Decades of Marc Chagall Prints to Sell at Christie’s

Material from the estate of Marc Chagall will soon cross Christie’s auction block. The 78-lot auction celebrates prints that the artist created over a period of 60 years. These artist’s books, prints, and proofs are coming to auction for the first time. Leading the catalog is a set of lithographs that Chagall created to illustrate a French translation of Homer’s The Odyssey in 1975. About 20 years before, Chagall had visited Greece for the first time and was entranced with the landscape and mythical lore. These memories informed his illustrations for L’Odyssée in 1975. The works prioritize vibrant color and life, making the source material feel more contemporary. 

Another available work by Mark Chagall from 1975 is Maquette pour Le quai des Célestins, a lithograph hand-colored with gouache and pastel. It depicts two figures relaxing by a tall window. A vase of flowers adds brightness to the piece. In Maquette pour Le cirque ambulant, another available lithograph, whimsical circus characters are shown in eye-catching colors. Bidders can consider a selection of prints from Parisian print shop Imprimerie Mourlot on rue de Chabrol, a self-portrait from 1973, and more. Visit Christie’s website for more information about the Marc Chagall, Color of Life: Prints & Artist’s Books Formerly From the Artist’s Estate sale and to register to bid.