Nature Morte au Panier de Fruits (Still Life with Fruit Basket)
Print - Original Color Lithograph on paper. • Marc Chagall (1887–1985). Signed in pencil 'Marc Chagall' lower right; editioned '48/90' lower left.
Style & Movement
Modernism / School of Paris; characterized by Poetic Realism and Surrealist-leaning dreamlike compositions.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; multifaceted stone-to-paper transfer involving layered ink applications to create a wash-like (litho-wash) and gestural crayon effect.
Creation Period
Circa 1950s-1970s; likely a plate from a larger suite or a standalone limited edition associated with the Mourlot Studio period.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 60 x 45 cm (image size), Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A still life composition featuring a basket of grapes and fruit, a bottle, and a secondary platter. The imagery is layered with Chagall’s quintessential motifs, including a floating lunar disc and spectral faces in the background. The composition uses a dominant blue wash to create a nocturnal, melancholic, and dreamlike atmosphere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. The paper shows significant overall toning and yellowing (oxidation) characteristic of acidic mounting or prolonged light exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 (Subject to professional cleaning and verification of the edition's catalogue raisonné number).
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $5,000.
Provenance History
Numbered 48/90. Likely from a French or European private collection; typical of mid-century prints acquired through high-end galleries or established auction houses specializing in the School of Paris.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of Chagall's mastery of the lithographic medium in collaboration with the Mourlot Frères in Paris. It demonstrates his ability to transform a traditional still life into a mystical, narrative-driven scene using ethereal color palettes.
Notable Features
Hand-signed and numbered in pencil, which generally places this as a premium edition compared to lithographic posters. The gestural, fluid lines in the blue ink are signature elements of Chagall's late-career graphic style.
Condition Issues
Significant mat burn and overall paper browning (toning). Possible light-strike/fading of the more delicate pigments (the reds/purples in the upper right). Potential foxing marks visible in the upper corners.
Conservation Recommendations
A professional paper conservator should perform a de-acidification wash to stabilize the paper and reduce the yellowing. The work should be reframed using museum-quality, acid-free mounts and UV-protective glazing.