Marc Chagall

Mme Maurice Raynal, Paris
Sale: Christie's, New York, November 12, 1992, lot 165
Private Collection, Montreal
Thence by descent

London, The Leicester Galleries, Marc Chagall, 1935, no. 14

This work is in good condition. The pigment is rich and well-preserved. Executed on dark blue wove paper, not laid down. The sheet is hinged to the mount at the top two corners. Remnants of old framers tape visible along verso of the perimeter. There is one small tear running from the upper right edge. The sheet shows no signs of oxidization but natural light exposure has caused some fading to the blue dye added during the fabrication of the paper.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The poetic image of a violinist beneath the moonlight is derived from the expansive lexicon of images that populate Chagall's most captivating canvases. Rich with intense color, this composition was executed during a period of sentimentality, nostalgia and an appreciation of all things beautiful. Indeed, the passages of vibrant color and harmony of images that Chagall presents does call to mind the soaring crescendos and temperate interludes of an engaging musical composition.

Performances of music, dance and the circus played an important role in Chagall's universe and provided an infinite source of inspiration for his painting. The theme was of great significance to him as a poetic, visionary experience a transcendental parallel to real life which indulged his imagination and an inclination towards pure, lyrical escapism. The harmonious atmosphere inherent to this subject certainly appealed to the artist's colorful, life-affirming vision, and he translated this sense of energy and movement into bold, lively compositions.

Musicians were among Chagall's favorite subjects since the early days of his career. Most frequently, he returned to the theme of the violinist, a figure that in his mind belonged to the world of circus and street entertainment, and was a strong symbol of Russian rural life. The figure of the violinist has now come full-circle, representing not only memories of his boyhood but of his own identification with the artistry of this richly symbolic character.