The Dream of Lamon and Dryas (from the Daphnis and Chloe series)
Exhibition poster; printed reproduction on paper • After Marc Chagall (Russian-French, 1887–1985)
Style & Movement
Modernist / Surrealist / Poetic Realism
Medium & Technique
Offset lithographic reproduction of an original 1961 color lithograph. The original technique involved Mourlot lithography with vibrant layering of colors.
Creation Period
Original lithograph created 1961; this specific poster printed in 1984 for the Israel Museum exhibition.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 420 x 320 mm (image size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A dreamlike scene based on the ancient Greek pastoral romance by Longus. It features figures floating in a characteristic Chagallian cerulean blue orb, including a shepherd, a goat, and flowers. A red sun/moon and a whimsical sky figure (Dryas) appear in a purple and pink landscape, symbolizing the mystical protection of the young lovers Daphnis and Chloe.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within the frame, though there is minor yellowing of the paper margins consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Printed for the 'Marc Chagall: Book Illustrations' exhibition at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Summer 1984. Likely purchased as a souvenir of the exhibition.
Art Historical Significance
The 1961 Daphnis and Chloe series is considered one of the pinnacles of 20th-century printmaking and Chagall's most important graphic cycle. While this is a later exhibition poster and not a hand-signed original, it documents a major retrospective at a prestigious institution (Israel Museum) and represents the global reach of Chagall's liturgical and romantic iconography.
Notable Features
Features bilingual text in English and Hebrew at the bottom margin identifying the specific exhibition and the source plate (Plate 4) of the lithographic series. The color palette is exceptionally vibrant, typical of the Verve editions.
Condition Issues
Slight oxidation/yellowing of the paper edges; visible minor scuffing on the frame; potential light-fading if exposed to direct sunlight over decades.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-filtering glass or acrylic to prevent further fading. Replace any non-acid-free backing boards with archival materials to prevent 'acid burn' or foxing.