Marc Chagall

Estate of the artist
Meridian Fine Art, New York
Acquired from the above on May 12, 1997

This work is in excellent condition. The board is sound. Medium is fresh and vibrant. There are a few pindots of exposed board to the left of the figure's foot where the artist's incising has exposed it.
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 fusion of love and flowers was a constant theme in Chagall’s oeuvre, rendered in Bouquet aux amoureux entre deux rives with some of Chagall’s most iconic motifs. The dreamy, floating figures reflect Franz Meyer’s description of Chagall’s compositions as “merely words in a painted poem” (Franz Meyer, Chagall, Life and Work, New York, 1961, p. 372). While Chagall’s earlier paintings with two pairs of lovers express tension between the memory of his late wife, Bella, and his relationship with his new wife, Vava, the present work, painted later in his career, is a return to levity. The two pairs of lovers, the violinist, the rooster and the other figures appear to float dreamily, perfectly contrasted with the artist at his easel and the bouquet of flowers planted firmly on the ground.