Marc Chagall

Ida Chagall (the artist's daughter)
Galerie Gmurzynska, Cologne
Acquired from the above by the present owners in 1999

Franz Meyer, Marc Chagall, Life and Work, New York, 1961, no. 876, illustration of another cast n.p.
Marc Chagall (exhibition catalogue), Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York, 1973, no. 43, illustration of another cast p. 40
Vence, Fondation Emile Hugues, Marc Chagall, Les années méditerranéennes (exhibition catalogue), 1994, colour illustration of another cast p. 150

Bronze with black patina. There are one or two very small areas of light rubbing. There is some light surface dirt. Overall in very good 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

During the beginning of his sojourn in the south of France in the 1950s, Chagall began his experimentation with ceramics and sculpture. The artist rarely used bronze as a medium and, thus, the present richly-textured work is of exceptional rarity. The motif, however, is most familiar: Chagall plays with scale, whimsically setting a pair of lovers atop a crowing rooster.