster)
Original lithograph on paper (Arches or similar wove paper) • Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Poetic Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; multiple stones used for color layering with characteristic crayon and wash textures
Creation Period
Circa 1970-1980
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 inches (sheet); Portrait format
Subject Description
A dreamlike composition featuring a mother and child, a man with a donkey, a large bouquet of flowers, and a village in the background. Dominating the upper center is a large red rooster carrying a pair of lovers. The iconography is classic Chagall, blending memories of his Belarusian Shtetl with themes of family, love, and rural life.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; well-presented with visible artist signature and edition numbering
Estimated Market Value
$10,000 - $18,000
Auction Estimate
$8,000 - $12,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a fine art gallery or high-end auction house; pencil signature and edition number 'X/50' or 'X/XXX' indicate a limited edition release
Art Historical Significance
Chagall is one of the 20th century's most celebrated printmakers. This late-period lithograph captures the distilled essence of his visual vocabulary and illustrates his mastery of the lithographic medium to evoke emotion and nostalgia.
Notable Features
Features a hand-signed signature in pencil ('Marc Chagall') at the lower right and a limited edition number at the lower left. The registration of colors suggests a high-quality pull from the original stones.
Condition Issues
The work appears in very good condition under glass, though potential light-strike or minor paper toning may be present given its age; visible mat burn or acidity is not immediate but should be checked if the framing is old.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free archival mounting. Avoid display in direct sunlight to prevent fading of the blue and red pigments.