Marc CHAGALL - Original print - Lithograph - The orchard of Philetas - Daphnis and Chloé series - Longus

Artist : CHAGALL Marc (1887-1985)

Title : Le verger de Philetas, série Daphnis et Chloé

Medium : Lithograph on Classic paper

Type of work : Trial proof printed in Fernand Mourlot's studio

Dimensions : 50 x 65 cm

Condition : Good, some little freckles

Provenance : Certified origin, the invoice engage the gallery's responsibility for the authenticity of the work.

Expert commentary : It was the Greek publisher Teriade who asked Chagall in 1961 to illustrate with 42 lithographs the book of Daphnis and Chloe by the ancient Greek author Longus. This book was published in 270 copies and an edition of 42 limited numbered and signed plates was published in 60 copies. The plate proposed here is a trial proof of the "skeleton" of the lithograph published in 60 copies, ie an impression of the black stone in progress. It is therefore logically very slightly different from the final lithograph. This makes it a unique and rare work, even if it is not numbered there is not another identical one. "Daphnis and Chloé" is considered to be Chagall's most important graphic work. His first great love with Bella having strongly influenced his imagination. It will take the artist 2 trips to Greece and 5 years of work to produce the 42 plates recounting the twists and turns of this fable. The story of Daphnis and Chloe was first edited in the 3rd century BC and takes place in lesbos in Greek. It tells the story of the love of a young shepherd and a young shepherdess who must overcome the difficulties of life. Chagall appropriates the characters of Longus which he integrates into his imaginary world and makes them evolve in a Greek landscape (valleys, mountains, sea, animals, flowers ...). The plates evoke the love and the ideal of the two young people and take up some allegories from the ancient Greek world. In 1959, the Paris Opera entrusted Chagall with the sets for Daphnis and Chloé directed by Maurice Ravel.

This biography was developed by us following our expertise and the various reference books on the artist in our possession, any copy is therefore prohibited.