Lot 352
  • 352

Marc Chagall

Estimate
600,000 - 800,000 USD
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Description

  • Marc Chagall
  • Le Cirque, un cheval cabré
  • Signed Marc Chagall (on the reverse)
  • Oil on canvas
  • 13 by 7 1/2 in.
  • 33 by 19 cm

Provenance

Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York (acquired in 1938)
Daniel Malingue, Paris
Private Collection
Wally Findlay Galleries, New York
Private Collection, Michigan (acquired from the above and sold by the estate: Sotheby's, New York, May 4, 2011, lot 195)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Literature

Franz Meyer, Marc Chagall, New York, 1964, no. 565, illustrated n.p.

Condition

The canvas is unlined. The impasto is lively and strong. When examined under UV light, there is no evidence of any over-painting to the surface. The painting is in excellent original condition.
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.

Catalogue Note

The subject of the circus first appeared in Chagall's work in 1927, in a series of gouaches entitled Cirque Volard, which were inspired by the artist's visits to the Cirque d'hiver in Paris. The subject remained a leitmotif throughout the artist's work, and appeared frequently in his paintings, particularly at times fulfilled by personal happiness. In the present work this mood is achieved through bright, energetic colors and the cheerful, towering display of the central figure atop an obstinate horse.

Chagall himself commented on the theme of the circus in his work: "For me a circus is a magic show which appears and disappears like a world. A circus is disturbing, it is profound... It is a magic word, circus, a timeless game where tears and smiles, the play of arms and legs take the form of great art... These clowns, bareback riders and acrobats have made themselves at home in my visions. Why? Why am I so touched by their make-up and their grimaces? With them I can move toward new horizons. Lured by their colours and make-up, I dream of painting new psychic distortions... The circus seems to me like the most tragic show on earth... I would like to go up to that bareback rider who has just reappeared, smiling; her dress, a bouquet of flowers. I would circle her with my flowered and unflowered years. On my knees, I would tell her wishes and dreams, not of this world" (Marc Chagall, Le Cirque (exhibition catalogue), Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York, 1981).

In the present work, Chagall focuses his attention on depicting the overall mood of the circus scene through iconic symbols such as the violin and bouquet, as well as pictorial elements of color and form, achieving a lively and highly colored composition which expresses his timeless game of life, art and masquerade.