Marc Chagall (1897-1985)

The Circus with The Yellow Clown (Mourlot 443)

Marc Chagall (1897-1985) 

The Circus with The Yellow Clown (Mourlot 443) 

lithograph in colours, 1967, on smooth wove paper, signed in black ink, from the edition of 2000, published by Éditions Berggruen, Berlin, with full margins, light-staining, minor handling creases, otherwise in generally good condition

L. 825 x 520 mm., S. 865 x 563 mm. 

Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a Russian-French modernist artist celebrated for his poetic, dreamlike imagery and deeply personal visual language. Born in Vitebsk (present-day Belarus) to a Hasidic Jewish family, Chagall drew lasting inspiration from his cultural heritage, often depicting village life, folklore, and spiritual themes throughout his work.

He studied art in St. Petersburg before moving to Paris in 1910, where he encountered the avant-garde movements of the time, including Cubism and Fauvism. Despite these influences, Chagall developed a distinctive style marked by vibrant color, floating figures, and symbolic narratives that blend memory, imagination, and emotion.

During World War I, Chagall returned to Russia and briefly participated in the post-Revolution cultural scene. However, he later resettled in France, where his career flourished. With the rise of World War II and increasing danger for Jewish artists, he emigrated to the United States, returning to France after the war.

In addition to painting, Chagall produced significant works in stained glass, ceramics, and stage design, including notable commissions such as the ceiling of the Paris Opera and stained glass windows for major cathedrals.

Today, Marc Chagall is regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, renowned for his ability to fuse modern artistic innovation with timeless themes of love, faith, and human experience.