The Musician and the Bird (Le Musicien et l'Oiseau)
Print, original lithograph • Marc Chagall
Style & Movement
Modernism, Surrealism / Poetic Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Lithograph on paper; executed with lithographic tusche and wash to create a stippled and crayon-like effect typical of the artist's graphic style.
Creation Period
circa 1950-1960
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches (image size); vertical portrait orientation.
Subject Description
The composition features a whimsical ensemble including a flutist with a bird at his feet, a violinist, and a horse-headed figure, suggesting a circus or folklore narrative. Chagall portrays these figures with his characteristic dreamlike fluidity, utilizing floating subjects and symbolic creatures (the rooster/bird and the horse) that represent his Russian-Jewish heritage and memories of Vitebsk.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with strong black ink contrast and no visible foxing or significant yellowing to the paper substrate.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $5,000 USD (depending on edition size and signature status)
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a known series of lithographs such as those published by Mourlot Frères or for 'Derrière le Miroir'. Typically sourced from private collections or galleries specializing in 20th-century masters.
Art Historical Significance
Chagall was a master lithographer, and his graphic works are central to his artistic legacy. This piece captures his ability to translate his complex, colorful mythology into a monochromatic, yet highly textured, graphic medium.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive stippling technique which creates a sense of atmosphere and depth without the use of color. The zoomorphic horse figure is a recurring motif in Chagall's 'Circus' series.
Condition Issues
Minor light-striking (slight darkening of the paper where exposed to light inside the mat opening) and possible hinges on the reverse; otherwise well-preserved.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, archival materials and protected by UV-filtering glass. Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent paper embrittlement.